Located in the center of Datong, Nine-Dragon Screen was originally part of the gate to the mansion of Prince Hongwu, the 13th son of the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). The prince residence was destroyed by war in the end of Ming dynasty and only the Nine-Dragon screen remains. It is 45.5 meters (150feet) long, 8 meters (26 feet) high and 2.02 (6.6 feet) meters thick and consists of 426 pieces of glazed tiles. It is said to be the largest screen of its kind in China.

In ancient times, the screen was served as a barrier both keeping passers-by peeping into the courtyard and making visitors tidy up themselves before meeting the hosts. This glazed-brick structure has nine dragons sculptured in relief in five colors. As a symbol of the ancient emperors of China, the dragons were depicted fighting and frolicking in the clouds above the blue sea.