Datong in the northwest of Shanxi Province is the largest coal industrial base of China. It has an area of 2.1 thousand square kilometers and a population of 1.13 million.
The central and southern parts of Datong are plains, the rest are mountains. The Yu River flows through Datong from north to south. Datong has a temperate continental climate with an annual average temperature of 7oC, and has 125 frost-free days. Annual rainfall averages 370 millimeters.
Datong not only has coal, but also has other mineral deposits, including iron, graphite, aluminum, mica, feldspar, and manganese. The output of coal ranks the highest in China.
Apart from the production of coal, machinery, power, and construction materials, Datong is also a major locomotive producer of China to make steam engines and power engines. The chief farm products include millet, corn, potatoes, flax, and beet.
Rail and road transportation facilities of Chengde are good.
Datong is a famous historical and cultural city. It was the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386AD - 494 AD). There are many historical relics, such as the Yungang Buddhist Caves, the Huayan Monastery, the Shanhua Monastery, and the Nine Dragon Wall. The special locally-made products include carpets, ceramics, fur, and day lily.
