Datong has achieved remarkable progress in its cultural and tourism sectors during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), striving to become a "City of Culture" and a world-renowned cultural tourism destination.

The city experienced a surge in tourism from 2022 to 2024, with visitor numbers increasing from 31.88 million to 62.30 million. Tourism revenue soared from 15.26 billion yuan ($2.14 billion) to 61.35 billion yuan.

Major attractions like the Yungang Grottoes and Hengshan Mountain have drawn over 40 percent of Datong's total visitors.

The transformation of Datong's Ancient City is noteworthy, highlighted by events like the Lantern Festival and innovative attractions, including 3D holographic projections.

Datong has made significant enhancements to its cultural and tourism infrastructure, developing a variety of offerings such as study tours, ice and snow activities, and wellness programs.

The city has also prioritized cultural events, hosting over 1,500 public performances annually.

Public cultural services have been strengthened through the opening of major venues such as the Datong Grand Theater and the Datong Library. Additionally, the city has introduced over 110 new cultural heritage items and supported 85 cultural heritage inheritors.