Datong is back, no scams here, just pure honesty

Embark on a millennium-old journey through this ancient city! Datong, where history meets modernity, will transport you straight to the Northern Wei Dynasty era ⏳

🚩2-Day Essential Itinerary:

DAY1:
📍Hanging Temple (at the foot of Mount Heng, southeast of Hunyuan County)
Finally saw this "hanging in mid-air" marvel with my own eyes! Arrive early to avoid crowds. Climbing up lets you experience ancient wisdom from 1500 years ago (not for those with acrophobia)
📍Mount Heng (15-minute drive from Hanging Temple)
One of China's Five Great Mountains. The cable car makes ascending easy, and the summit offers spectacular views of the winding Ming Great Wall ruins in the distance
🍜Lunch recommendation: Hunyuan Little Wife Liangfen (Yong'an West Street, Hunyuan County) - local specialty cold noodles with smoked eggs are amazing

DAY2:
📍Yungang Grottoes (16km west of Datong)
Breathtaking! Definitely get a guide or you'll miss too many details. Cave 20's giant Buddha is a must-see - best visited in morning light
📍Huayan Temple (within Datong Ancient City)
A royal temple from Liao-Jin period. The main hall's owl-tail ornaments are unique, and the underground palace's Thousand-Buddha bronze statue is stunning
📍Datong Ancient City Wall (enter at Yongtai Gate on south wall)
Sunset views from the wall are incredibly romantic. Renting a bike for a ride is delightful

🍖Must-try foods:
✔Fenglinnge Hundred-Flower Shaomai (in ancient city)
✔Dongfang Knife-Cut Noodles (multiple branches)
✔Old Datong Hot Pot (old store on Gulou East Street)

💡Practical tips:
1. Bring a jacket for significant day-night temperature differences
2. Reserve Yungang Grottoes audio guide in advance
3. Walking is best in ancient city - taxis take longer routes
4. Hanging Temple has visitor limits - arrive before 7am in peak season

History & Culture