Datong Nine-Dragon Screen

Address Yangjie Street, Pingcheng District, Datong (Inside the Ancient City), Datong, Shanxi
Hours 08:00–18:00 during summer; 08:30–17:30 during winter season
Phone +86 352 2052441
Announcement: Imperial Glazed-Tile Relic
Entrance ¥10
Hours 08:00–18:00 during...
Best Season Sunny mornings or clear afternoons when the sunlight beautifully enhances the vivid colors of the multi-toned glazed tiles
Time needed 30–45 minutes
Last visit: Jun 3, 2026
Author: Bo Wu
Reviewer: Xiaoyu Mao

Datong Nine-Dragon Screen Overview

Built in 1392 for the palace of the Ming Dynasty prince Zhu Gui, this magnificent glazed-tile screen wall is the oldest, largest, and most intact of China's three famous ancient Nine-Dragon Screens.

Datong Nine-Dragon Screen Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 08:00–18:00 during summer; 08:30–17:30 during winter season
  • Best season: Sunny mornings or clear afternoons when the sunlight beautifully enhances the vivid colors of the multi-toned glazed tiles
  • Ticket note: Admission is 10 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entranc...

Essential Datong Nine-Dragon Screen Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 352 2052441
  • Ticket Booth
  • Restrooms
  • Brief English Informational Plaques

How to Get to Datong Nine-Dragon Screen

Situated in the central-eastern zone of the Ancient City. Easily reachable on foot from Huayan Temple, or via local public buses dropping off at the Ancient City center.

Datong Nine-Dragon Screen Travel Safety & Advice

Dial 120 for medical emergencies. The closest comprehensive medical facilities are located right outside the ancient city ring road.

Practical Info

  • Yangjie Street, Pingcheng District, Datong (Inside the Ancient City), Datong, Shanxi
  • 08:00–18:00 during summer; 08:30–17:30 during winter season
  • +86 352 2052441
Bo Wu
Bo Wu
Certified Senior Tour Guide
Bo Wu, a Tianjin-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in North China itineraries covering the Ancient Culture Street, Five Great Avenues, and Drum Tower Bazaar.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.2 (5 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Admission is 10 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entranc...

Online booking may be required

Tips

Check out the small reflection pool in front of the wall—taking photos from a low angle makes the nine dragons appear as if they are dynamic...

Reality Check

  • The attraction consists almost entirely of a single standalone historical wall in a small courtyard complex. The visit is very quick and lacks extensive interactive exhibits.

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Recent Reviews

4.2 ★★★★☆ (5)
JJ_Explorer Jun 02, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

A solid attraction, but not spectacular. The screen is indeed impressive and the location is convenient (right next to the city wall), but it's very exposed to the elements. We went on a hot dusty day and there's zero shade, so we couldn't linger. Also, there's no audio guide or QR code for more info, which would have improved the experience. Good but not great.

TravelBug_Al Jun 02, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

I was blown away by the craftsmanship. Standing in front of this 600-year-old screen, you can really feel the history. The dragons are so dynamic, each one with a different expression. I especially loved the central dragon—it looks almost alive. The staff were friendly and there's a small info board in English. A hidden gem that deserves more attention. Highly recommended!

Lensman42 Jun 02, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Great spot for photography, especially in the late afternoon when the light hits the dragons just right. The screen is well-preserved and the colors are vivid. Only reason I'm giving 4 instead of 5 is that there were quite a few tourists blocking the best angles, and the glass barrier in front makes it tricky to get a clean shot without reflections. Still, definitely worth a visit if you're in Datong.

RoadTripDave Jun 02, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Pretty cool piece of history, but honestly I was a bit underwhelmed. It's just one wall—you walk up, take a few photos, and you're done in 10 minutes. The area is nice but there's not much else around it. For the entrance fee (which felt a little steep for what it is), I expected a bit more context or a small museum. Glad I saw it, but wouldn't go out of my way again.

Wanderlust_K Jun 02, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely breathtaking! The Nine-Dragon Screen is even more impressive in person than in photos. The vibrant glazed tiles, the sheer size, and the intricate details of each dragon are stunning. We visited on a sunny morning and the colors just popped against the blue sky. The small park around it is well-kept and peaceful. A must-see in Datong, no question. Five stars all the way!

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Datong Nine-Dragon Screen Travel FAQ

Is it better to stay inside the old city walls or outside?
Inside, no question. The old city's charm is in its hutong alleys and evening light on the Drum Tower. Staying outside means you'll have to pay for taxis every time you want a decent meal.
How do I book a hotel that accepts foreign credit cards?
The big chains like Huayuan International take Visa/Mastercard directly. For boutique places, book through Trip.com or Booking.com – they process the payment and you just show the voucher. Small hostels might want cash or WeChat Pay (you can top up WeChat via a friend).
What's the best time of year to visit and find cheap accommodation?
April to June and September to October have the best weather. Avoid Chinese public holidays (especially National Day week in October) – prices triple and the Screen gets swamped. I was there last May Day and couldn't get a decent room under $100.
Are there any hostels with a common kitchen?
Not that I've found inside the old city. But the Ancient City Youth Hostel has a shared fridge and microwave. You can buy groceries at the small supermarket across the street.
I have a group of 6 – any hotel recommendations that can accommodate us?
Look at the Courtyard 4 guesthouse (also on Trip.com). They have a family room with a bunk bed for kids and a double bed. I took a couple with their two teenagers there last summer; they loved the courtyard breakfast. Just book at least two weeks in advance – they only have three rooms.
Is the Datong Nine-Dragon Screen just a wall, or is there more to see?
It's a single wall — but it's a masterpiece of Ming glazed tile work. The screen itself is the attraction. Inside the adjacent yard there's a small exhibition room with photos of its restoration. That's it. No temple, no gift shop. Plan around 20 minutes here, then combine with nearby temples for a full morning.
How does it compare to the Nine-Dragon Screens in Beijing? Which is better?
If you only have time for one, make it Datong's. It's older, bigger, and free. Beijing's screens are beautiful but often roped off and surrounded by crowds. Datong feels more like a local hangout — you'll see grandpas playing chess under the trees next to it. That authenticity is rare.
Can I visit as part of a day trip from Beijing?
Yes, but it's tight. Take the high-speed train from Beijing to Datong (2 hours, around 150 RMB one way). The screen is 15 minutes from Datong Railway Station by taxi. You can see the screen, Huayan Temple, and the Hanging Temple (if you hurry) in a long day. I recommend an overnight stay to not rush.
Is the screen accessible for wheelchair users?
Mostly yes. The entrance has a small step (about 5 cm) that can be managed with a portable ramp. The pathway is flat and wide. The exhibition room inside is not wheelchair accessible, but you can see everything from outside.
Are there English signs or audio guides?
There's a small English information board at the entrance, but no audio guide. Bring your own research or a translation app. I've prepared a one-page PDF for my groups — you can download it from my travel blog (link in bio).
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