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Fields of broken dreams

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The construction site of the moat at north City Wall in Datong, Shanxi province. Photo: Simon Song

Deep in China’s coal country the ailing city of Datong, in Shanxi province, tried to build a new future. But many of its ambitious plans are now in ruins. Among the abandoned projects, photographed by Simon Song, are a new “ancient walled city”, a sports stadium and an arts centre.

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This art centre has not been put to use yet. Photo: Simon Song
This art centre has not been put to use yet. Photo: Simon Song
An almost-finished sports stadium, looking alike Beijing's Bird's Nest, is left deserted. Photo: Simon Song
An almost-finished sports stadium, looking alike Beijing's Bird's Nest, is left deserted. Photo: Simon Song
An almost-finished sports stadium, looking alike Beijing's Bird's Nest, is left deserted. Photo: Simon Song
An almost-finished sports stadium, looking alike Beijing's Bird's Nest, is left deserted. Photo: Simon Song
Deserted sports arenas in Datong, Shanxi. Photo: Simon Song
Deserted sports arenas in Datong, Shanxi. Photo: Simon Song
Many residential houses have been demolished or are due to be to make room to rebuild old style houses and compound yards in Datong. Photo: Simon Song
Many residential houses have been demolished or are due to be to make room to rebuild old style houses and compound yards in Datong. Photo: Simon Song
Construction site of the City Wall in Datong. Photo: Simon Song
Construction site of the City Wall in Datong. Photo: Simon Song
Many residential houses have been demolished to make room to rebuild old style houses and compound yards in Datong. Photo: Simon Song
Many residential houses have been demolished to make room to rebuild old style houses and compound yards in Datong. Photo: Simon Song
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