Dàtōng

Datong lies in the mountain valleys west of Xining in Qinghai, where rivers provide water for fields and routes toward the Tibetan plateau. The county combines low farming valleys, high pastures and marginal dry slopes. Hui, Tu, Tibetan and Monguor communities shaped its villages and markets.

The region stood on the eastern edge of Tibetan cultural influence and the Chinese frontier. Ming garrisons and local chieftains controlled passes and valleys, while monasteries and Muslim communities organized land and trade. Horses, sheep, butter, grain and cloth moved between pastoralists and valley farmers.

Qing administration strengthened county boundaries and military routes, but highland mobility continued across them. The area's old name Serkhog appears in Tibetan records, while Chinese, Monguor and Tu place names coexist. Datong's early identity is one of multiple languages and economies meeting in mountain valleys. Barley, buckwheat, sheep and butter moved between valley farmers and pastoral communities through monasteries and local fairs. Mountain passes also made the valleys a corridor for pilgrims, soldiers and trading caravans moving between Xining and the plateau. The valleys also sheltered caravan inns and local garrisons. Valley routes also served pilgrims.