Datong
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Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
UNESCO-listed Buddhist cave temples with over 50,000 carved statues from the 5th century.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Allow a few hours
1 tip
- Photos are banned inside some caves
📷 Photos
- 2
1,500-year-old temple clinging to a cliff face near Mount Heng, a classic day trip.
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Upper walkways can close in busy periods
- Combine with a visit to Mount Heng
📷 Photos
- 3
Liao-dynasty temple complex with one of China's largest ancient wooden halls.
3 tips
- Do not miss the Liao clay statues in the Bhagavat Hall
- The pagoda behind offers views
- Ticket includes Upper and Lower temples
📷 Photos
- 4
Ming-era glazed tile screen wall, the largest of China's famous dragon walls.
3 tips
- Look at the wall's reflection in the pool in front
- Small ticket, quick visit
- Pair with Daiwang Mansion next door
📷 Photos
- 5
Rebuilt Ming-style city wall circling the old town, walkable on top.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Rent a bike or electric cart on the wall
- Sunset light is best on the wall
- Enter at Yonghe (South) Gate
📷 Photos
- 6
Liao and Jin dynasty temple with elegant halls and vivid painted statues.
3 tips
- Usually quieter than Huayan Temple
- Look for the Five Dragon Wall inside
- Close to the South Gate
📷 Photos
- 7
Three-storey Ming drum tower at the crossroads of the old city's main streets.
3 tips
- Beautifully lit after dark
- Good base for exploring the old town
- Many snack shops line nearby streets
📷 Photos
- 8
Reconstructed palace of the Ming Prince of Dai with grand halls and courtyards.
- Tip: Late afternoon
2 tips
- Allow an hour to walk the courtyards
- Right behind the Nine Dragon Wall
📷 Photos
- 9
Modern museum covering Northern Wei capital Pingcheng and Datong's long history.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Free entry with passport
- Located in the eastern new district, take a taxi
📷 Photos
- 10
Large lake park in the east of the city with promenades and wetlands.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Pleasant for an evening stroll
- Free to enter
- Near the Datong Museum
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Datong tips
Transportation
- Take the high-speed train from Beijing: fast trains reach Datong South station from Beijing, making Datong an easy trip.
- Bus to Yungang: city buses run from central Datong to the Yungang Grottoes; DiDi or a taxi is quicker if you are short on time.
- Hire a car for the Hanging Temple: the Hanging Temple lies outside the city near Hunyuan, so a hired car or tour is the easiest way to reach it.
Security
- Carry your passport: ID checks are common at stations, hotels and big sights like Yungang, so keep your passport handy.
- Watch steps at the Hanging Temple: its narrow wooden walkways cling to the cliff, so take care and follow staff instructions.
- Agree on private car prices: confirm the itinerary and price in writing before hiring a driver for a day of sights.
Saving
- Walk the city wall at dusk: Datong's rebuilt city walls offer great views of the old town and lantern-lit streets.
- Eat knife-cut noodles: Shanxi daoxiao mian is cheap, filling and found in small noodle shops all over town.
- Combine temples on foot: Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple and the Nine Dragon Screen are close together in the old town.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack warm for winter: Datong winters are very cold and dry; bring a heavy coat, hat and gloves.
- Expect dry air: the climate is arid, so lip balm, moisturiser and a scarf for dusty winds are useful.
- Bring layers in summer: summer days are warm but nights cool down, so pack a light jacket.
Cultural
- Taste Shanxi vinegar: aged Shanxi vinegar is a regional pride and is served with noodles and dumplings at most meals.
- Respect Buddhist sites: be quiet and respectful in temples like Huayan, and avoid pointing feet at statues or images.
- Learn the Northern Wei history: Datong was once the capital of the Northern Wei dynasty, which carved the Yungang Grottoes.
Local Hacks
- Visit Yungang early: arrive at opening time to see the giant Buddhas before crowds and harsh midday light.
- See the Nine Dragon Screen: this Ming dynasty glazed tile wall is one of the largest of its kind in China.
- Rent a bike on the wall: bikes are available on parts of the city wall, a fun way to loop the old town.
1-day itineraries in Datong
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.