Datong Volcano Group

Datong Volcano Group

Guide:

There are over 30 volcanoes of this type in the Datong area, distributed across Datong City, Datong County, and Yanggao County in Shanxi Province. They are specifically divided into four zones: east, west, south, and north.

First, the eastern zone refers to the area around Guayuan and Shenquansi, including six volcanoes such as Xiaojiayao Tou and Emao Gedas.

Second, the southern zone lies between the Sanggan River and Liuling Mountain, comprising five volcanoes including Dayukou and Xiyao, which were formed by basalt flows erupting along fractures.

Third, the western zone is the most concentrated and complex part of the Datong Volcano Group, including 15 volcanoes such as Heishan, Jinshan, Mati Shan, and Gelaoshan. Heishan is the largest in scale, with a flat dome shape; Langwo Shan has the widest area, featuring a crater diameter of 500 meters and a gap to the northwest.

Fourth, the northern zone is represented by Gushan, located north of Datong City, along with six smaller volcanoes to its southwest. Gushan resembles a loaf of bread, stands at an elevation of 1182 meters, and rises abruptly from the Yuhe Valley.

The formation of the Datong Volcano Group began earliest in the northern zone, followed by the eastern and southern zones, and occurred latest in the western zone.

Highlights:

Jinshan has a well-preserved form, making it one of the best spots among the volcanic tourist attractions.

The Datong Volcano Group is one of China’s Quaternary volcanic groups. It ceased erupting approximately 60,000 years ago and currently consists of over 30 known volcanoes, mainly distributed in the eastern part of the Datong Basin. These are divided into four regions—east, west, south, and north—based on their orientation. The western zone, located northeast of present-day Datong County, features the densest and most spectacular concentration of volcanic cones. Most of these cones have elevations between 1100 and 1400 meters. Thanks to the contrast with the surrounding flat and expansive river valley landscapes, these volcanic cones rise suddenly like phantoms from beneath the earth, often exuding a majestic and mysterious aura. Among the most famous are Jinshan, Heishan, Langwo Shan, Gelaoshan, Shuang Shan, Mati Shan, Laohu Shan, and Haotian Temple Shan. The Langwo Shan volcano in the western zone has the largest crater diameter, about 500 meters, nearly perfectly circular, with an average crater depth of 30 to 50 meters, making it the deepest in the group. Haotian Shan is home to the most intact naturally preserved crater in the western zone. A bird’s-eye view reveals minimal traces of water erosion over the past few hundred thousand years. Located in the northeastern suburbs of Datong County, it has become the most prominent natural landmark of the small city. The Jinshan volcanic cone resembles a bright “comet” blazing in the summer night sky, its “tail” not only vividly long (about 300 meters, formed by magma flow during the eruption) but also white and gleaming.

Primarily distributed in the eastern part of the Datong Basin, the Datong Volcano Group is one of China’s Quaternary volcanic clusters. It ceased erupting roughly 60,000 years ago, making it also a renowned extinct volcanic group in North China.

Transportation:

Take bus 201 from Datong Railway Station to Datong County. Along the way, you can view the volcano group in the distance. Haotian Chan Temple is 2.5 km from the station; a round-trip by motorcycle taxi costs 5 RMB.

By car, drive from Datong County through Haotian Chan Temple and continue north for about 6.7 km to reach the site.

Address: Datong County, Datong City, Shanxi Province

Type: Volcanic mountains

Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours

Phone: 0352-5137307

Opening hours:

8:00-18:30

Ticket information:

Door price: 5.0 RMB