Datong unveiled its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) on Aug 11, highlighting major initiatives aimed at supporting energy transition, technological innovation, and social welfare.

Central to Datong's plan is a complete energy transition, aiming to make coal usage smarter, enhance the efficiency of coal power, and double its renewable energy capacity.

This approach includes stabilizing coal production, optimizing coal power for peak demand, and scaling up the development of renewable and clean energy sources.

Transportation infrastructure enhancements are also a priority, aimed at strengthening Datong's connectivity with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The existing high-speed rail service between Datong and Beijing functions like a commuter line, reducing travel time to just 97 minutes with 40 daily train pairs.

Future plans include increasing train frequency, upgrading national highways, and enhancing Yungang International Airport's services. Datong will expand its air cargo capacity, improve the assembly capabilities of China-Europe (Asia) freight trains, and develop its land port to convert transit flows into local economic growth.

Datong plans to utilize its rich cultural heritage by developing rural, winter sports, and wellness tourism.

Agricultural modernization is another key focus, with Datong aiming to become a national leader in cool-climate vegetable production, serving as a major vegetable supplier for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

Social welfare improvements are also integral to the plan, including the development of a three-tier elderly care service system based on home care, community support, and professional institutions.

Environmental sustainability is another critical focus, with efforts to be taken to reduce carbon emissions and pollution while increasing greenery and growth.