Datong Shopping, China Travel Guide

Datong is a city in the northern Shanxi Province in China, and is located a few hundred kilometres west by rail from Beijing with an elevation of 1090 meters. It has a population of approximately 3.11 million.The town was founded as "Pingcheng" in 200 BC during the Han Dynasty. Located near the Great Wall Pass to Inner Mongolia it blossomed during the following period and became a stop-off point for Camel Caravans moving from China into Mongolia and beyond. It was sacked at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Pingcheng became the capital of Northern Wei from 398 AD until 494 AD. The famous Yungang Grottoes were constructed during the later part of this period (460-494 AD).The city was renamed Datong in 1048 AD and sacked again at the end of the Ming Dynasty (1649 AD), but promptly rebuilt in 1652 AD.

Still considered to feel like a "small market town," Datong is no shopper´s paradise. Once an important Ming dynasty trade hub, Datong´s atmosphere has become a little sleepier of late, obviously commercial variety is harder to find in smallish coal towns. However, if you are looking for some local souvenirs, keep your eyes open for some of the following items.

Datong Egg Carving: Bearing some resemblance to Easter eggs, Datong Egg Carving is done on hollow eggs and are ornately decorated with Chinese Calligraphy, and classic Chinese painting themes.

Yungang Silk Dolls:This Chinese craft has a 1,000 year history, and many dolls are made to represent characters from Chinese fables and classic Chinese literature (think the beauties from "A Dream of Red Mansions"). Wrapped in fine silk, these dolls are both sturdy and svelte to the touch.

Datong Porcelain Crafts: Datong´s history of porcelain work goes back 1,400. Using a unique, traditional method of production, figurines representing animals and characters from Chinese legends are brilliantly rendered.

Plaited Corn Husk Crafts: Pliable, durable, and sooth to the touch, processed corn husks can be used to produce an impressive array of consumer goods, such as bags, mats, cushions and coasters. Best of all, any item made from plaited husks will be very light and breathable.

If you do decide on a shopping expedition, you should start on Datong´s main shopping thoroughfare of Xinjian Xi Lu (Xinjian West Road). Confusingly, this road will change names more than a few times as you work your way down its lengths, but if you just follow the shop fronts, you´re probably in the right place. The main shopping parts of this road are called Da Dong Jie (Big East Street) and Da Nan Jie (Big South Street).

4 Days China History Tour--Morning train,Yungang Grottoes,Nine Dragon Screen,Jin Ancestral Temple & Mingqing Street,etc Tour

Tour Code: PC14

Price from: USD 453

Trip Overview:
This four day package tour covers the main historical heritage cities and scenic spots in North and Middle China. Discover well-preserved towns and sights from the Qing and Ming Dynasty including the Qiao Grand Courtyard in Taiyuan and the ancient town of Pingyao. Visit the famous Yungang Grottoes which represent the achievement of the Buddhist cave art from the 5th and 6th century and explore temples which are more than 1500 years old.

6 Days Tour to Shanxi Province - Datong, Pingyao, Taiyuan, Wutaishan

Tour Code: PCSX01

Price from: USD 741

Trip Overview:
This 6 days tour will take you to discover all the highlights in Shanxi province including Datong, Pingyao, Taiyuan, and Wutaishan.

12 Days China Ancient Cities Tour to Beijing, Datong, Taiyuan, Xian, Shanghai

Tour Code: PCBJ13

Price from: USD 1442

Trip Overview:
China Ancient Cities Tour: The impressive 12 days tour will take you experience the ancient cities in the north of China.