As the historic site of Pingcheng, the former capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty, Datong in Shanxi is revitalizing its millennia-old cultural legacy through innovation.
Recently, construction has been progressing smoothly on Tuoba City, a“new species” of cultural tourism that has been three years in the making.
Located at Qingyuan Gate in Datong’s ancient city, the complex is set to officially open next year, adding a new landmark to Shanxi’s cultural tourism landscape that combines profound historical depth with dynamic technological vitality.
Tuoba City is meticulously developed by Datong Qilongyuan Sports Culture Communication Co., Ltd.
The project is deeply anchored in Pingcheng’s historical identity as an “international commercial metropolis” during the Northern Wei Dynasty. After Tuoba Gui established Pingcheng as the capital in 398 CE, the city became a major hub supported by an extensive transportation network that brought together treasures from the Western Regions, silk from the Central Plains, and furs from the northern steppes. Historical records indicate that as many as 264 tributary trade missions converged here, creating a flourishing scene in which “merchants from all directions gathered.”
Guided by the core concept of “integrating the ancient and the modern,” Tuoba City revives this millennia-old civilizational splendor through a 5,000-square-meter outdoor Tuoba International Market and a 15,000-square-meter indoor immersive experience complex.
Outdoor Space: Tuoba International Market
The outdoor Tuoba International Market features cultural tourism pavilions representing 52 countries, faithfully recreating the Northern Wei commercial ecosystem described as “free trade, with diverse peoples living and trading side by side.” Visitors begin their journey with a morning city-opening ceremony, stroll among landscapes inspired by ethnic totems of the Western Regions, take part in themed commercial activities amid evening lantern-lighting rituals, and conclude the day with a closing blessing ceremony—completing a full-day immersive experience.
Nine performance viewing zones and four scenic stages further bring history to life through dynamic presentations of Xianbei music and dance, as well as acrobatics from the Western Regions, creating a distinctive sense of “traveling through time between reality and imagination.”
Indoor Space: Immersive Cultural Experiences
The indoor areas focus on the Northern Wei cultural ethos of valuing both martial prowess and literary refinement. A 12,000-square-meter Tuoba cultural immersive zone is divided into three themed sections—historical-style competitions, sports competitions, and leisure competitions. Through interactive programs such as archery experiences and equestrian simulations, visitors can directly experience the Xianbei tradition of mounted archery and the deep-rooted heritage of ethnic integration.
Complementing this is a 3,000-square-meter Western Regions dining experience area, which plans to introduce signature cuisines from 46 countries and accommodate up to 600 diners at a time. From a culinary perspective, it recreates the historic fusion of nomadic and Han food cultures.
Project Vision and International Outlook
“The essence of Datong lies in integration. Sixteen hundred years ago, this city embraced diversity, and today we aim to give that spirit new life,” said Liu Fei, the project’s chief designer and artistic director. He emphasized that Tuoba City is not a simple reproduction of history, but an innovative cultural experience enabled by mechanisms such as all-access ticketing and modern interactive technologies, allowing visitors to engage with the city’s inclusive cultural DNA through entertainment.
During the project’s groundbreaking ceremony and international cooperation exchange event, 14 exhibitors from six countries—including Uganda and Canada—visited the site, laying a solid foundation for the international operation of the Tuoba International Market.
Cultural Significance and Future Impact
From the stone-carved art of the Yungang Grottoes to the immersive experiences of Tuoba City, Datong, Shanxi, continues to expand modern expressions of its rich historical culture. Once completed, this new cultural tourism landmark will not only fill a gap in Datong’s market for “dynamic historical experiences,” but also enhance visitor overnight stays through an integrated “culture + sports + commerce” model, injecting fresh momentum into the high-quality development of Shanxi’s cultural tourism industry.
