The Datong Museum is a massive hidden gem that is seriously underrated! As a First-Class National Museum of China, this architectural masterpiece houses half of the history of the Northern Wei Pingcheng era. Stepping inside makes you fully realize the truth behind the famous Chinese travel saying: “To see the peak of Northern Wei, Liao, and Jin cultures, you must look at Datong.”
If you want to dive deep into ancient history without spending a penny on tickets, this ultimate datong museum guide will ensure you don’t miss a single masterpiece.
Essential Travel Facts
- Ticket Price: Free Admission (Advance booking on their official WeChat mini-program is required. The museum is closed on Mondays).
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM).
- Time Needed: 3 to 4 hours (longer if you hire a deep-dive tour guide).
- Location: No. 506 Taihe Road, Pingcheng District, Datong City (Yidong New District Cultural Center).
- Guide Services: Electronic audio guides are available for 20 RMB. Free public guided tours meet in the 1st-floor lobby daily at 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 2:30 PM, and 3:00 PM.
Recommended Datong Museum Itinerary Routes
Maximize your visit to the datong museum by picking a route that matches your schedule:
Route A: The Highlights Route (2 Hours)
- Head straight to the 2nd Floor (Northern Wei Gallery) → Marvel at the 5 main national treasures → Walk quickly through the 3rd Floor (Liao and Jin Gallery) → Snapshot the dinosaur hall on the 1st Floor → Exit.
Route B: The Deep Culture Route (4 Hours)
- 1st Floor (Ancient Dai Territory) → 2nd Floor (Northern Wei Gallery – spend 2.5 hours here) → 3rd Floor (Liao & Jin Xijing + Ming & Qing Stronghold) → Buddhist Art Hall → Gift Shop.
Route C: The Family & Kids Route (3 Hours)
- 1st Floor Dinosaur Hall (interactive displays) → Ancient fossils in Dai Gallery → 2nd Floor Terracotta Warriors (look for funny expressions) → 3rd Floor Gold Artifacts → Souvenir shopping.
Top Masterpieces You Cannot Miss
The datong museum holds thousands of artifacts, but these national treasures are the true highlights:
Sima Jinlong Lacquer Screen (司马金龙墓漆画屏风)
One of China’s top-tier cultural relics permanently forbidden from being exhibited abroad. Even after 1,500 years, the brilliant crimson lacquer and historic paintings showcase a beautiful blend of northern and southern Chinese cultures. (Located on the 2F Northern Wei Gallery).
Northern Wei Blue Glass Bottle (北魏蓝玻璃小瓶)
A physical piece of evidence proving the ancient Silk Road trade. Blown using ancient Western Asian techniques, its unique “Northern Wei Blue” hue glows like a fragment of the starry sky. (Located on the 2F Northern Wei Gallery).
Sima Jinlong Pottery Army (司马金龙墓陶俑阵)
China’s largest surviving collection of Northern Wei pottery figurines. This 238-piece glazed ceremonial procession is widely celebrated as the “Northern Wei version of the Terracotta Army.” Every single figurine has a completely unique facial expression. (Located on the 2F Northern Wei Gallery).
Stone-Carved Tomb Guardian Warriors (石雕镇墓武士像)
Often called the “Ancient Emojis.” These two fierce stone figures feature bulging eyes, high noses, and armor. One looks like he is asking, “What are you looking at?” while the other replies, “Looking at you!” They are a viral internet sensation blending ancient majesty with unexpected cuteness. (Located on the 2F Northern Wei Gallery).
Huayan Temple Glazed Chiwen (华严寺琉璃鸱吻)
An original architectural piece from the Liao Dynasty standing nearly 3 meters tall. Featuring a dragon head and a fish body with colorful glazes, it once guarded the roof ridge of Huayan Temple to ward off fire and evil spirits. (Located on the 3F Liao & Jin Gallery).
Quhui Temple Cache Gold Ornaments (曲回寺窖藏金饰)
An exquisite royal gift presented by Genghis Khan’s granddaughter to a high-ranking Buddhist monk. Shaped like butterflies, phoenixes, dragonflies, and flying deities, they represent the highest level of Yuan Dynasty goldsmithing. (Located on the 3F Ming & Qing Gallery).
Floor-by-Floor Breakdown
- 1st Floor: Ancient Dai Territory & Dinosaurs: Covers the Paleolithic era to the Han Dynasty. It features ancient human skull fossils and giant dinosaur skeletons that kids absolutely love.
- 2nd Floor: The Capital of Northern Wei: The absolute heart and soul of the datong museum! All the top national treasures are concentrated here. Dedicate the majority of your time to this floor.
- 3rd Floor: Liao/Jin Western Capital & Buddhist Art: Immersive galleries showcasing Datong’s prosperity as a secondary capital. The grand array of Buddhist statues in the Haie Hall is breathtaking.
Practical Travel Tips
- Pro Photography Tip: The museum lighting is world-class. Photography is highly encouraged (strictly no flash). Don’t miss the massive 15.5-meter-high grand mural in the 1st-floor lobby, which is the largest indoor hand-painted mural in China!
- Beat the Crowds: Free public tours get very crowded. If you want to hear clearly, rent an audio guide or join a paid small-group tour. Note that a few extremely fragile items (like the original lacquer screen) are occasionally substituted with replicas for preservation, but the display remains stunning.
- Boutique Souvenirs: The 1st-floor gift shop features viral plush toys called the “Northern Wei Office Worker Figurines,” along with cute camel dolls and Yungang Grottoes stationery.
- Nearby Combo: The datong museum sits directly opposite the pyramid-shaped Datong Art Museum, Grand Theater, and Library. You can easily plan an entire day of architecture and culture photography here!