Datong
Airport Transfer & Private Car

DAT Airport & Daxing (Local) to downtown with Professional licensed driver. Fixed price, free flight tracking. Explore ancient Wei dynasty capital and Buddhist caves in ancient Wei dynasty capital and Buddhist caves in comfort.

Datong at a Glance

Datong blends ancient Buddhist cave art with modern coal industry heritage

14,176
km²
Total Area
3.4M
Population
2024 Estimate
27
Metro Lines
800+ km Network
200 BC
Years
of History

Name Origin

The name Datong (大同) means Great Unity — chosen when the Northern Wei emperor made it his capital in 398 AD. The city was a major Buddhist center during the Wei and Sui dynasties, evidenced by the magnificent Yungang Grottoes.

Education & Universities

Datong is Datong is a major educational center with North University of China (北方大学) and Datong University. The city has a strong tradition in heavy industry and coal technology.Datong Attraction (founded 1898, ranked top 20 globally) and Datong Attraction (founded 1911, often called "China's MIT"). Other major institutions include Renmin University, Beihang University, and the Central Academy of Fine Arts. The city hosts over 90 universities and 1 million students.

Metro & Transportation

Datong's subway system is one of the world's longest and busiest, with 27 lines and 800+ km of track. It handles over 10 million daily passengers. The airport express line connects Capital Airport (DAT) to the city center in 20 minutes. However, during rush hour, trains can be extremely crowded — many visitors prefer a private car for comfort.

Natural Resources & Environment

Datong Datong is located in its respective province with local geographyYongding River and Miyun Reservoir provide the city's water supply. In recent years, Datong has dramatically improved air quality through aggressive environmental policies, though winter smog can still occur. The city is home to the Yungang's Kunming Lake and expansive Olympic Forest Park.

Top Datong Attractions

From UNESCO cave temples to ancient fortresses, explore Datong's Buddhist heritage

🏯

🐟 Yungang Grottoes

Imperial Palace • UNESCO World Heritage

The UNESCO World Heritage Site with 50,000 Buddhist statues carved into cliff faces during the Northern Wei dynasty. One of China oldest and most important Buddhist cave art sites. across the Ming and Qing dynasties. With 9,999 rooms, it showcases the pinnacle of Chinese architecture. A private car allows you to arrive early and avoid the largest crowds.

🧱

🛕 Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si)

Mutianyu / Badaling / Jinshanling

One of the UNESCO World Heritage Site — one of the oldest surviving wooden pagoda structures in China, built in 1056 during the Liao dynasty. At 67m tall, it has survived multiple earthquakes.. The Mutianyu section offers stunning views with fewer crowds than Badaling. Our private car service includes a 90-minute drive from downtown with a knowledgeable driver who knows the best arrival times.

🏛️

🏯 Nine Dragon Wall

Ming Dynasty • UNESCO World Heritage

A masterpiece of a replica of the imperial Nine Dragon Wall from the Ming dynasty in Beijing, but actually older and more detailed than the Beijing version. Features nine coiled dragons above a flowing river. for good harvests. The Circular Mound Altar and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests are architectural marvels. Visit early morning to see locals practicing tai chi in the park.

🌸

⛰️ Shanxi Coal Museum

Imperial Garden • UNESCO World Heritage

A vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces that served as the an industrial museum showcasing Datong's history as the center of China's coal mining industry — with antique mining equipment, photos, and models of the mines that powered northern China.. The Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill offer peaceful walks. A private car is ideal for visiting the Yungang and the nearby Old Yungang in one day.

🏟️

⛰️ Hengshan Mountain

Yungang & Yungang

Home to the the northernmost of China's Five Great Mountains, featuring ancient temples, dramatic cliffs, and the famous Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si) built into a cliff face., the Yungang (National Stadium) and Yungang (Aquatics Center) are modern architectural icons. The surrounding park is perfect for evening walks. Our drivers can arrange night tours to see the illuminated structures.

