As one of the important energy bases in North China, Datong of Shanxi province is known as China's "coal capital".

But the serious imbalance in the industrial structure and the sharply deteriorating environment also made the city one of the most polluted in China.

However, since 2008, a new urban development strategy has fundamentally changed the city. A total of 157 renewal roads were built, accounting for 398 kilometers.

The construction of the urban renewal demolition area reaches more than 10 million square meters, the newly-added building area hit 20 million sq m and the new green area increased by 17 million sq m.

A historical profile photo of the south part of the Datong Ancient City Wall (left) and Datong Yonghemen Square under construction on August 10, 2012 (right). [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists visit the Lingyan Temple of Datong Yungang Grottoes on August 8, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua] Related readings:  Top 10 best beaches in Southeast Asia  A lake carved by volcanic gushes  New Urban Blue Book unveiled by CASS