Wandering through the old city of Datong in Shanxi province is a dramatic and diverse experience.

One can visit the Huayan Monastery or the Shanhua Temple, both of which are more than 1,000 years old, listening to the peaceful Buddhist chants and inhaling the fragrance of incense and burning sandalwood.

However, step out of the temples and walk 100 meters toward the city and the air is filled with the sound of cranes working and dust.