Grottoes by taxi and Hanging Monastery by bus

Question

After reading some posts, I thought this:

- arriving the evening before

- start early (say 6:30) by taxi for the hanging monastery.

- back at Datong, go to the grottoes by bus and stay there as long as possible.

I would e-mail the hotel in advance to book a taxi. How much could it cost?

What do you think of my plan?

Thanks.

Mauro

Answer

Your plan for visiting the Hanging Monastery (Xuankong Si, 悬空寺) and the Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟) from Datong is practical and well-timed, especially if you arrive in Datong the night before and start early the next morning. The two sites are in opposite directions from the city, so doing the Hanging Monastery first by taxi and the Grottoes later by bus makes good sense.

1. Overview of the Plan

Datong is a convenient base for both attractions. The Hanging Monastery is located near Hengshan Mountain, about 65 km southeast of Datong (around 1.5–2 hours by car), while the Yungang Grottoes lie about 20 km west of the city (around 40 minutes by bus or taxi). Visiting both in one day is possible if you start early and move efficiently.

2. Visiting the Hanging Monastery by Taxi

Taking a taxi or hiring a private car for the Hanging Monastery is the best choice because public transportation there is limited and connections are slow. Most hotels in Datong can easily arrange a driver for you the day before.

Travel time: About 1.5 to 2 hours each way depending on traffic.
Visiting time: Around 1 to 1.5 hours is enough to explore the monastery, as it is small but impressive.
Taxi cost: Expect to pay around 250–350 RMB round trip if you negotiate directly with a driver. If you book through a hotel or a travel agency, it might be slightly higher (up to 400 RMB) but includes waiting time.
Departure time: Leaving Datong at 6:30 am is ideal — you’ll arrive around 8:00 am before most tourist groups, allowing quiet photos and an easier climb.

3. Returning to Datong and Going to the Yungang Grottoes

After finishing the Hanging Monastery visit, your driver can bring you back to Datong around late morning or midday. Then you can have lunch in the city and continue to the Yungang Grottoes in the afternoon.

By local bus: Bus no. 3 and no. 4 go from central Datong to the Yungang Grottoes. The trip takes about 45–60 minutes, and the fare is around 2 RMB.
By taxi: A one-way taxi ride from downtown Datong to the Grottoes costs roughly 40–50 RMB and takes around 30–40 minutes.
Entrance fee: The Yungang Grottoes ticket costs about 120 RMB per person. Allocate at least 2–3 hours to explore the caves and museum area thoroughly.

4. Suggested Day Itinerary

06:30 – Depart Datong by taxi to the Hanging Monastery.
08:00 – Arrive and visit the Hanging Monastery.
09:30–10:00 – Depart back to Datong.
12:00 – Arrive Datong, have lunch.
13:30 – Take bus or taxi to Yungang Grottoes.
14:00–17:00 – Explore Yungang Grottoes at leisure.
17:30 – Return to city center or Datong train station.

5. Additional Tips

Weather: Datong can be windy and cold, especially around the Hanging Monastery, so bring a jacket even in summer months.
Altitude and walking: The monastery involves climbing narrow stairways built into the cliffside — not strenuous but not suitable for those afraid of heights.
Lunch options: Few places to eat near the Hanging Monastery, so it’s better to eat once back in Datong before heading to the Grottoes.
Alternative: If you prefer less travel, you can also visit Yungang Grottoes in the morning and the Hanging Monastery the next day, but your current one-day plan is efficient if well-timed.

6. Final Advice

Your plan is sound and realistic. Hiring a taxi to the Hanging Monastery is the best and most time-efficient option, and taking a local bus to the Yungang Grottoes afterward is economical and easy. Confirm your taxi booking with the hotel a day in advance and try to leave early to enjoy the sites with minimal crowds. Both attractions are among northern China’s finest cultural highlights and can comfortably be seen in a single full day.

Grottoes by taxi and Hanging Monastery by bus

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