datong ancient city wall
The Datong Ancient City Wall in Datong, Shanxi, China, originally built in 421 during the Northern Wei Dynasty, was reinforced in 1372 during the Ming Dynasty by General Xu Da. Standing 14 meters high with a perimeter of 7.24 kilometers, it features four main gates—Heyang, Yongtai, Qingyuan, and Wuding—along with watchtowers, barbicans, and a moat, forming a robust military defense system. Restored between 2008 and 2010, the wall showcases ancient Chinese architectural prowess and offers panoramic views of the city, blending historical significance with cultural heritage.