Originally established as the Datong City Museum of Cultural Relics in 1959 and officially renamed Datong Museum (大同市博物馆) in 1963, this institution has played a pivotal role in preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of Datong, China. Over half a century, the museum has evolved through various locations including Xiahuayan Temple, the West Hall of the Exhibition Hall, and the Astronomical Building of Datong No. 10 Middle School.
The current Datong Museum, inaugurated on December 31, 2014, after construction began in May 2010, occupies an impressive area of 51,556 square meters with a building area of 32,821 square meters. It is structured into one underground floor and three above-ground floors, incorporating partial mezzanine levels.
The museum houses a rich collection of over 170,000 cultural relics, including more than 3,000 precious artifacts and sets. Its architectural design uniquely integrates Datong’s historical and cultural elements, incorporating features inspired by the natural landscapes of Datong such as the Datong Volcanic Group, Long Wall Culture, and the spatial evolution seen in the Yungang Grottoes.
The building’s design reflects the regional cultural characteristics of Datong, emphasizing the fusion of Hu (northern) and Han (central) Chinese cultural influences. The central hall is surrounded by a spiral-shaped spatial structure, symbolizing the integration of diverse cultural elements into a cohesive whole, making Datong Museum not only a repository of artifacts but also a testament to the region’s cultural evolution over millennia.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Exhibitions in Datong Museum
- Vlog about Datong Museum
- Other Iconic Attractions in Datong
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2- 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free, but reservation is needed |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0352-2303518 |
Location and Transportation
Datong Museum is located at 506 Taihe Road, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province, China. To get there, you can take bus 65 or 66 and get off at Datong Museum Stop (大同市博物馆站).
Exhibitions in Datong Museum
Basic Exhibitions
The Changes of Time and Land: The Prelude to Datong’s Civilization
This exhibition explores the historical evolution of Datong, focusing on the significance of Datong Lake and the Sanggan River throughout the ages. It showcases how these natural features shaped the city’s development from ancient times to the present.
The Wei Capital Pingcheng: A Historical Reflection
This section highlights the historical site of Pingcheng and the Yonggu Tomb on Fangshan Mountain. It documents the legacy of the Xianbei people’s feudal society and the significant role of the Yungang Grottoes as the beginning of the localization of Western Buddhism in China. Additionally, the artifacts from the tombs of Shao Zu and Sima Jinlong reflect the cultural exchange and integration between the North and South during the Northern and Southern Dynasties.
The Liao and Jin Western Capital: Datong’s Role in History
The Liao and Jin Western Capital exhibition presents Datong’s importance as a political and cultural center during the Liao, Jin, and Mongol Yuan Dynasties. It explores how Datong served as a crucial stage for the second major ethnic integration in Chinese history, contributing to the unique Western Capital landscape of the time.
Ming and Qing Dynasties: The Fortified City of Datong
This exhibition covers Datong’s experiences through the tumultuous times of warfare and peace during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It documents the city’s role in historical battles and its subsequent transformation into a major trade and cultural center. Artifacts from this era highlight the rise of Shanxi merchants and the city’s economic prosperity.
Thematic Exhibitions
Dinosaurs of Datong
The “Dinosaurs of Datong” exhibition brings to life the prehistoric era of the Mesozoic period. It features fossils and models of dinosaurs that once roamed the lush plains of Datong. Highlights include the discovery of the North China Dragon, the armored Tianzhen Ankylosaurus, the swimming Hadrosaurus, and the clawed Dromaeosaurus.
Treasures of the Porcelain Road
Datong’s role as a significant northern Chinese porcelain production center is showcased in the “Treasures of the Porcelain Road” exhibition. This display includes exquisite examples of ceramics from the Tang Dynasty onwards, with a focus on the flourishing periods of the Liao, Jin, and Yuan Dynasties. Notable kiln sites such as Hunyuan Kiln, Huairen Kiln, and Qingci Kiln are highlighted.
The Art of Brush and Ink
“Miaobi Danqing” features ancient Chinese calligraphy and painting, predominantly from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It presents masterpieces by prominent artists like Dong Qichang and Zhang Ruizhi from the Ming Dynasty, and Huang Shen, Gong Xian, Fu Shan, Zheng Banqiao, and Qi Junzao from the Qing Dynasty.
The Echoes of Sanskrit: Sculpture Art
The “Sanskrit Echoes” exhibition showcases significant Buddhist sculptures from temples and private collections. These sculptures represent various artistic styles and periods, reflecting Datong’s cultural and historical essence. The collection includes both grand and simple pieces, each demonstrating the profound impact of Buddhism on Datong’s cultural heritage.
