This northern Chinese city sits near two of the country’s most significant Buddhist heritage sites, the Yungang Grottoes and the gravity-defying Hanging Temple.
Why Visit Datong
Datong served as an early capital of the Northern Wei dynasty, leaving behind the Yungang Grottoes, one of China’s three great ancient Buddhist sculpture sites. Combined with the nearby Hanging Temple, it offers a heritage-focused alternative to China’s more visited eastern cities.
Top Experiences
- Yungang Grottoes: A UNESCO World Heritage site with over 50,000 Buddhist statues carved into cliffside caves dating to the 5th century.
- Hanging Temple: A temple built into a sheer cliff face, supported by wooden stilts, about an hour outside the city.
- Datong Ancient City Wall: A reconstructed city wall that can be walked or cycled around the old town.
- Nine Dragon Screen: A large glazed tile screen dating to the Ming dynasty, one of the oldest and largest of its kind in China.
Datong 8 Hour Charter Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple
Private Tour to Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple and Wooden Pagoda from Datong
Yungang Grottoes Entrance Ticket with Optional Tour Services
Private Day Tour to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple with Lunch from Datong
Practical Tips
- The Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes are often combined into a single full-day tour from Datong.
- Datong is reachable by high speed rail from Beijing in around two hours.
- Winters are cold and dry, so spring through autumn is more comfortable for sightseeing.
FAQ
How do I get to Datong from Beijing?
High speed trains connect Beijing to Datong in about two hours.
Can I visit the Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes in one day?
Yes, most visitors combine both sites in a single full day tour from Datong.
What is Datong known for?
Ancient Buddhist cave carvings and the cliffside Hanging Temple.
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