Northern Wei Dynasty established its capital in Datong more than 1600 years ago. The city is home to numerous historical and cultural remains such as Yungang Grottoes, Northern Wei Jin Mausoleum, and Wenming Queen Mother’s Tomb in Fangshan, Xuankong Temple on Heng Mountain, the ancient city walls of Han, Northern Wei, Sui, Tang, Lao, Jin, Ming and Qing dynasties.

The city preserves ancient buildings from the Liao and Jin dynasties, such as: Mahavira Hall, Hall of Heavenly Kings and Puxian Pavilion of Shanhua Temple, and Hall of Bhagavat Sutra Repository and Mahavira Hall of Huayan Temple and Nine Dragon Wall, Guangzhi Gate and palaces of the Ming Dynasty.