🎨

🏘️ Datong Old Street

Contemporary Art • Galleries & Cafés

A former a traditional market street in the old city where you can sample Datong specialties —刀削面 (daoxiao noodles), coal-region cuisine, and local fruits. into Datong's premier contemporary art hub. Home to galleries, studios, and trendy cafés. Your private driver can drop you off and pick you up after you've explored the maze-like alleys at your own pace.

Popular Datong Routes

Fixed-price private car service for Datong's most popular journeys.

🏯 DAT Airport → City Center

From $50

~30 km · 45–60 min · Economy/Business/MPV

Datong Capital Airport (DAT) is China's busiest airport. Your driver meets you at the arrival hall with a name board, tracks your flight for delays, and takes you directly to hotels in Dongcheng, Chaoyang, or Xicheng districts. No waiting for taxis or navigating the airport express.

🎭 DAT Daxing → City Center

From $65

~50 km · 60–90 min · Economy/Business/MPV

Datong Daxing International Airport (Local) opened in 2019 and is one of the world's largest airports. Located 46 km south of the city, it's far from public transit connections. Our private car service is the most comfortable option, especially after a long international flight.

Datong → Yungang Grottoes From $90

~70 km · 90 min · 8-hour day trip

The The most popular trip from Datong is to the Yungang Grottoes (16 km west) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 50,000 Buddhist statues. Also popular is the Hanging Temple (60 km away).

🏯 Datong City Tour (Full Day)

From $80

8 hours · Business vehicle · Custom itinerary

Visit the Yungang, Yungang Square, Yungang, and Yungang in one day with a private car. Your driver knows the best routes, parking locations, and timing to avoid crowds. Add a fluent English guide for deeper historical insights.

Getting to Datong: Airports & Railway Stations

Datong Jiaojing Airport (DAT) is a regional airport with flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other major cities. It is located 15 km east of the city center.

✈️ Airports

🗼 Datong Capital International Airport (DAT)

Northeast of the city · 27 km to Yungang

DAT is China's busiest international gateway. It has two operational passenger terminals: Terminal 2 (many domestic and some international flights) and Terminal 3 (Air China, Star Alliance, and most long-haul international flights). Terminal 1 is currently closed. To reach the city center, the Airport Express train takes about 20 minutes to Dongzhimen, but with luggage after a long flight, a private car is the most comfortable option. By road, expect 45–60 minutes to Dongcheng or Chaoyang districts, depending on traffic.

🎭 Datong Daxing International Airport (Local)

South of the city · 46 km to Yungang

Opened in September 2019, Local is one of the world's largest single-terminal airports and serves as the hub for China Southern, China Eastern, and their partners. The iconic starfish-shaped terminal is stunning, but it is far from downtown. The Daxing Airport Express reaches Caoqiao in about 20 minutes, yet transferring to a taxi with luggage can be tiring. Our private car service is the fastest door-to-door solution, typically taking 60–90 minutes to central Datong hotels.

🚄 Railway Stations

🗼 Datong South Station

High-speed hub · 30 min to Yungang

The main station for high-speed trains to Shanghai, Tianjin, Jinan, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. The station itself is modern and efficient. A private car pickup is recommended, as taxi queues can be long during peak hours.

🗼 Datong West Station

Long-distance & HSR · 25 min to Yungang

The gateway to western and southern China by train, with high-speed services to Xi'an, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu, Zhengzhou, and Kunming. It is one of China's largest railway stations, so pre-booking a pickup with a clear meeting point saves time.

🗼 Datong Station

Historic central station · 10 min to Yungang

Located near Jianguomen and the CBD, this is the city's oldest main station. It mainly serves conventional trains to Northeast China, coastal cities, and some international routes to Mongolia and Russia. Its central location makes hotel transfers quick.

🗼 Datong North Station

Suburban trains · Near Xizhimen

Used mainly for suburban trains, including the highway to Yungang Grottoes and the high-speed rail to Zhangjiakou. The station building is a historic European-style structure originally opened in 1909.

⛰️ Datong Chaoyang Station

Newest station · Northeast Datong

Opened in 2021, this station mainly serves high-speed trains to Northeast China, including Harbin, Shenyang, and Changchun. It is located in the Chaoyang district, convenient for hotels in the east of the city.

