Intersection stand the majestic Large Wooden Halls of Upper- and Lower-HuaYan Monastries. Just to the West, and south from the intersection is the Ancient City Drum
Tower. As a matter of fact, due to the small size of Datong during most of
- Full Photos & Report on the 9 Dragon Screen of Datong -
The Nine Dragon Screen of Datong is easy to find. Located near the very center of the (former) Old Walled City Section on, it stands just a short walk East along Dong Dajie' from the Old Cities' current central intersection. You Can't miss it !
History of the Datong Nine Dragon Screen -
The Datong Nine Dragon Ceramic Screen is the only remaining example of such a screen outside the Capital of China, Beijing. The other 2 such screens are the one at Beihai Park in the DongCheng District of Beijing, and the other at the (Imperial) Palace Museum of Beijing. The screen was
The Official Ticket to see the Nine Dragon Screen of Datung, the only one in China except for the 2 in Beijing (Beihai Park, Imperial Palace).
Dynasty (1368 AD - 1644 AD), making it the earliest nine
dragon screen in China entire. Designating High Imperial Rank and Splendor, the 9 dragon screen is a remainder of the Palace of Prince Zhu Gui, Crown-Prince and 13Th Son of of Ming Emperor Zhu YuanZhang, who resided in Datong and had a "temporary" Palace there for some period, overseeing the defense of the northern border and the clean-up of remnants of
Eventually, its luck ran out after the demise of the Ming Dynasty. During a period of weakened defense the City
was sacked in the year 1652 AD, destroying the Royal Palace. In fact, the entire city was burned and nearly
raised to the ground.
The Datong Screen of Today - Today only the Dragon Screen, some steles and excavated fragments from the Palace remain. The fragments are on display at local monasteries and musea, but the Dragon Screen and Steles can be viewed and visited. The Palace which the Dragon Screen was part of, originally stood at the very Center of the Walled City, with Datong city, the main HuaYuan Monastery and citizens dwellings of Datong neatly organised around it.
Hence, the
Palace and
Dragon
Screen are
located just
East off the
main
intersection in
the center of
the Old City of
Datong.
Nearby, to the
West of the
Kings of their own fiefdoms, together ruling all area's of the Empire. Zhu Gui was one of the eight Kings thought worthy of the Important task of defending the Empire and overseeing defenses on the Great Wall. The Dragon Screen, thus was part of an important Royal Palace during the Ming
Dynasty and Datong was a vital Frontier City with a considerable garrison.
The main duties of Garrison and King were to guard YanMenGuan Great Wall Pass against frequent and dangerous Mongol Invaders. This function would land the City in the middle of Battles on more than one occassion. To be exact, in 1449 AD Mongol Troops attacked both Datong and XuanFu (now in Hebei Province). Not much is known about the Fate of the city of Datong or any damage done to the Palace, but the Mongols managed to capture and arrest the Ming Emperor (Yingzong). The Emperor
Details of Dragons on the Nine Dragon Screen of Datong, North Shanxi.
was held hostage for 6 years, only returning to the throne in 1456 AD. As a result the Ming Empire was shaken and even more importance was given to the strategic City of Datong and protection from invasion from the North. The Palace remained in function, gaining in importance. 90 Years later, in 1540 AD, the Mongols attacked again, once more choosing Hebei and North-Shanxi, with Datong in the balance, as their target. On this occassion the Mongols penetrated the outer
history, most city monuments are within walking distance.
Last but not least, conveniently located, the luxury 5 star Yungang International Hotel with its excellent service and comfortable rooms stands only one block from the Main Intersection, making it easy to see the most and explore on foot.
Ghost Gate - Don't forget to browse around the so-called "Ghost Gate" just west of the
minor side-gate that functions as Main Entrance for tourist visitors. Although the ghost gate is not much of a sight, it is part of the overall history of this monument. It functions are related to Feng Shui and are meant to keep ghost and bad
spirits from entering the Nine Dragon Screen Site. The very existance of these doors show how
constructed in 1392 AD during the 25 year of the reign of First Emperor Zhu
revered the Nine
Dragon Screen remained for a long time, even after the destruction of the Imperial Palace that it was part of. Even today, the Nine Dragon Screen is famous around China. Not only for its record-breaking size and history.
