A total of eight Datong towns were recently included on a national rural development list, according to the Datong commission of housing and urban-rural development, in Northern China's Shanxi province.

The list is an update of a 2004 national list by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. The enlisted towns will enjoy preferential support of the central government towards urbanization. These towns will facilitate industrial transfers between urban areas, relieve the pressure on nearby cities and enhance the rural economy.

The eight Datong towns are: Gudian town in the southern suburbs, Xinrong town in Xinrong district, Longquan town in Yanggao county, Yuquan town in Tianzhen county, Huquan town in Guangling county, Wuling town in Lingqiu county, and Yong'an town and Xifangcheng town in Hunyuan county.