Datong is a historic and cultural city with rich tourism resources.

Best Travel Time

• May to October: Summer is cool and pleasant, autumn has clear skies and refreshing air. July to August is ideal for escaping the heat, and September to October offers beautiful autumn scenery, perfect for photography.

• December to February: Experience ancient architecture in the snow, but temperatures are low, averaging around -10°C.

Transportation

• External Transportation: You can fly to Datong Yungang Airport or take the high-speed train to Datong South Station, about 2 hours from Beijing and 1.5 hours from Taiyuan. Driving is also an option, about 4 hours from Beijing and 3 hours from Taiyuan.

• City Transportation: Buses cover major attractions with fares of 1-2 yuan; taxis start at 7 yuan, and ride-hailing services like Didi are available; shared bikes are suitable for short trips within the ancient city.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Yungang Grottoes: One of China's four major grottoes, with 45 main caves and over 51,000 statues. Located in Yungang Town, Yungang District, Datong City. Tickets are 120 yuan in peak season and 100 yuan in off-season.

• Huayan Temple: A model of Liao and Jin dynasty architecture, housing the largest Buddhist hall from that period. The praying Bodhisattva statue with hands together and exposed teeth in the Vajrayana hall is known as the "Eastern Venus." Located on Xiashipo Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City. Tickets cost 50 yuan.

• Hanging Temple: A millennium-old temple built on a cliff, praised by Li Bai as "magnificent." Located in the southeast suburb of Hunyuan County, about 80 kilometers from Datong city center. Tickets are 125 yuan, including the climbing fee.

• Datong Ancient City Wall: You can cycle or walk around it, with especially spectacular night views. Qingyuan Gate and Yongtai Gate are the most magnificent. Free to enter, climbing the wall costs 30 yuan.

• Hengshan Mountain: The northern peak of the Five Great Mountains and an important Taoist birthplace. Tickets are 45 yuan, and the cable car one-way fare is 70 yuan.

Local Specialties

• Knife-cut noodles: Recommended "Oriental Knife Noodles," with multiple branches.

• Lamb offal: The old brand "He Laoren Lamb Offal."

• Shaomai: The Hundred-Flower Shaomai at Fenglin Pavilion is considered a work of art.

• Hunyuan Cold Noodles: The most authentic is at Xiaoxifu Cold Noodles in Hunyuan County.

Accommodation Recommendations

• High-end Hotels: Datong Yungang Grand Hotel, luxuriously decorated and close to the ancient city; Datong Jindi Howard Johnson Hotel, well-equipped with views of the ancient city at night.

• Boutique Inns: Datong Yunzhong Yizhan, featuring Chinese garden art courtyards; Southeast Yinianxia·Li Boutique Resort Hotel, with an antique courtyard style.

• Budget Options: Home Inn, Hanting, and other chain hotels.