Datong city will display 44 archaic weapons from ancient wars to tourists along its ancient city walls in August.

The weapons includes attack weapons and defence weapons. At present, two Hongyi-po - a smoothbore muzzle-loader cannon introduced to China and Korea from the Dutch Republic in late 16th century - are exhibited at the eastern city walls.

In August, tourists will appreciate some rare weapons which are only seen in films and television series, including ancient chariots, rolling logs from the defensive wall, spiked club, battering rams, and a three-bow ballista. Moreover, there are various types of cannons, such as the single shoot cannon, double gun cannons and Hudun cannon (a short-barreled mortaring ancient catapult).

In the more than 2000 year-history, Datong has played an important role in military strategy. In ancient times, Datong was one of the northern strongholds and important defense areas.

In order to present Datong`s long history and military culture, Datong municipal government entrusted Dongwu Workshop in Cangzhou, Hebei province to make the archaic weapons.

By Tana

Edited by Fu Bo and Emily Cheng