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Visit the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore its impressive Buddhist sculptures and intricate carvings. The main activity is exploring the caves and their artworks. Additionally, you can visit the surrounding area, which includes several smaller grottoes and the museum dedicated to the site’s history.
The Yungang Grottoes are located at the foot of Wuzhou Mountain, 16 kilometers west of Datong City, on the north bank of the Wuzhou River. Boasting a history of 1,500 years, they are the first Buddhist art treasure trove carved to imperial style by a single nation and dynasty since the introduction of Buddhist art to China. They are 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.
The grottoes, carved into the mountainside, stretch one kilometer from east to west. There are 45 main caves remaining, divided into three sections: east, central, and west. The eastern section contains four caves, the central section contains nine caves, and the western section contains 32 caves. With over 1,100 niches and over 51,000 statues of various sizes, it is one of the largest grotto complexes in my country and a world-renowned treasure trove of art.
Shanxi Province is located at a high altitude and has mountains in the southeast that block ocean airflow. Therefore, the temperature is lower than that of the neighboring North China Plain, with less precipitation and a larger temperature difference between day and night. The wind and sand are particularly strong in spring, so the best travel season is from May to October.
Recommended number of days for visiting: 1-2 days
120 yuan
April 1st - October 15th: 8:30-17:30
October 16th - March 31st: 8:30-17:00
The Yungang Grottoes were built during the Northern Wei Dynasty (5th and 6th centuries) and house over 50,000 Buddhist statues. It is one of China's three most famous grotto complexes, alongside the Mogao Caves and Longmen Grottoes. The site demonstrates the flourishing of Buddhist art in ancient China and its cultural exchange with Central Asia.
The Yungang Grottoes are located about 16 km west of the city center of Datong. You can reach the grottoes by taxi or bus from the Datong city center. Public buses and taxis are the most convenient options for tourists.
The Yungang Grottoes are typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry around 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and comfortable for walking around the grottoes.
The entrance fee for the Yungang Grottoes is approximately ¥120 for adults. Tickets can be bought on-site at the entrance or online through official tourism websites or local travel platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons or public holidays. Booking a few days ahead is sufficient, but for more flexibility, tickets can also be purchased on-site.
It takes about 2 to 3 hours to explore the Yungang Grottoes fully, depending on your pace and interest in the detailed carvings and sculptures in the caves.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides in English, Japanese, and other languages are provided to help visitors learn about the history and significance of the sculptures.
The best viewpoints are from the upper levels of the grottoes, where you can capture wide views of the caves and statues. The most iconic photo opportunities are in front of the Great Buddha statue in Cave No. 20 and the large group of statues in Cave No. 5.
Start with the larger caves, such as Cave No. 5 and No. 6, before exploring the smaller caves. Make sure to visit the exhibition hall for historical context, and end your visit with the Great Buddha statue in Cave No. 20 for a grand finale.
Currently, night visits and light shows are not available at the Yungang Grottoes. Special tours can be arranged for groups but must be booked in advance.
The grottoes can get crowded during Chinese holidays, especially in the summer months and around national holidays. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays, particularly in the morning hours or during the off-season (winter and early spring).
The site offers basic facilities, including clean toilets, rest areas, food stalls, and souvenir shops. Water and snacks are available at these stalls, but it’s a good idea to bring your own water as well.
The main areas of the Yungang Grottoes are accessible, but there are some uneven surfaces and steps that may pose difficulties for elderly or disabled visitors. It is recommended to check the accessibility options available at the entrance.
Cards and mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted at the ticket counter, shops, and food stalls. However, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially if visiting nearby smaller shops.
There are a few basic restaurants and snack stalls near the Yungang Grottoes serving local Chinese dishes, including Shanxi-style noodles and dumplings. For a wider selection, head to the city center of Datong, where you can find many restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian options are available in some local restaurants around the Yungang Grottoes. Halal food options are also available in the city, particularly near the Muslim community areas in Datong.
There are several hotels near the Yungang Grottoes, including the Yungang Hotel and the Datong Hotel, offering both budget and luxury accommodations. More options are available in the city center of Datong.
There are souvenir shops near the grottoes selling items like Buddhist-themed artwork, local pottery, and statues. Shanxi’s famous vinegar is also a popular souvenir to purchase.
From the Yungang Grottoes, you can take a taxi or bus back to the city center of Datong. The Datong Railway Station connects to other cities, including Beijing and Taiyuan, making it easy to continue your journey by train or bus.