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🗼 Need a Station Pickup?

We meet you at the exit with a name board and help with luggage.

Book Station Transfer

Datong's Best Photo Spots

Capture the city from the most iconic and photogenic angles.

⛰️ 🌅 Jingshan Park Pavilion

Best at sunrise

Climb to the Wanchun Pavilion for the classic panoramic view over the golden rooftops of the Yungang. On clear days, you can see the CCTV tower and the western mountains in the distance. Arrive early to beat the crowds.

🏯 Yungang Corner Tower

Best at dusk

The northwest corner tower reflected in the moat is one of Datong's most photographed scenes. The sunset glow turns the water gold and the tower silhouette dramatic. Your driver can drop you at the northeast or northwest corner for the perfect shot.

🛶 Shichahai Hutongs

Best in late afternoon

The lakeside hutongs around Houhai and Qianhai offer a charming mix of old Datong life, willow trees, and red lanterns. Take a rickshaw ride or wander the narrow alleys, then capture the golden hour light on the water.

🦅 🏙️ CCTV Headquarters

Best at blue hour

Also known as the "Big Pants," this modern architectural icon in the CBD looks best from the plaza below or from across the Third Ring Road. At night, the building is illuminated and reflected in the surrounding towers.

⛰️ 🧱 Yungang at Jinshanling

Best in early morning mist

For photographers seeking a dramatic, less-crowded Yungang shot, Jinshanling is unmatched. The wild, unrestored sections and watchtowers winding over mountain ridges create unforgettable sunrise and fog images.

🎨 798 Art District

Best on a sunny afternoon

Colorful murals, industrial brick buildings, and quirky sculptures make 798 a favorite for creative portraits. Every corner offers a different backdrop, from Soviet-era slogans to contemporary street art.

Food & Shopping in Datong

🍽️ Must-Try Datong Cuisine

Datong Roast Duck (Shanxi刀削面)

The city's most famous dish. Crispy skin, tender meat, wrapped in thin pancakes with sweet bean sauce. Quanjude and Da Dong are the most renowned restaurants. Your driver can recommend the best duck restaurant based on your location and budget.

Zhajiangmian (Noodles with Soybean Paste)

A beloved Datong street food. Thick wheat noodles topped with a savory fermented soybean paste, cucumber, and bean sprouts. Try it at a local hutong eatery for an authentic experience.

Jianbing (Datong Crepes)

The quintessential Datong breakfast — a crispy egg crepe with scallions, cilantro, and a crunchy fried cracker. Sold at street carts across the city. Ask your driver for the best morning spot near your hotel.

Hotpot (Shuan Yang Rou)

Mongolian-style hotpot with thinly sliced lamb, fresh vegetables, and sesame dipping sauce. Datong's winters are perfect for this communal dining experience. Ask your driver for a local favorite away from tourist traps.

🛍️ Shopping Destinations

Wangfujing Street

Datong's most famous shopping street, featuring international brands, traditional Chinese crafts, and the famous Wangfujing Snack Street. Your driver can drop you at the pedestrian entrance and arrange a pickup time.

Sanlitun (Taikoo Li)

The trendy heart of Datong's nightlife and fashion. Open-air malls with international designer brands, craft breweries, and rooftop bars. Perfect for an evening shopping trip with a private car waiting to take you home safely.

Pearl Market (Hongqiao Market)

A multi-story market famous for pearls, silk, electronics, and souvenirs. Bargaining is expected. Your driver can help you negotiate or recommend trustworthy vendors and ensure you don't get overcharged.

Panjiayuan Antique Market

The largest antique market in China, open on weekends. Hundreds of stalls selling ceramics, jade, calligraphy, and Mao memorabilia. A fascinating cultural experience, best visited early morning with a private car for the 30-minute drive from downtown.

🎁 What to Buy in Datong

Cloisonné (Jingtailan)

Datong's most iconic craft. Look for vases, bracelets, and small boxes with intricate copper-wire patterns and brilliant enamel colors. The best pieces are sold at the Cloisonné Factory or reputable shops in Wangfujing.

