Witness China's history at the Datong city wall

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In many historical Chinese cities, the ancient city walls stand downtown, spectacularly combining the past and present – a historical relic and a modern metropolis existing as one. Datong's city walls are no exception.

The ancient city wall of Datong was built in the fifth year of the Hongwu Period during the Ming Dynasty by Xu Da, a senior general of the dynasty. In building it he utilized the old ramparts of the previous Northern Wei, Tang, Liao, and Yuan dynasties. The Datong city wall has four sides, covering an area of 3.28 square kilometers.

Datong city wall. /China Daily Photo

If you pay a visit to the city walls in the evening, you will see great differences between day and night. Lighting on the interval towers are switched on as night falls, creating a surreal and romantic scene.

Standing on this wall, one can't help but imagine rows of archers, guns, cannons and soldiers trying to defend the city from invaders.

Datong city wall. /China Daily Photo

In ancient times, each city's walls were made of different layers varying in scale and form. There were strict rules for height, width, as well as number of gates and towers depending on whether the city was the capital, a provincial capital or a county.

The study of these ancient walls has helped experts to learn more about traditional Chinese culture and history.

A magnificent night view of Datong city wall, with towers and gates lit to decorate the city. /China Daily Photo

Source(s): China Daily