History fuels boom in old city

DATONG, Shanxi — From a frontier between sedentary communities and nomadic tribes to a major northern Chinese city whose name translates as "Great Harmony", from a coal-polluted industrial hub to a pristine tourist magnet that is home to countless historical treasures, Datong tells a story of openness, resilience and innovation.

The present-day city in Shanxi province, which once powered China's economic rise with its coal, is now blazing new trails for growth by tapping into its 2,000-plus-year history and 3,000 historical sites amid renewed nationwide interest in traditional culture, changes that have impacted the lives of many residents.

Riding Datong's tourist boom, Lu Xin, who is also known by the stage name A Lang, is a 36-year-old electrician-turned-singer who can now afford to make writing and singing songs about the city his full-time job. He draws inspiration from tidbits of life in Datong, and more importantly, from its rich cultural heritage.