[Datong: A Glimpse Through a Millennium]

[Trip Highlights]
✅ Gaze upon the thousand-year-old Buddha in Cave 20 at Yungang Grottoes
✅ Experience the thrilling heights of the Hanging Temple
✅ Admire the imperial aesthetics of Liao-Jin Dynasty colored sculptures at Huayan Temple
✅ Witness the dialogue between past and present under the sunset at the ancient city wall

📍 Yungang Grottoes (Entrance fee: CNY 120)
When morning light illuminates the golden kasaya of the outdoor Buddha in Cave 20, you'll witness the peak of Buddhist art from the Northern Wei Dynasty. Arrive before 8 AM to avoid crowds and quietly appreciate the magnificent "Five Caves of Tan Yao." Pay special attention to the bas-reliefs depicting Sakyamuni's enlightenment in Cave 6, considered the "Comic Bible" of the 5th century.

🏯 Hanging Temple (First entrance: CNY 15, Climbing fee: CNY 100)
Li Bai's inscription of "Magnificent" still remains at this 1,500-year-old wooden structure embedded in the cliff of Cuiping Peak. Tips for climbing: wear non-slip shoes and stay close to the inner side. During rainy season, the misty atmosphere creates a fairyland effect. Daily visitor numbers are limited, so book the earliest time slot.

🌇 Datong Ancient City
Huayan Temple (CNY 50): The smiling Bodhisattva with clasped hands in Bhogavati Hall will change your perception of Liao Dynasty sculptures
Shanhua Temple (Free): Best-preserved Liao-Jin architecture complex, perfect for hanfu photos in front of the Five Dragon Screen
City Wall (Free): Best sunset views from Yongtai Gate at South Gate, better experienced by bicycle

🍜 Datong Culinary Delights (Average CNY 30 per person)
• Xijin Dao: The "Hermès" of knife-cut noodles, amazing with minced meat sauce and braised tofu
• Long Juxiang: Heritage shumai with yellow rice cake, careful with the juicy lamb filling
• Shunyi Liangfen: Three generations of traditional chili oil recipe, fragrant but not overwhelming

🚌 Transportation Tips
• 2-hour high-speed rail from Beijing to Datong South Station
• Bus Route 3 directly to Yungang Grottoes
• Shared car recommended for Hanging Temple (about CNY 60/person)
• Shared electric bikes convenient within ancient city

📸 Photo Spots
45-degree upward angle from the left side of Cave 20 Buddha
Panoramic view of architecture from second-floor plank road at Hanging Temple
Sunset with chiwen roof ornaments at Huayan Temple's Main Hall
Traditional inn entrance at Pipa Old Store on Ancient Street

[Accommodation Recommendations]
• Yungang Hotel: Walking distance to city wall
• Datong Youth Hostel: Rooftop bar with starry views for backpackers

💡 Special Notes
• Best visiting season: April-October
• Official guide service available at Yungang Grottoes (CNY 150/group)
• Hanging Temple may close temporarily during rain or snow
• All public toilets in ancient city are heated!

Standing on the ancient city wall, modern buildings share the skyline with thousand-year-old pagodas. This "Phoenix City" tells its story through the steam of copper hotpots: history never left - it lives in every weathered brick of the city wall and in the skilled movements of noodle makers' wrists.