History fuels boom in old city

The restoration of Datong ancient city, which began in 2008, created another tourist attraction. The city wall inspired local singer Lu Xin. Watching the sunset from the wall and listening to wind chimes tinkling, he found himself in dialogue with the city, past and present.

Thanks to the boom in tourism, his band now stages scores of shows every year, compared to little more than a dozen in the past. "I plan to hold immersive street shows on a regular basis, telling my Datong stories to a greater audience," he said.

The boom is happening amid burgeoning interest in traditional Chinese culture, particularly among the young. The city is full of overcrowded cultural venues. A Great-Wall-themed photography exhibition held in the Nianxia Arts Center draws long lines of visitors. Stores selling souvenirs are packed with tourists. A dance performance that tries to capture the beauty of a smiling Buddha sculpture in the Huayan Monastery, another cultural heritage site in Datong, has also gained popularity.

Tourists flock to Datong and share their marvels for this previously "underrated" city on social media.

"In the moonlight of Datong, past and present meet and drift apart and numerous heroes come and go, with the aroma of spirit wafting in breeze and dreams," Lu Xin sings, expressing his affection for the city.

Xinhua