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Datong Travel Guide 2026

Ancient Northern Wei capital. The Yungang Grottoes' 51,000 Buddhist statues, the Hanging Temple, and one of the world's largest volcanic landscapes.

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Datong travel photo

TL;DR

Datong in Shanxi province was the capital of the Northern Wei dynasty (4th-6th century AD). The Yungang Grottoes (UNESCO site) has 51,000 Buddhist statues carved over 60 years, rivaling the Longmen and Mogao grottoes in scale. The Hanging Temple (built 491 AD, suspended on a cliff) is one of China's most photographed structures. The city is also a gateway to the volcanic landscape of the Datong Volcanic Field. Plan 2-3 days. High-speed rail from Beijing: 1.5-2 hours.
Best time to visitApril-May and September-October (winter is cold but uncrowded)
Daily budget$40 (backpacker) / $100 (mid-range) / $250+ (luxury)
CurrencyCNY (¥) — Alipay/WeChat Pay universal
LanguageMandarin (Shanxi dialect; English limited outside hotels)
Time zoneChina Standard Time (UTC+8)
Last updated2026-06-10

How do I get to Datong from Beijing?

High-speed rail from Beijing North Station to Datong South Station takes 1.5-2 hours, with 20+ daily trains at ¥150-200 second-class. The train station is 5km from the Old Town — taxi ¥20. Driving is 4 hours (350km) via the G6 expressway. Flights into Datong Yungang Airport (DAT) are limited and rarely cost-effective from Beijing.

Should I visit the Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes together?

Yes — they are both accessible from Datong. The Hanging Temple is 65km south, the Yungang Grottoes are 16km west. Most visitors do a 1-day tour combining both (¥300-500 per person including transport and guide). Independent travelers can hire a private car for ¥600-800 per day. Allow 8-10 hours for both sites.

What is the best time to visit the Hanging Temple?

The Hanging Temple is open year-round. April-October has the best weather; winter visits are possible but the cliff can be icy (the temple is closed in severe weather). Go early (8-9 AM) to avoid tour group crowds. The temple is small (40 minutes to visit), but the photography is the highlight. The 1.5-hour visit time is mostly the climb up the cliff and waiting in line.

Is Datong worth visiting in winter?

Yes — Datong is one of the better winter destinations in China. Temperatures are cold (-10°C to 0°C) but not as cold as Harbin, and the city has unique winter charm. The Yungang Grottoes look stunning with light snow. The Hanging Temple is open most winter days. Hotels are cheap. Just bring serious winter gear.

What is the best Datong food?

Shanxi cuisine, like the rest of the province, is noodle- and vinegar-focused. Must-try in Datong: knife-cut noodles (刀削面, the city's signature), Youmian Kaolaolao (oat noodles, served with mushroom sauce), Datong hot pot (铜锅涮肉, copper pot with hand-sliced lamb), and various Shanxi vinegar-based dishes. Try Fenglinge (凤临阁) for traditional Datong cuisine in a courtyard setting.

Top attractions

Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟)

UNESCO site with 51,000 Buddhist statues carved 460-525 AD. 16km west of Datong. ¥120. Allow 3 hours.

Hanging Temple (悬空寺)

1,500-year-old monastery built into a cliff face, 65m above the ground. 65km from Datong. ¥115. Allow 1.5 hours.

Nine-Dragon Wall (九龙壁)

Ming-dynasty glazed tile wall, the largest of three surviving Nine-Dragon Walls in China. ¥10. In central Datong.

Huayan Temple (华严寺)

Liao-dynasty Buddhist temple with original wood carvings and Buddhist statues. ¥50.

Datong City Wall (大同城墙)

Ming-dynasty wall reconstructed 2014, with 7km of walking/cycling on top. ¥0 entry. Beautiful at night.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I stay in Datong?
2-3 days. Day 1: Yungang Grottoes + Nine-Dragon Wall. Day 2: Hanging Temple + Ying County Wooden Pagoda (the world's tallest wooden pagoda, 67.5m). Day 3: Huayan Temple + City Wall walk. Add 1 day for the Datong Volcanic Field (a 2-hour drive east).
Can I do a day trip from Beijing?
Possible but exhausting — 1.5-2 hours each way, leaving 4-5 hours for sightseeing. Better to stay 1-2 nights. The early-morning G-train from Beijing to Datong makes a 1-day visit feasible if you skip the Hanging Temple.
Do I need a guide for the Yungang Grottoes?
Yes — the grottoes are extensive (252 caves) and the historical/Buddhist context is critical. The most famous caves (Caves 5, 6, 16, 20) have unique features you will miss without a guide. Official guides are ¥100-200 per visit. Audio guides are available in English for ¥30.
How is Datong different from Luoyang?
Datong and Luoyang are both ancient capitals with Buddhist grottoes, but: Datong is smaller, less touristy, and has the volcanic landscape. Luoyang has the peony festival and is closer to Shaolin. Yungang (Datong) has more Northern Wei-era statues; Longmen (Luoyang) has Tang-dynasty refinement. If you have to choose, Datong is more off-the-beaten-path.
Is Datong safe?
Yes — Datong is very safe. Crime against tourists is rare. The main concerns: winter cold (carry serious cold-weather gear), summer dust, and the occasional pickpocket at the Hanging Temple parking lot. Use DiDi for transport.

References

  1. UNESCO: Yungang Grottoes
  2. Datong Tourism (official)
  3. China Travel: Datong guide

Written by

NihaoVisit Editorial Team

Travel research team · Regular policy and price audits

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