Datong Travel Guide: Ancient Capital, Yungang Grottoes & Hanging Temple
Best Time
May-Oct
Recommended
2-3 days
Daily Budget
¥200-350 ($28-49)
Datong (大同) in northern Shanxi Province was once the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty. It is home to the Yungang Grottoes - one of China's three great Buddhist cave complexes - and the astonishing Hanging Temple, built into a cliff face.
Why Datong?
Yungang Grottoes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 51,000 Buddhist statues carved into sandstone cliffs, dating to the 5th century.
The Hanging Temple. A temple built into a cliff face 75 meters above the ground, supported by wooden poles, surviving for 1,500 years.
The ancient city. Datong has one of China's best-preserved city walls, recently restored, surrounding an old town with temples and traditional architecture.
Getting There
- From Beijing: 2 hours by HSR, ¥140 ($20)
- From Taiyuan: 2 hours by HSR, ¥100 ($14)
Must-See Attractions
Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟)
51,000 Buddhist statues carved into sandstone cliffs over 60 years in the 5th century. UNESCO World Heritage Site. ¥120 ($17).
Hanging Temple (悬空寺)
A temple built into a cliff face 75 meters above the ground. ¥125 ($17.50) including nearby scenic area.
Huayan Temple (华严寺)
A Liao-Jin dynasty Buddhist temple complex with stunning wooden architecture. ¥50 ($7).
Nine Dragon Wall (九龙壁)
A 45-meter-long glazed tile wall carved with nine dragons, built in 1372. Free to view from outside.
Practical Tips
- Best time: May-October. Winters are bitterly cold.
- Combine with: Beijing (2h by HSR) or Pingyao (4h by HSR).
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What to see, eat and do
Each guide is self-contained — read it, then add it straight to your itinerary.
Ancient City Wall (大同古城墙)
One of China's best-preserved city walls - recently restored, surrounding the old town with temples and traditional architecture.
Hanging Temple (悬空寺)
A temple defying gravity - built into a cliff face 75 meters above the ground, supported by wooden poles for 1,500 years.
Huayan Temple (华严寺)
A stunning Liao-Jin dynasty temple complex with extraordinary wooden architecture and golden Buddhist halls.