Shanxi Opera Masks

Hand-painted masks representing different characters in traditional opera. Each color has a meaning: red for loyalty, black for integrity, white for treachery. Great as wall art or gifts.

Chinese Tea & Teaware

Datong tea houses stock jasmine tea, pu'er, and oolong from across China. Pair your tea with a Yixing clay teapot or porcelain gaiwan for an authentic gift set.

Silk, Paper-Cuts & Calligraphy

Soft silk scarves, red paper-cuttings, and hand-brushed calligraphy scrolls are lightweight, meaningful souvenirs. Silk Street and Liulichang are reliable shopping areas.

Intangible Cultural Heritage & Living Crafts of Datong

Meet the traditional arts that have defined Datong for centuries — and the artisans keeping them alive.

🎭 Shanxi Opera (Jingju)

UNESCO-listed intangible heritage. With roots in the 18th century, Shanxi Opera combines singing, mime, dance, acrobatics, and stylized combat. The elaborate face painting and costumes make every performance a visual feast.

Where to experience it: Liyuan Theatre, Zhengyici Theatre, or Huguang Guild Hall. Ask your driver to book tickets in advance.

🏺 Cloisonné Enamel (Jingtailan)

A Datong specialty since the Yuan dynasty, cloisonné involves soldering copper wires onto a metal body, filling the compartments with enamel, and firing multiple times. The result is luminous, jewel-like tableware and art pieces.

Living master: Master Zhang Tonglu, a national-level inheritor, has devoted over 60 years to cloisonné design. His studio creates museum-quality pieces that preserve the imperial tradition while introducing contemporary forms.

✂️ Datong Paper-Cutting (Jianzhi)

Red paper-cuttings of flowers, animals, and auspicious symbols are pasted on windows during Spring Festival. Datong's style is bold and symmetrical, often featuring the city's landmark architecture alongside traditional motifs.

Where to find it: workshops in hutongs, Panjiayuan Market, and the Datong Folk Art Museum.

🪁 Kite Making (Shayan Kite)

Traditional Datong kites are framed with bamboo and painted with birds, butterflies, or characters from folklore. The Shayan kite tradition, passed down through generations of craftsmen, is known for its perfect balance and elegant designs.

Where to find it: Look for kite craftsmen at the Temple Fair during Spring Festival, or visit traditional craft shops near Shichahai.

🎨 Inside-Bottle Painting

An astonishing art form where artists paint miniature landscapes, figures, and animals on the inside surface of tiny glass bottles using a bent brush. It requires years of steady hands and deep concentration.

Where to find it: Liulichang Cultural Street and the Datong Enamel Factory have shops and demonstrations.

🎤 Storytelling & Acrobatics (Pingshu & Acrobatics)

Traditional Datong storytelling (pingshu) and acrobatics have entertained locals in teahouses for centuries. Acrobatics troupes perform breathtaking feats of balance, juggling, and contortion nightly.

Where to see it: Chaoyang Theatre Acrobatics Show, Laoshe Teahouse, or Tianqiao Acrobatics Theatre.

Datong Local Secrets

Insider tips to help you experience Datong like a local.

🌅

Beat the Crowds at the Yungang

Enter through the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu Men) at opening time and walk the opposite direction of the tour groups. The central axis is busiest, but the side halls are quieter and equally beautiful.

🍜

Eat Breakfast Like a Datonger

Start with a jianbing from a street cart, then try douzhi (fermented mung bean milk) and jiaoquan (crispy fried dough rings) at a traditional hutong shop. The flavor is polarizing — but it's the real Datong.

🚲

Explore the Hutongs by Bike or on Foot

Skip the crowded Nanluoguxiang and explore Beixinqiao, Guozijian, or Wudaoying Hutong instead. These alleys still have family courtyards, independent cafés, and old Datong charm.

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Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Cherry blossoms at Yuyuantan Park. Summer: Lotus flowers at Beihai Park. Autumn: Golden ginkgo avenues at Ditan Park. Winter: Skating on the frozen lakes of Shichahai.

