Datong Tulou (Earth Forest)

Datong Tulou (Earth Forest)

Earth forests are a unique type of erosion landform shaped by flowing water. They feature a majestic and otherworldly presence, showcasing the desolate and solemn beauty of the Loess Plateau, making them an ideal subject for photography enthusiasts. The earth forest is located in Duzhuang Township, Datong County, covering an area of about one square kilometer. Locals call it "Shiban Gou" (Stone Slab Gully), where it has remained hidden for countless years. Beside the rippling waters stand peculiar landscapes formed through the long-term erosion by tributaries of the Sanggan Lake—structures that resemble ancient castles yet aren’t, and look like sculptures but aren’t quite. Under varying light conditions, the earth forest displays magical color changes: sometimes shimmering golden, sometimes flaming red, sometimes deep as an abyss, and sometimes white as frosted fields. Majestic and otherworldly, they embody the solemn beauty of the Loess Plateau, offering a creative space for many photography lovers.

The magical craftsmanship of nature has shaped the eerie and mysterious landforms of the earth forest. When you step into this place, it’s hard to tell at first whether you’ve landed on Mars or wandered into a mythical realm. This is Datong Tulou, locally known as "Shiban Gou," and it is currently the only known earth forest attraction in North China. The view is dazzling—the formations look like ancient castles yet aren’t, and resemble sculptures but aren’t quite. Some rise sharply with jagged edges, as if marking the boundary between heaven and earth; others stretch continuously, reminiscent of an ancient section of the Great Wall; some stand alone, like hermits in retreat; while others cluster in groups, exuding the solemnity of ancient fortresses. To the south, the earth forest extends into a tranquil body of water. Standing on the shore and looking across, the reflections of the earth forest in the water create an even more mystical, almost otherworldly scene. Under different sunlight, the earth forest takes on varying appearances—sometimes gleaming golden, sometimes burning red—grand and majestic, making it a favorite spot for many photography enthusiasts.

Special Tips

The best time to photograph the earth forest is during sunrise or sunset. The strong midday sunlight does not yield good results.

Address: Duzhuang Village, Duzhuang Township, Datong County, Datong City

Type: Geological Landform

Recommended Visiting Time: 2–3 hours

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

Official Price: 60.0 RMB

The earth forest is managed and ticketed by locals. The ticket price is 60 RMB, with no physical ticket issued. Bargaining is possible, and the price can usually be reduced to around 20–40 RMB.

Duzhuang Township: Located on both sides of the Tong-Hun Highway, about 20 kilometers from Datong City, Duzhuang Township has 19 administrative villages, 3,733 households, and a population of 12,555. The arable land area spans 60,981 mu, including 27,900 mu of irrigated land. The area is home to the Hudong Station of the Daqin Railway. Transportation is convenient, with two middle schools and 19 primary schools established here. The main industry is corn cultivation. The township also has three reservoirs and four high-lift pumping stations. The land is vast, covering a total area of 230,900 mu.

Corn is a key product of our township, with an annual planting area of 26,000 mu, including 10,000 mu of waxy corn, yielding... More detailed information about Duzhuang Township ++