Abstract: Objective To understand the characteristics of AIDS epidemic in Datong in Shanxi. Methods By using national AIDS comprehensive prevention and control information system, the analysis was conducted on the data of HIV/AIDS cases, both local cases and cases from other provinces, in Datong from 1996 to 2009. Results During this period, 143 HIV/AIDS cases were reported, including 116 HIV infection cases and 27 AIDS cases, and 22 cases were fatal. Among these HIV/AIDS cases, 77 were from other provinces and 66 were local people. Among 66 local cases, 15 were fatal, 2 were out of follow up and 14 were found to be false. The remaining 33 cases were in follow up. The survey indicated that among the population (3.2 million) in Datong, 29 HIV infection cases were detected with the infection rate of 0.91/lakh and 23 AIDS cases were detected with the prevalence of 0.72/lakh. Totally 42 villages (street) in 27 townships in 10 counties (district) were affected by AIDS epidemic. The cases were mainly found in urban area, mine area and southern suburb. Conclusion The AIDS epidemic was at low level stage in Datong, the first incidence peak was observed. The main transmission route was sexual contact. The severity of AIDS epidemic differed in different area in Datong.