Datong Old City: Huayan Monastery and Nine Dragon Screen Walking Tour

Most Datong tours rush you out to Yungang or Hanging Temple. This one stays inside the rebuilt Ming-dynasty city walls of Datong itself. Huayan Monastery — Liao and Jin dynasty (10th-13th century) Buddhist complex with the Mahavira Hall (one of the largest single-eave wooden buildings in China) and 31 Liao-era Buddhist statues considered national treasures. Nine Dragon Screen — the largest of three surviving dragon screens in China (45m long, larger than Beijing's Forbidden City version), built 1392 by the second son of the Hongwu Emperor. Short tour, perfect as add-on after a morning Yungang visit or for travelers staying inside the old city. Walking distance ~2km flat.