Day 1 → → → → → Datong gathering day
All day
Tourists from all over the world can choose their own transportation and meet at the designated hotel in Datong. Please report "China-Travel Note + Name" to the hotel front desk for check-in. It is recommended to check in after 14:00. If you arrive at the hotel early, you can leave your luggage at the hotel front desk and go out to play first. Please carry valuables with you. Please pay attention to safety during free time!
Recommended attractions:
Datong Ancient City, Nine Dragon Screen, Datong City Wall, Dai Wangfu, Lianglin Memorial Hall, Datong Earth Forest, Datong Jinhua Palace Coal Mine Park, Datong, etc.
Recommended Datong cuisine:
Datong knife-cut noodles, Hunyuan jelly, assorted copper hot pot, Datong mutton offal, Shuaifu Street rabbit head, oat noodle kuoluoluo, Datong yellow cake, minced eight-part soup, etc.
Traffic information tips:
If there are no suitable direct flights to Datong, you can fly to Taiyuan or Beijing Airport, and then transfer to the high-speed rail to Datong in about 2 hours.
It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Datong Jiji Hotel to the airport, and about 15 minutes to Datong South and Datong Station, and the cost is about 20-60 yuan.
Day 2 Datong → Yanmen Pass → Yingxian Wooden Pagoda → Jingtu Temple → Hunyuan County
All day
After breakfast, head to Yanmen Pass, one of the nine fortresses in the world.
In Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils and numerous film and television dramas, Yanmen Pass is a prominent location. From the murder of Xiao Yuanshan at Yanmen Pass to the Liao army's approach and Qiao Feng's suicide by jumping off a cliff after forcing back a million-strong army, all took place at Yanmen Pass. Throughout history, Yanmen Pass has witnessed the heroic deeds of countless heroes and generals, including Li Mu, a renowned Warring States general; Meng Tian, a great Qin general; Li Guang, a flying general of the Han Dynasty; and Xue Rengui, a general of the early Tang Dynasty. Beyond war, Yanmen Pass also witnessed the marriages of five princesses, including Wang Zhaojun, who journeyed from their homelands to distant lands. Let's ascend the Great Wall pass here and indulge in the feeling of chivalry.
After having fun, head to the top of the world's tallest wooden pagoda, the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, considered one of the "Three Great Pagodas of the World" along with the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, is over 960 years old. Standing 67.31 meters tall and with a base diameter of 30.27 meters, it is octagonal in plan and constructed entirely of wood, without nails or rivets. Two tooth relics of Sakyamuni Buddha are enshrined within the pagoda. Wind chimes are installed under the eaves of each floor, creating a melodious tinkling sound in the breeze. Having survived earthquakes, wars, and lightning strikes, the pagoda still stands today, prompting Liang Sicheng to praise it, saying, "Without seeing this pagoda, one has no idea how far wooden structures can go!"
Afterwards, we went to the Pure Land Temple to see the Tiangong Caijing and the ancient buildings of the Jin Dynasty.
During his visit to Ying County, Liang Sicheng praised the "Three Treasures of Ying County." The first is the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the second is the caisson ceiling in the Tiangong Pavilion of the Pure Land Temple, and the third is the pair of stone lions with disheveled hair in front of the temple's gate. The main hall of the Pure Land Temple, the Main Hall, dates back to the Jin Dynasty. The caisson ceiling and Tiangong Pavilion within the Main Hall are the essence of the main hall and the Pure Land Temple. Utilizing the construction methods of Tiangong Pavilions as described in the "Yingzaofashi" (Architectural Style), the exquisite construction and meticulous craftsmanship make them classic examples of small woodwork. Gazing up at them, you'll be captivated by their admiration!
After a fun day out, we headed to the Hunyuan County Hotel for check-in. We were free to explore the streets and sample local delicacies like jelly, beef kidney, and mutton offal.
Day 3 Hunyuan County → Hanging Temple → Yong'an Temple → Hengshan Mountain → Stay in Datong
All day
After breakfast, we headed to the Hanging Temple, one of the world's ten most endangered buildings according to Time Magazine.
