Top Datong attractions and best sightseeing

Datong is a city located in the Shanxi province of China, and it is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions. Here are some of the top attractions in Datong:

Yungang Grottoes

The Yungang Grottoes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous attractions in Datong. The grottoes are a collection of Buddhist statues and carvings that date back to the 5th and 6th centuries.

Location: The Yungang Grottoes are located in the city of Datong in Shanxi Province, China. Datong is easily accessible by train or bus from Beijing and other major cities in China.

Opening hours: The Yungang Grottoes are open every day from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds.

Ticket information: Admission to the Yungang Grottoes costs 125 CNY for adults and 63 CNY for students. Audio guides are available for rent for an additional fee.

Exploring the site: The Yungang Grottoes consist of 45 major caves and over 51,000 statues of Buddha and other figures. It is recommended to allow at least 3-4 hours to explore the site.

Highlights: Some of the must-see caves at the Yungang Grottoes include Cave 5, which features a 17-meter tall statue of Buddha, and Cave 12, which contains over 50 life-sized figures.

Tips for visiting: It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved. The Yungang Grottoes can also get quite busy, so it is best to visit during the weekdays and avoid public holidays if possible.

Nearby attractions: If you have time, consider visiting the Hanging Monastery, which is located about an hour away from the Yungang Grottoes. The Hanging Monastery is a stunning example of ancient Chinese architecture and engineering, as it is built into the side of a cliff.

Hanging Temple

This temple is located on the side of a cliff and is a unique architectural marvel. It was built more than 1,500 years ago and features Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements.

Location: The Hanging Temple is located in the town of Hunyuan, around 65 kilometers southeast of Datong. 

Entrance fee: 130 CNY for adults and 65 CNY for children

Opening hours: from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM in peak season (April to October) and from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM in low season (November to March).

Best time to visit: The Hanging Temple can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.

What to expect: The Hanging Temple is an architectural marvel built into a steep cliff face, with stunning views of the surrounding valley. The temple features a mix of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements and contains over 40 halls and pavilions. The temple is suspended over 50 meters above the ground and is supported by wooden beams and poles.

Tips for visitors: The Hanging Temple can be crowded, so it's best to arrive early to avoid the crowds. Wear comfortable shoes as there are steep steps and narrow walkways. Photography is allowed, but flash photography and tripods are not allowed inside the temple. Be respectful of the temple and its artifacts by not touching or damaging anything.

Datong City Wall

The Datong City Wall is a well-preserved fortification that was built during the Ming Dynasty. It is one of the largest city walls in China, and visitors can walk along the top of the wall for panoramic views of the city. 

Datong City Wall is a must-visit attraction in Datong, and it offers a unique perspective on China's ancient history. Whether you are interested in history or just looking for a fun day trip, Datong City Wall is definitely worth a visit.

Location and Opening Hours: Datong City Wall is located in the center of Datong city, and it is open to visitors from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm every day.

Ticket Prices: CNY 50 (approximately USD 8) per person.

Getting There: You can take a taxi or bus to reach Datong City Wall. The city also has a well-developed public transportation system, so you can easily take a bus or subway to get there.

Things to Do: Datong City Wall is an impressive structure that was built in the Ming Dynasty. You can walk on top of the wall and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. There are also several watchtowers along the wall that offer great photo opportunities. The wall is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into China's ancient history.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Datong City Wall is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is pleasant. The summer months can be hot and humid, while winter can be quite cold.

Nearby Attractions: Datong has several other attractions that are worth visiting, including the Yungang Grottoes, the Hanging Monastery, and the Nine-Dragon Screen. These attractions are all located within a short distance from Datong City Wall, so you can easily plan a day trip to see them all.

Nine-Dragon Screen

This is one of the three famous "Nine-Dragon Walls" in China, and it is the oldest and largest of the three. The screen is made up of 426 glazed tiles and features nine different colored dragons. Visiting the Nine-Dragon Screen in Datong is a must for anyone interested in traditional Chinese architecture and art. The screen's grandeur and exquisite craftsmanship will leave you in awe.

Getting there: Datong is accessible by air, train, and bus. The closest airport is Datong Yungang International Airport, which has daily flights to major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. You can also take a train from Beijing, which takes about 4 hours, or a bus from nearby cities.

Entrance fee and opening hours: The Nine-Dragon Screen is located in the center of Datong City and is open to the public from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The entrance fee is 60 RMB per person.

