Pingcheng District, situated in northern Shanxi Province, serves as the political, economic and cultural heart of Datong City – China's renowned ‘Coal Capital’. It forms the core area of Datong, a millennia-old historical capital that once functioned as a prominent commandery during the Qin and Han dynasties, the imperial capital under the Northern Wei dynasty, a secondary capital for the Liao, Jin and Yuan dynasties, and a strategic stronghold throughout the Ming and Qing eras. The district spans a total area of 232 square kilometres, with a permanent population of 1.1057 million. It administers 18 subdistricts, 48 villages and 155 communities.
Its profound historical legacy has endowed Pingcheng District with a rich cultural heritage, preserving numerous historic sites including the Upper and Lower Huayan Temples, Shanhua Temple, the Nine-Dragon Wall, the Ming Dynasty city walls, Fahua Temple, the Drum Tower, Chaoyang Temple, and the Mosque. These majestic structures epitomise the Pingcheng culture that shaped Chinese cultural trends for centuries. Here, it resonates with the Suspended Temple of Hunyuan and Mount Heng, the Northern Peak, forming a uniquely grand and rustic frontier landscape. Situated just 15 kilometres from the world-renowned cultural heritage site, the Yungang Grottoes, it forms a central tourism circle centred on the ancient city of Datong, the Yungang Grottoes, and Mount Heng, attracting a constant stream of domestic and international visitors.
Pingcheng District boasts unparalleled cultural resources, an extensive transport network, a robust economic foundation, and renowned culinary delights. Its strategic location connects eastward to the capital, westward to the Silk Road, southward across Shanxi, and northward to Inner Mongolia and Russia. The Jingbao and Tongpu railways, alongside the Jingda and Erguang expressways, converge and traverse the district. The Daxi high-speed railway is under construction, while the Dazhang high-speed railway is operational. Datong Yungang Airport now operates direct flights to dozens of domestic and international destinations including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, establishing a substantial aviation network. This convenient transport infrastructure has fostered a thriving market environment, positioning the district as a radiating hub for the Shanxi-Hebei-Inner Mongolia trade circle.
Embarking on a new era and journey, our district will fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will adhere to the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy. firmly uphold the five development concepts, and guided by General Secretary Xi Jinping's inspection of Shanxi's work. In accordance with the requirements of the Provincial and Municipal Party Committees, we shall harness reform and innovation as our driving force, prioritise creating an optimal environment and fostering enterprise, and strive wholeheartedly to build a modern service cluster zone, an innovation ecosystem pilot zone, a municipal governance demonstration zone, and a pioneering zone for a prosperous Datong.
Excerpted from the Pingcheng District Government Official Website, Datong City: Pingcheng District Overview - Overview - Pingcheng District People's Government (pingcheng.gov.cn)