Known as "the Hanging Temple, half the height of the sky, suspended in the air by three horsetails," the Hanging Temple boasts a history of over 1,500 years. Its more than 40 halls and pavilions, thanks to their mortise and tenon joints, are embedded into the cliff face and remain standing. The poet Li Bai was so enchanted by its magnificent spectacle that he wrote about it, and Xu Xiake praised it as one of the world's greatest sights. Navigating the temple, one might have expected a relatively steep and treacherous staircase, but the entrances and exits are hidden in subtle corners and mezzanines, so be careful when climbing up and down. Ascending the temple and gazing across at Mount Hengshan, you'll feel a surge of adrenaline and excitement. We enjoyed a photo op, unveiling the mysterious Hanging Temple's true beauty, and basking in the sun from above.
[Important Reminder! Ticket Reservation Rules for the Hanging Temple]
1. Due to the high visitor flow at the Hanging Temple, there may be temporary restrictions, suspension of sales, and long queues. The scenic area requires real-name reservations for ticket purchases, and travel agencies cannot purchase tickets on behalf of others. Therefore, this product only includes the Hanging Temple entrance ticket and does not include the climbing ticket (climbing ticket is 100 yuan/person). Tourists who want to experience the climbing experience, please reserve the climbing ticket in advance on the [Hengshan Scenic Area] official account (entry tickets are handled by travel agencies, so you do not need to make a reservation yourself). If you are unable to make a reservation, you will queue up to buy tickets on site. If you cannot get a ticket, please remain calm, as we will visit the temple as usual.
2. Reservations for tickets to the Hanging Temple will start 7 days in advance through the official account. Tickets will be released at 7:20 every morning, with two time periods: 8:00-12:00 in the morning and 12:00-17:00 in the afternoon. The time for purchasing tickets to the Hanging Temple during the normal Datong Essence itinerary is 8:00-12:00 on D3. Please make your own reservations according to the group schedule you registered for. Please be informed!
3. If the official account shows that there are no tickets, you can go to the "Ctrip" and "Tongcheng" mini-programs or apps to purchase boarding tickets; or until the day of the Hanging Temple, if there are no tickets, check more often at 7:20/12:00 every day, and you may be able to find a bargain.
4. Note! Tourists over 60 years old or children under 6 years old who require free boarding tickets must make a reservation. Boarding is not permitted without a reservation. Free boarding tickets can only be reserved through the official WeChat account and cannot be reserved through Ctrip or Tongcheng.
5. Foreign tourists or tourists holding passports can purchase boarding tickets on Ctrip. Please purchase them 7 days in advance according to your travel schedule!
After having fun, we went to Yong'an Zen Temple to see a feast of murals of the Water and Land Dharma Assembly of the Yuan Dynasty.
Who could have imagined that such a small, mountainous county would harbor such treasures? The well-preserved Yuan Dynasty architecture, the plaque inscribed on the main hall by the renowned calligrapher Xue'an, known nationwide as "The Hall of the Authentic Transmission of the Dharma," and the massive Yuan Dynasty water and land murals—all of them are truly awe-inspiring! We'll visit in the afternoon when the sun is shining, perfect for viewing the murals!
After having fun, we headed to [Five Mountains Hengshan] to challenge ourselves and climb Mount Hengshan
Hengshan, a strategically located strategic location for military strategists since ancient times, is renowned for its diverse landscapes. Mount Hengshan towers majestically, its imposing presence unparalleled. Tianfengling and Cuiping Peak, the eastern and western peaks of Hengshan's main summit, are the eastern and western peaks. Tianfengling, at 2,016.8 meters, is known as the "Northern Pillar of Heaven and Earth." Guolaoling, Gusaoyan, Feishi Grotto, Huanyuan Cave, Hufengkou, and Daziwan are all imbued with mythical wonders. Hanging Root Pine, Zizhi Valley, and Bitter Sweet Well are even more remarkable natural wonders. Four thousand years ago, Emperor Shun visited Hengshan and designated it the Northern Peak. Emperor Qin Shi Huang, Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Taizong of Tang, and Emperor Taizu of Song all visited, as did Li Bai, Jia Dao, Yuan Haowen, and Xu Xiake. This demonstrates the significance of Hengshan. Let's explore Hengshan together!
After having fun, we went to Datong to stay. Everyone can walk around the ancient city of Datong freely and see the bustling atmosphere behind this city with rich history under the night sky.
Day 4 Datong → Yungang Grottoes → Huayan Temple → Shanhua Temple → Stay in Datong
All day
After breakfast, we headed to the Yungang Grottoes, a world cultural heritage site.
