1. Brief Introduction
Located in the northern part of Shanxi Province, Datong is the second largest city in Shanxi, and is known by the locals as the coal capital for a good reason. Many travelers have a few huge incentives to visit Datong, that are all related to the town's ancient past.
Datong is one of the 24 historical and cultural cities in China. Most of the historical sites in the city relate to the history of Liao and Jin dynasties. The most marvelous are the Yungang Caves, which are located 16 kilometers (10 miles) west of the city.
2. Local culture
Datong was the capital of Beiwei.Beacause of the traffic condition it was the center of northern China at that time.
3.Shopping and Food

Local products include carpets, porcelain, furs, woolen clothing, many leather goods, attractive silk dolls and artistically designed copper hotpots. Warm weather clothing can sometimes be usefully bought here, although the sizes are often not designed for those of more meaty proportions.
The locals tend to favor products made from wheat and other cold-resistant cereal strains, making noodles a common favorite on most tables. If noodles are not really your thing, then there are a variety of other, lesser known specialties that makes dining here interesting, if not special.
4. Entertainment
As a mid-size city, Datong do not have many choices for night life. Especially in winter, shops close quite early in the evening. Bars in hotels may be good choice for international travelers. 
5. Transportation

The best way to travel to Datong is by train. Datong has a well developed system of railway transport, probably because of its vast major coal reserve.
6. Climate
It is continental climate here.Winter is long,cold and dry,in summer,it is hot and rainy,in spring and autumn,it is cool.The average temperature is 5.5℃.
7. Attraction
Yungang Grottoes
The three main sites in China that are famous for their stone sculpture are Longmen, Dunhuang,and Yungang. Among these, the Yungang grottoes are considered first among equals, for their tremendous size, ancient history, and relatively complete state of preservation.                        
Pingyao Ancient City
Being one of the four wholly-protected ancient cities in China, Pingyao Ancient City is consider as the 'treasure house' of ancient Chinese architectures. Among the 'Three Treasures' of Pingyao, the City Wall is rated highest, the other two being Zhengguo Temple, and Double Forest Temple. Although there have been repeated renovations, the city walls, shops, streets, temples and other buildings are still in a very good condition.
Nine Dragon Screen
Built over 600 years ago, it is presently the oldest and largest glazed screen in China today. It is three times larger than that in Beihai Park, Beijing.