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Datong is famous for its historical and cultural landmarks. The must-see attractions include the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Hanging Monastery. You should also explore the Datong Ancient City Walls and the Nine Dragon Screen, an ancient glazed tile mural.
Datong belongs to Shanxi Province. It was called Yunzhong and Pingcheng in ancient times. It was the capital of Northern Wei Dynasty and the secondary capital of Liao and Jin Dynasties. There are many historical sites in the area. The famous cultural relics include Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, Hengshan Hanging Temple, Nine Dragon Wall, etc.
Located in the northern part of the Loess Plateau, Datong boasts a complex, hilly terrain, rich in mountain and rock formations. Historically, it has been known as "the capital of three dynasties and an important city for two dynasties." It is also known as the "Phoenix City" and the "Coal Capital of China."
Datong is located in the temperate continental monsoon climate zone. Influenced by the monsoon, it has four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit.
Yungang Grottoes
Located at the foot of Wuzhou Mountain, 16 kilometers west of Datong City, on the north bank of the Wuzhou River, this grotto boasts a history of 1,500 years. It is the first Buddhist art treasure trove carved to imperial style by a single nation and dynasty since the introduction of Buddhist art to China. It is a historical monument to the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures in the 5th century AD, one of the largest grotto complexes in my country, and a world-renowned art treasure.
Hanging Temple
This temple, a fusion of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, is a masterpiece where "not even the sound of cocks crowing or dogs barking can be heard." Half-inserted flying beams form the foundation, cleverly supported by rock, forming a unified structure. The corridors and railings connect left and right, creating a surprising twist.
Yanmen Pass
"Dark clouds bear down on the city, threatening to collapse; armor gleams like golden scales in the sun"—a masterpiece by the poet Li He. This pass, a strategic point on the northern Shanxi route, boasts such treacherous terrain that legend has it that even geese migrating south must linger for a long time before crossing, hence its name.
Recommended number of days for visiting: 1-2 days
Datong has a rich history as a cultural and political center dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty. It played a significant role in the development of Buddhist art in China, especially with the creation of the Yungang Grottoes. The city also has a strategic location near the Great Wall and served as a military stronghold throughout history.
Datong is located in the northern part of Shanxi Province, around 350 kilometers from Beijing. It is accessible by train, bus, or taxi. The Datong Railway Station is a major transport hub, and buses connect the city to nearby attractions. Taxis are convenient for shorter distances.
Most attractions in Datong are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
The entrance fees for major attractions like the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Monastery range from ¥30 to ¥120. Tickets can be purchased on-site, or online through official tourism websites.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons (especially summer and Chinese holidays). For most attractions, booking 1-2 days ahead should suffice.
You should allocate at least 1-2 hours for the Yungang Grottoes, 1 hour for the Hanging Monastery, and another hour to explore the Nine Dragon Screen and Datong Ancient City Walls. A full day is recommended to visit all the major attractions in Datong.
Guided tours are available at major sites like the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Monastery in Mandarin. Audio guides are also available in English and other languages for self-paced tours.
The best photography spots in Datong include the Yungang Grottoes, the Hanging Monastery, and the city’s ancient walls. The views of the monastery perched on the cliff are especially striking for photos.
A recommended route would be to start with the Yungang Grottoes, then head to the Hanging Monastery. Afterward, visit the Nine Dragon Screen and the ancient city walls. This route gives you a comprehensive view of the city's history and attractions.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not available at most sites. However, the Datong Ancient City Wall can be explored at night, offering a different perspective of the city. Special tours can be arranged for groups upon request.
Datong can be crowded during Chinese holidays, especially in the summer and around national holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays in the spring and autumn, avoiding Chinese New Year and Golden Week holidays.
Most tourist attractions in Datong have basic facilities, including clean toilets, food stalls, and souvenir shops. The Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery both offer rest areas and water refill stations.
While most major attractions in Datong are accessible, some areas, like the Hanging Monastery, have steep steps and may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors to navigate. Children can enjoy the attractions with ample space to roam around.
Cards and mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted at most attractions, shops, and restaurants in Datong. It’s always a good idea to carry some cash in case you visit more remote locations.
There are a number of restaurants and cafes near the major attractions in Datong. Local Shanxi cuisine is highly recommended, such as Daoxiaomian (hand-pulled noodles) and Tofu with spicy sauce. You can find both local eateries and international food chains in the city center.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in Datong, especially in larger restaurants. Halal food can be found in restaurants catering to the Muslim community in the city.
Datong has a variety of accommodation options. Nearby hotels include the Datong Hotel, which is close to the city center, and the Yungang Hotel, near the Yungang Grottoes.
There are souvenir shops near major tourist sites, selling local handicrafts like pottery, embroidered textiles, and Buddhist-themed items. Shanxi's famous vinegar is also a popular souvenir to bring home.
From Datong, you can take a train or bus to nearby cities like Taiyuan and Pingyao. Taxis and private cars are also good options for exploring the surrounding areas. The Datong Railway Station connects to major cities across China.