The Yungang Grottoes boast a history of over 1,500 years. Along with the Mogao Grottoes, the Longmen Grottoes, and the Maijishan Grottoes, they are considered one of the "Four Great Grottoes of China" and are hailed as a treasure trove of ancient Chinese sculpture. They boast 45 major caves, over 1,000 niches of various sizes, and over 51,000 stone Buddha statues. Carved into the mountainside, thirteen pairs of "four-sided divine pillars riding elephants" flank Foguang Avenue. Over twenty caves of varying sizes stretch across approximately two kilometers of the mountain, interspersed with classical Chinese architecture. While seemingly unremarkable from the outside, the Yungang Grottoes hold a mystical depth. Unlike the other three major grottoes, the Yungang Grottoes blend artistic influences from ancient India, the Western Regions, and the Central Plains. Their breathtaking and captivating charm is truly captivating, inspiring a profound admiration for the ancients.
Afterwards, we went to visit the Huayan Temple, the royal ancestral temple of the Liao Dynasty, which was praised by Liang Sicheng as "a unique piece in the country".
Huayan Temple, centered around the Main Hall, is divided into two courtyards, housing the Mountain Gate, the Passing Hall, the Guanyin Pavilion, the Ksitigarbha Pavilion, and two side corridors. Its layout is meticulous and staggered. The Lower Huayan Temple is located a short distance southeast of the Upper Temple. Centered around the Bhagavan Hall, it features Liao Dynasty statues, stone pagodas, pavilion-style sutra cabinets, and a celestial palace pavilion. Inside the Bhagavan Hall, an inscription on the right rafter reads, "Built on the 15th day of the 9th month of the year Wuyin (1038), at noon on the 15th day of the 9th month of the year Wuyin (1038)," indicating that this is a Liao Dynasty structure that survived the Baoda Rebellion at the end of the Liao Dynasty.
Afterwards, we went to visit Shanhua Temple, one of the most complete buildings from the Liao and Jin dynasties in China.
Shanhua Temple, also known as the "Southern Temple," features main buildings arranged along a central axis, facing north and south, rising in tiers. The mountain gate stands in the front, and the Three Saints Hall stands in the center, both built during the Jin Dynasty. The Liao Dynasty-era Main Hall sits atop a raised platform in the rear, flanked by the East and West Duo Halls. To the east lies the remains of the Shu Pavilion, and to the west stands the Puxian Pavilion, built in the second year of the Zhenyuan Period of the Jin Dynasty (1154). Shanhua Temple boasts a staggered layout of varying heights, with a clear hierarchy and symmetry, making it one of the most complete examples of Liao and Jin Dynasty architecture still extant in China. The profound and austere architecture of the millennia-old temple still creates a powerful visual impact. The 24 Jin Dynasty statues of deities within the temple are particularly lifelike, captivating the senses. The exquisite sculptures, each depicting a unique expression of posture and expression, are each captivating.
After the tour, everyone can walk around freely on the city wall of Datong Ancient City and see the bustling atmosphere behind this city with rich history under the sunset and night sky.
Day 5 Datong Museum → Disbanded in Datong End of the pleasant journey
All day
After breakfast, we went to Datong Museum.
As the intersection of Central Plains culture and nomadic civilization, Datong possesses distinct regional cultural characteristics characterized by a blend of Hu and Han cultures. Its cultural relics are particularly representative of the remains of the Northern Wei, Liao, and Jin dynasties. For example, the tomb of Sima Jinlong, the Prince of Langya during the Northern Wei Dynasty, contains a wealth of burial objects, particularly lacquer screens, which are treasures not available for loan. The ruins of the Mingtang in Pingcheng and the Yonggu Mausoleum in Fangshan record the feudalization of the Xianbei people; the magnificent Yungang Grottoes mark the beginning of the localization of Western Buddhism; and the artifacts from the tombs of Song Shaozu and Sima Jinlong bear witness to the cultural exchange and integration between the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Furthermore, the Datong Museum, with its design elements inspired by the Datong volcanic cluster, Longbi culture, and the Yungang Grottoes, is itself a landmark work of art that cultural enthusiasts should not miss.
The trip is expected to end at 11:30 and will be transferred to Datong Yungang Airport first. The estimated arrival time at Datong Airport is 12:00. It is recommended to purchase flights after 13:30.
Then transfer to Datong South Station, the estimated arrival time is 12:20, it is recommended to buy a train after 14:00;
Finally, the bus will be sent to Datong Station. The estimated arrival time is 12:50. It is recommended to book a bus after 14:30. (You can also take a taxi to Datong Station to avoid detours and book an earlier bus.)
