Dragon, Screen Wall, Datong, Shanxi, China

This dragon is on the Nine Dragon Wall in Datong, Shanxi, built to screen a prince's palace in 1392. The palace, alas, is long gone, but the wall remains, and at 45.5 meters (150 ft) long and eight meters (26 ft) high, it is advertised as China's oldest and largest screen wall made of glazed tile.

Photographer's note: Screen walls can be tricky to shoot at mid-day. As most palaces and temples face south, the interesting side of the wall faces north. Best to get there in the diffuse morning or evening light.

Posted to Reddit and Bluesky, August 28, 2025

Main Hall, Yuantong Temple, Datong, Shanxi, China

Tiny Yuantong Temple was just across the road from the massive, ancient Huayan Temple in Datong, Shanxi, in August 2012. Its main and only hall--probably gone now--was surrounded by sheds and other temporary structures. Google Maps Satellite View seems to indicate there's a lot more there now. 

Posted to Reddit et al, April 23, 2025

Cliffside Halls, Xuankong Temple, Datong, Shanxi, China

Halls cling to the cliff at Xuankong Temple, south of Datong, Shanxi. The so-called "Hanging Temple" was once used by military personnel guarding nearby portions of the "Great Wall" and includes figures from Taoism and Confucianism. It "hangs" about 246 feet (75 meters) above a riverbed.

Posted to Reddit et al, April 1, 2025

The Yungang Grottoes, Datong, Shanxi, China

A few shots from the amazing Yungang Grottoes near Datong, Shanxi, China. It is considered one of China's great Buddhist cave complexes, along with Longmen, Mogao (Dunhuang), and Beishan (Dazu).

Posted to Reddit et al, March 4, 2025