On 28 September 2025, the groundbreaking ceremony for the three-year-in-the-making Tuoba Arena project commenced, coinciding with the launch of an international cultural tourism complex cooperation exchange conference.

Situated at Qingyuan Gate in Datong's ancient city, the Tuoba Arena is developed by Datong Qilongyuan Sports Culture Media Co., Ltd. and comprises both outdoor and indoor sections. The 5,000-square-metre outdoor ‘Toba International Market’ recreates the bustling scene of merchants from across the world gathering in Pingcheng during the Northern Wei Dynasty 1,600 years ago, through 52 ‘National Cultural Tourism Product Pavilions’. Visitors can immerse themselves in the daily life of Pingcheng during the Northern Wei period. The 12,000-square-metre indoor ‘Toba Cultural Immersion Experience Zone’ features themes of ancient replicas, sports, and leisure, allowing visitors to experience the martial spirit of the Northern Wei Dynasty through interactive activities. The 3,000-square-metre ‘Western Regions Culinary Experience Zone’ enriches the visitor journey with diverse gastronomic offerings.

Liu Fei, the project's chief designer and director, remarked: "Sixteen centuries ago, Datong City embraced diversity and gathered the world, where friends from across the globe engaged in cultural and commercial exchange. We aim to revive the ancient “Marketplace of Nations” in contemporary form, innovatively interpreting it through modern development. Beyond appreciating its profound historical and cultural heritage, visitors will encounter Datong's distinctive qualities of inclusivity, convergence and integration, thereby attracting more people to explore, conduct business and settle here."

The three-day event will feature in-depth discussions among participants on exhibitor collaborations and Northern Wei cultural activities, contributing insights to the subsequent development of the ‘Toba Competitive City’.