If you have time after a visit to Huayan Si, Datong's Jiulong Bi (Nine Dragon Wall; Da Dong Jie), east of Da Nan Jie (¥10; May-Sept 7:30am-7:30pm, Oct-Apr 8am-6pm; bus: no. 4) is a fine example of a spirit screen to fend off ghosts and evil spirits that can only move in straight lines. The brightly colored glazed wall with nine writhing dragons was built in 1392 in front of a prince's mansion, long ago razed by fire. The much-restored Shanhua Si, west of Nan Men Jie, last rebuilt in 1445, is also a pleasant escape from Datong's dusty streets. Most impressive are the beautiful timber doors of the Hall of Three Sages (San Sheng Dian; ¥20; 8am-6pm).