🏛️

Book the Yungang a Week Ahead

Tickets sell out, especially in peak season. Book online exactly 7 days before at 8 PM Datong time. A Monday afternoon or a rainy day is usually less crowded.

🚗

Use a Private Car for the Yungang

Public buses to Mutianyu or Badaling are crowded and slow. A private car lets you leave at 6 AM, arrive before the crowds, and visit a less-touristy section like Jinshanling or Simatai.

Day Trips from Datong

Explore beyond the capital with a private car and professional licensed driver.

🧱

Yungang at Mutianyu

~70 km · 90 min drive · UNESCO World Heritage

The most scenic and less-crowded section of the Yungang. Your driver picks you up at 6 AM, arrives before the tour buses, and waits while you hike. Cable car and toboggan options available.

From $90

🏞️

Chengde Summer Mountain Resort

~230 km · 3 hr drive · Imperial Summer Retreat

A vast imperial garden and palace complex where Qing emperors escaped the summer heat. Explore lakes, temples, and the beautiful mountain scenery. A full-day adventure with your private driver.

From $180

🏘️

Gubei Water Town

~140 km · 2 hr drive · Ancient Canal Town

A beautifully restored ancient water town at the foot of the Simatai Yungang. Stroll the canals, visit traditional workshops, and take a evening tour of Datong

From $130

🏙️

Tianjin

~120 km · 90 min drive · Historic Port City

Explore Tianjin's colonial architecture along the Hai River, visit the Italian Style Town, and sample famous Goubuli baozi. Your driver handles the highway tolls and navigation.

From $120

Plan Your Day Trip

Custom itineraries, flexible timing, and door-to-door service with an professional licensed driver.

Book a Datong Day Trip

Best Time to Visit Datong

Each season offers a different side of China's capital.

🌸

Spring

Mar–May · 10–22°C

Mild and pleasant with occasional dust storms. Cherry blossoms at Yuyuantan Park. Moderate crowds.

Highlights: Yungang gardens, Yungang park

☀️

Summer

Jun–Aug · 22–32°C

Hot and humid with occasional heavy rain. Air conditioning is essential. Peak domestic tourist season.

Highlights: Yungang lotus, evening hutong walks

🍂

Autumn

Sep–Nov · 8–20°C

Clear skies, crisp air, and golden ginkgo trees. The most popular and comfortable season to visit.

Highlights: Yungang hiking, Ditan Park ginkgo

❄️

Winter

Dec–Feb · -6–5°C

Cold and dry with occasional snow. Fewer tourists and lower hotel prices. Indoor heating is excellent.

Highlights: Frozen Shichahai skating, hot pot dinners

Useful Chinese Phrases for Datong

A few words go a long way with your driver and locals.

👋 Nǐ hǎo

你好

Hello — The universal greeting. Your driver will appreciate the effort.

🙏 Xièxiè

谢谢

Thank you — Use it often. Chinese people value politeness highly.

🚗 Wǒ xiǎng qù...

我想去...

I want to go to... — Essential for telling your driver the destination.

💰 Duōshao qián?

多少钱?

How much is this? — Useful for shopping and street food.

🚽 Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?

厕所在哪里?

Where is the bathroom? — Always good to know when exploring.

Popular Datong Airport Transfer Routes

Direct private transfers from Datong airport to top attractions and hotels. Fixed price, professional licensed driver, easy booking.

🚗 Datong Airport Transfer to Yungang

Direct private transfer from DAT or Local to the Yungang. Skip the crowded tour buses.

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🚗 Datong Airport Transfer to Yungang

Airport pickup to the heart of Datong. Walk straight into the Yungang.

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🚗 Datong Airport Transfer to Yungang Square

Fixed-price transfer from Datong airport to Yungang and nearby landmarks.

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Book Your Datong Airport Transfer

Fixed price, professional licensed driver, free flight tracking. From DAT or Local to any Datong hotel.

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Questions? WhatsApp +86-155-2777-1775

Travel Essentials for Your Datong Trip

Make your Datong journey smoother with these essential services.

