Bo Wu
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I’ve been guiding photography tours in Datong for over five years. And every time I bring a new group to the Ancient City, I see the same thing: tourists scrambling for a shot in the midday sun, squinting, sweating, disappointed. Don’t be that person.
Here’s the truth: Datong Ancient City isn’t just about the famous hanging temple and Yungang Grottoes. The walled city itself — with its Ming dynasty gates, pagodas, and winding alleys — is a goldmine for photographers. But most guides skip the details that matter. So let me save you time and frustration.
Why Shoot Datong Ancient City?
Datong Ancient City is one of the best-preserved Ming-dynasty walled cities in northern China. Unlike Pingyao, which feels overly commercialized, Datong’s old town still has a raw, lived-in vibe. You’ll find locals playing chess under ancient trees, street vendors selling fried tofu, and crumbling courtyard houses that scream character.
But here’s the kicker: most foreign tourists spend only a few hours here, rushing between the two big temples. If you want Datong Ancient City photography spots that others miss, you need to know exactly where to go and when.
Top 5 Photography Spots in Datong Ancient City
1. South Gate (Yongtai Gate) & The City Wall at Dawn
South Gate is the main entrance to the ancient city, and at sunrise, the light hits the red wooden pillars and grey brick walls just perfectly. I always tell my clients: arrive by 5:45 AM (summer) or 6:30 AM (winter). The ticket booth opens at 8 AM officially, but the area outside the gate is free and open 24/7.
2. Shanhua Temple – The Tang Dynasty Shadows
Shanhua Temple is a hidden gem. Most tourists flock to Huayan Temple, but Shanhua’s Main Hall (Mahavira Hall) has massive wooden doors that cast dramatic shadows in the afternoon. The entrance fee is 50 RMB (adult), and it’s best around 3 PM when the sun streams through the lattice windows.
Address: No. 6, Nanmen Street, Pingcheng District (walk 10 minutes from South Gate).
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Entrance Fee | 50 RMB (adult) – 25 RMB (student/senior) |
| Opening Hours | 8:00 – 17:30 (last entry 17:00) |
| Photography Inside | Allowed, no flash inside halls |
| Best Time | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM for shadow lines |
3. Huayan Temple – The Liao Dynasty Pagoda
Huayan Temple is the blockbuster. Its Liao Dynasty pagoda (Wooden Pagoda) is a marvel of ancient engineering. But getting a clean shot is tough because of crowds. Here’s my trick: go straight to the back garden. Few people walk past the main hall. From there, you can frame the pagoda behind blossoming apricot trees in April or snow-covered branches in winter.
Address: West side of Datong Ancient City, near Huayan Street.
Ticket: 80 RMB (adult). You must book via WeChat mini-program '华严寺' (search in Chinese). There’s an English option but it’s buggy. Have your hotel help you book the day before.
4. The Drum Tower Street – Street Photography Heaven
The pedestrian street between Drum Tower and South Gate is perfect for street photography. Old men playing mahjong, women hanging laundry on bamboo poles, and children chasing pigeons. But it gets crowded from 11 AM to 3 PM. Go early (before 9 AM) or late (after 6 PM).
No ticket needed. Just walk around. The best shot is from the small alley behind the Drum Tower: look west, and you’ll see the Huayan Temple pagoda peeking over the roofs.
5. West Wall – The Secret Sunset Spot
Almost every tourist walks the East Wall (because it’s the longest). But the West Wall gives you a direct view of the distant mountains and the setting sun behind the old city wall towers. The section near Qingyuan Gate is my go-to. You can climb the wall for 10 RMB (only cash, no card). The gate closes at 5:30 PM, but if you’re already on top, the guards let you stay until sunset.
Golden Hours & Booking Tips
Golden hour in Datong varies by season: in summer (June-August), it’s 5:30-6:30 PM; in winter (Nov-Feb), it’s 4:00-5:00 PM. Always check the weather – a hazy day ruins distant shots.
Booking essentials: For Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple, you must book tickets online at least one day in advance during peak season (April-October). Use Klook or ask your hotel concierge. International credit cards work on Klook, but not on WeChat. Cash is not accepted at the temple ticket windows anymore – only Chinese digital payments (WeChat Pay or Alipay).
Night Photography: The Lighted Pagoda
After sunset, the city wall and temples light up. The best night shot is from the South Gate facing north. The warm yellow lights along the wall create a beautiful leading line. Use a tripod – handheld won’t cut it for the 2-second exposure needed.
Caution: The lights on the city wall turn off at 10 PM sharp. Not 10:01. I’ve missed the shot by two minutes, and the whole wall went dark. Arrive by 8:30 PM to set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What a hidden gem! I almost didn’t stop at the small alleyway near Shanhua Temple, but I’m so glad I did. The old wooden doors, washing hanging in the sun, and a granny feeding stray cats—that’s the real Datong. The main spots are great for postcard pictures, but for me the soul of this city is in those quiet corners. I spent three hours just walking and shooting. Highly recommend renting a bike to cover more ground before the tourist buses arrive.
Absolutely in love with the night photography here! After 8 PM the crowds thin out and the lighting on the city wall turns into a perfect warm glow. I set up my camera near the South Gate and captured some long exposures of the lanterns swaying in the wind—pure magic. The only tiny downside was that the restroom near the photography deck was locked, but that’s a minor gripe. Dream spot for anyone who likes low-light architecture shots.
Honestly a bit let down. The ancient city looks great in photos online, but in reality many of the ‘historic’ buildings felt freshly painted and fake. The main pedestrian street was packed with souvenir shops blasting pop music—totally killed the vibe for street photography. I tried to shoot the Drum Tower but there were construction barriers right in front of it. Maybe I came on a bad day, but for a photography-focused trip I’d skip this unless you're after generic tourist shots.
Really enjoyed shooting around Huayan Temple and the nearby pagoda. The wood carvings and bronze statues give you endless detail shots. Only giving 4 stars because the west side of the wall was under renovation when I visited, so I couldn't get the full panoramic sweep I'd planned. Still, the lanterns at dusk created a magical glow. Bring a wide-angle lens and be patient with the crowds near the main gate.
Hands down the best photography spot in Datong! I got to the East Wall just before sunrise and the way the golden light hit the old bricks was unreal. Hardly any tourists at that hour—just me, my tripod, and the swallows. The reflection of the temple roofs in the moat is a must-capture. Came back for sunset two days in a row and never got bored. 10/10 for composition lovers.