A must-see World Cultural Heritage site when visiting Datong! The Yungang Grottoes are truly breathtaking

Although the holidays are extremely crowded, the Yungang Grottoes are definitely worth braving the crowds for! Here’s my super practical guide: rush in right when it opens at 8 AM and head straight to the less crowded grottoes in the back first～after exploring those, slowly make your way back to the popular grottoes. This way, you can avoid peak crowds and fully appreciate the grotto art.
📍Yungang Grottoes
Address: No. 1, Yungang Town, Yungang District, Datong City, Shanxi Province
Tickets: 120 RMB/person (if you book online in advance, you can enter directly with your ID)
✨Tips for visiting:
1. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes! The scenic area is huge, and walking is the main way to explore
2. It’s recommended to walk in and take the scenic area electric shuttle out (one-way 10 RMB), so you can deeply explore without getting too tired
3. Bring an audio guide or download the commentary app in advance, or you’ll really miss out on many wonderful details
4. Cloudy days are also great for photos! The colors of the grottoes look even more ancient and rich on overcast or rainy days
Highly recommended must-see grottoes:
- Grotto 5: The largest Buddha statue in Yungang, the upward view is super stunning
- Grotto 6: The best-preserved central pillar grotto
- Grotto 20: The open-air giant Buddha, the iconic landmark of the Yungang Grottoes
🍽Nearby food:
There are simple meals inside the scenic area, but it’s better to eat back in the city
- Dongfang Knife-Cut Noodles (the locals’ favorite knife-cut noodles)
- Fenglin Pavilion (a century-old brand, famous for its shaomai)

Post by M1rr0r_3n1gm@t1c | Oct 19, 2025