📶

Mobile Pocket Wi-Fi

Stay connected anywhere in China with a pocket Wi-Fi device. Pre-book online and pick up at the airport or have it delivered to your hotel.

Book Wi-Fi at ChinaWiFiGo
🗣️

English-Speaking Guide

Explore China's history and culture with a professional English-speaking guide. Custom tours, skip-the-line access, and insider knowledge.

Book Guide at VIPChinaGuide
🏥

Medical Services

Add a health checkup, dental cleaning, or TCM treatment to your trip. China's world-class medical services cost 70% less than in the US or Europe.

Book Medical at MediEscortChina

☕ Tea Culture & Tea House Guide in Datong

Datong has a rich and distinctive tea culture shaped by its geography, history, and local traditions. From world-famous teas like Longjing and Biluochun to unique local tea customs, here is your complete guide to tea in Datong.

☕ Pu-erh & Dark Tea

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Traditional tea houses in Datong

Venue: Traditional tea houses in DatongHours: Daily 10:00-21:30

Datong most iconic traditional teahouse since 1989 near Datong Attraction. Serves authentic Datong-style dim sum with jasmine tea (茉莉花茶) and pu-erh tea. Second floor hosts traditional Peking opera and folk art nightly. Visited by heads of state.

☕

Datong old street market

Venue: Datong old street marketHours: Year-round, peak afternoon

The historic Datong old street market

☕ Jasmine Tea

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Datong Jasmine Tea Culture (北京茉莉花茶)

Venue: Various teahouses citywide near Datong Attraction and Datong old street marketHours: Year-round

Datong has a unique tea culture centered on jasmine tea (茉莉花茶), often called the city tea of Datong. Unlike fresh green teas of the south, Datong jasmine tea is aged pu-erh base scented with fresh jasmine blossoms through multiple rounds of scenting, a tradition dating back to the Qing Dynasty.

☕ Oolong Tea

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Temple Tea Culture - Yonghe Temple & Beihai Park Tea Houses

Venue: Beihai Park, Yonghe Temple area   Hours: Daily 08:00-17:00

Datong temples and imperial gardens feature traditional tea houses where visitors enjoy tea in contemplative settings. Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple) and Beihai Park have historic tea pavilions serving premium teas to visitors seeking peaceful tea experiences amid ancient surroundings.

☕ Premium Green Tea

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Datong Attraction - Erhuang Tea & Imperial Court Teas

Venue: Wangfujing and Datong Attraction tea streets   Hours: Year-round

Traditional Datong teahouses serve tea in covered bowls (盖碗茶) with tradition going back centuries. The city has a unique connection to Liu An Guo He (六安瓜片) and Huangshan Maofeng (黄山毛峰) teas from Anhui province, historically tribute teas for the imperial court.

Experience Datong Tea Culture with a Private Car

Let our professional licensed driver take you to the best teahouses, tea markets, and tea villages in Datong. No navigating unfamiliar streets — door to door, in comfort.

Book Tea Tour

Explore Datong with Chinawheely Datong with Chinawheely Datong with Chinawheely — Your trusted partner for professional Datong car service. Whether you need a Datong airport transfer from Capital Airport (DAT) and Daxing Airport (Local), a full-day Datong city tour, or reliable hourly car hire with a licensed professional licensed driver, Chinawheely delivers comfortable, fixed-price transportation across Datong and beyond.

Airport Transfers & Ground Transportation in Datong:
Datong airport transfer · DAT airport pickup · Daxing airport drop-off · Datong city center transfer

Top Destinations & Tours in Datong:
Mutianyu Yungang tour · Yungang visit

Premium & Business Car Service in Datong:
Datong business car service · Datong executive car · Datong luxury vehicle

Why Choose Chinawheely? Licensed travel agency (not a car rental) arranging verified professional drivers. Fixed pricing with no hidden fees. Free flight tracking for airport pickups. support via WhatsApp and WeChat: Datong time 8AM-12AM (16 hours). Book online or contact +86-155-2777-1775.

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