History and significance: The Nine-Dragon Screen is a stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture and art. Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it is the oldest and largest glazed-tile Nine-Dragon Screen in China. The screen is 45.5 meters long, 8 meters high, and 2 meters thick, and is covered with 424 glazed tiles featuring nine dragons playing with pearls.

Touring the Nine-Dragon Screen: When you arrive at the Nine-Dragon Screen, you will first see the screen from a distance, and then you can walk closer to the screen to appreciate its details. There are also information boards around the site that explain the history and significance of the Nine-Dragon Screen. You can also hire a tour guide for a more detailed explanation.

Nearby attractions: Datong is a city with many historical and cultural attractions. The most famous of these is the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to over 51,000 Buddhist statues and carvings. Other popular attractions include the Hanging Monastery, the Shanhua Temple, and the Huayan Temple.

Food and accommodation: Datong is known for its local cuisine, such as sliced noodles, fried dough twists, and steamed buns. There are many restaurants in the city where you can try these dishes. As for accommodation, there are many hotels and hostels in the city to choose from, ranging from budget to luxury.

Huayan Temple

This temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Datong and dates back to the Liao Dynasty. It features a large number of ancient Buddhist artifacts and statues. Visiting Huayan Temple is a fascinating experience, and it's a great way to learn more about the history and culture of Datong.

Location: Huayan Temple is located in the southeast of Datong City, Shanxi Province.

History: The temple was built during the Liao Dynasty (907-1125) and was later rebuilt in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is one of the best-preserved Buddhist temples in China and is renowned for its exquisite architecture and ancient murals.

What to see: The temple complex consists of several halls and courtyards, each with its unique features. The main hall, which houses a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, is the most magnificent building in the temple. The wall paintings inside the hall are also a highlight. There are many other buildings and murals to explore, including the 500 Arhats Hall and the Thousand Buddha Hall.

Tips for visiting: The temple is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission fee is 70 yuan per person. To fully appreciate the temple's beauty, it is recommended to spend at least 2 hours there. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved. It's best to visit the temple in the morning when it's less crowded.

How to get there: Huayan Temple is about 7 kilometers from Datong Railway Station. You can take a taxi or a bus from the city center to get there.

Shanhua Temple

This temple is also known as the "Temple of Benevolence and Longevity," and it is one of the oldest temples in Datong. It features a large number of ancient statues and artifacts. Shanhua Temple is a must-see attraction for visitors to Datong who are interested in history, culture, and architecture.

Location: Shanhua Temple is located in the city center of Datong, about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Datong Railway Station. You can easily reach the temple by taking a taxi or a public bus.

History: Shanhua Temple was first built in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), and has been rebuilt and renovated several times since then. The temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in Datong.

Architecture: The temple features a combination of traditional Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles. The main hall of the temple is a four-story wooden building, which is decorated with colorful paintings and carvings.

Highlights: The highlights of Shanhua Temple include the Thousand-Buddha Hall, the Guanyin Hall, the Bell and Drum Tower, and the impressive collection of Buddhist statues and artifacts.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Shanhua Temple is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful.

Tips: Dress appropriately and be respectful when visiting the temple. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings.

Wooden Pagoda in Ying County

Located about 70 kilometers from Datong, the Wooden Pagoda in Ying County is one of the oldest and tallest wooden structures in China. It was built during the Liao Dynasty and is a unique example of ancient Chinese architecture.

the Wooden Pagoda is a fascinating and unique example of ancient Chinese architecture and engineering, and is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture.

Location: The Wooden Pagoda is located in the small town of Ying County, which is approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) south of the city of Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province.

History: The Wooden Pagoda was built in the year 1056 during the Liao Dynasty (907-1125), and is one of the oldest wooden structures in China. The pagoda has survived several earthquakes and has been renovated and repaired over the centuries.

Architecture: The Wooden Pagoda is an octagonal structure that stands 67.31 meters (220.8 feet) tall, with nine stories and a total of 54 hidden rooms. The structure is entirely made of wood, without any nails or rivets, and features intricate carvings and decorations.

Ticket information: Admission to the Wooden Pagoda costs 60 CNY for adults and 30 CNY for students. Audio guides are available for rent for an additional fee.

Exploring the site: Visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. There are also several smaller pagodas and temples located on the site.

Tips for visiting: The Wooden Pagoda can get quite busy, so it is best to visit during the weekdays and avoid public holidays if possible. The climb to the top of the pagoda can be steep and strenuous, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.

Nearby attractions: If you have time, consider visiting the nearby Qiao Family Compound, a well-preserved example of traditional Shanxi architecture. The compound features courtyards, gardens, and buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties.