The opening ceremony of the 2014 Cool Year of Amazing Datong

The 2014 Cool Year of Amazing Datong was launched in Beijing on June 6. In order to build a “Summer Resort” brand in Datong, the second largest city in Shanxi province, a promotion and sale was launched in Beijing to introduce the city’s tourism cultural resources.

Song Yu, director of Beijing’s Municipal Commission of Tourism Development, Feng Jianping, director of the Shanxi Tourism Administration, Li Junming, mayor of Datong, Liu Guangming, general manager of Chinacyts Tours Holding Co Ltd, and Zhang Kun, chief editor of China Youth Daily, were all present at the opening ceremony.

Using the theme, “Datong -- Your first choice for cool summer,” the host talked about the rich tourism cultural resources and events of the 2014 Cool Year of Amazing Datong. During the opening ceremony, the audience appreciated a performance by the Jin Opera Theater in Datong, the singer Gao Baoli as well as a trailer titled, “Datong, Cool Ancient City.” Xie Xiaodong, a well-known musician, talked about his unforgettable experience in the city and the Datong Ideal Music Festival in Northern Wei 398 Art Zone. Seven-star hotels in Datong, such as Yungang Jianguo Hotel, promised to provide superior service. Many well-known chefs gave demonstrations with wheaten food, which made the whole audience gasp with admiration.

During the event, participants could enjoy different kinds of activities, such as the 2014 Datong International Biennale of Sculpture, the Music Festival of Snow Beer, the 2014 Datong Automobile Culture Festival, the Datong Ideal Music Festival in Northern Wei 398 Art Zone, the Wenying Lake & Datong Volcano Park Bicycle Rally as well as the Yanggao International Health Festival. Special offers were made for candidates for the college entrance examination and VIP Tour Plans.

With its time-honored history, precious cultural and natural heritage as well as abundant tourism resources, Datong can be considered an ideal summer resort for its pleasant climate. It is located at 39.5 degrees north latitude with an average elevation of about 3,280 feet and has an average temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of about 50 percent in the summer. Tourists can enjoy a wonderful summer holiday in Datong, a city with a long history and beautiful environment.