Datong

Datong has a noticeable temperature difference between day and night, so it is a good idea to carry a light jacket.

Datong is rich in historical sites. The Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, ancient city architecture, and Jinbei-style cuisine each have their own appeal. Allowing about three days makes it possible to explore at a comfortable pace.

• Yungang Grottoes: A group of grottoes excavated by the Northern Wei imperial family, extending for about 1 km along the mountainside. The open-air Buddha in Cave 20 and the music grotto in Cave 12 are highlights. Hiring a guide or joining a group tour makes it easier to understand the art and history behind the sculptures.

• Hanging Temple: This ancient temple is built against a sheer cliff, with architecture that is both practical and visually striking. Entry to the elevated sections must be reserved in advance. Standing on the wooden walkways lets you see up close how the buildings cling to the cliff, while the overall view can also be admired from farther away.

• Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: One of the oldest surviving tower-style buildings made entirely of wood. The structure was built without nails or mortises and has survived for more than a thousand years. Visitors currently cannot climb the tower, but observing its structure and height from below is still impressive.

• Datong Ancient City: The city walls were first built during the Ming dynasty under Xu Da and have a perimeter of about 7.2 km. Once the lights come on at night, it is pleasant to stroll around. You can also rent an electric vehicle or shared bicycle to circle the walls, passing Huayan Temple, the Nine-Dragon Wall, and Dai Prince's Mansion along the way.

• Huayan Temple: A royal temple from the Liao and Jin periods. The Tooth-Baring Bodhisattva with Folded Hands and the heavenly palace towers in the Bojia Sutra Repository Hall are especially distinctive. Visit before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. for relatively softer light.

• Datong City Museum: A national first-class museum. Admission is free, but reservations are required. The exhibits trace Datong's development from the Northern Wei through the Ming and Qing dynasties, helping visitors understand the local ancient architecture and grotto art.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival and First Look at the Ancient City
  • Check in after arriving in Datong in the afternoon.
  • Have knife-cut noodles around the ancient city at noon.
  • Visit Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple in the afternoon to learn about Liao and Jin architectural styles.
  • Climb the ancient city wall at dusk to watch the sunset, then have dinner and explore the night view in the Dongnan Yi Historical and Cultural District.
• Day 2: The Grottoes and Ancient Buildings Outside the City
  • Head to the Yungang Grottoes at 8:30 a.m. It is recommended to arrange a guide or join a group tour; allow about three hours.
  • Return to the city at noon to rest or eat.
  • Visit the Datong City Museum in the afternoon. It is closed on Mondays, so check the opening schedule in advance.
  • For dinner, choose copper hot pot or shaomai in the ancient city.
• Day 3: The Dramatic Hanging Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
  • Leave the city early for the Hanging Temple, a journey of about 1.5–2 hours. The morning usually offers better light and fewer visitors.
  • Have local liangfen in Hunyuan County at noon.
  • Visit the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and Jingtu Temple in the afternoon to see the golden-era heavenly palace caisson ceiling.
  • Return to Datong in the evening and prepare for your onward journey.

Local Specialties to Try

Food in Datong is generally affordable and has a distinct Jinbei flavor. Consider the following restaurants and dishes:

• Xijindao: A popular local knife-cut noodle restaurant. The minced-meat noodles are smooth and chewy, and taste even better with vinegar. It gets crowded during holidays, so avoid peak times or choose a branch outside the ancient city.

• Longjuxiang: Specializing in local dishes. The sweet-and-sour pork is crisp outside and tender inside, the yellow rice cold cake is mildly sweet, and the shaomai is also distinctive. It is best to get a number online in advance.

• Kaige Restaurant: An affordable local restaurant. The wind-sand chicken has crisp skin and juicy meat, while the fried pork is relatively light in flavor. It stays open late.

• Zini 369 Whole-Grain Season: Focused on whole-grain dishes. The sand scallion oil-poured youmian is particularly distinctive, while the old Datong-style fried pork and sea-buckthorn juice help balance the richness.

• Garden Hotel: Offers a broad selection of dishes. The walnut cake, braised pork, and lion's head meatballs are all popular, making it suitable for family dining.

• Little Daughter-in-Law Liangfen: A good place to try when visiting Hunyuan County. The local liangfen is pleasantly chewy, with chili sauce and vinegar in a well-balanced dressing, and it also comes with fried broad beans.

Accommodation and Transportation Guide

• Where to stay: Consider the area around Qingyuan Gate and Heyang Gate outside the ancient city, or the Bai盛 and Dongxin commercial areas in Yuxi. Getting around is convenient inside the ancient city, but it can be crowded in peak season and parking is difficult; some guesthouses have mediocre soundproofing. The Yudong New District, around Wanda Plaza, has newer facilities, but takes longer to reach the ancient city.
• Getting there: High-speed trains arrive at Datong South Railway Station, where taxis are readily available. Flights arrive at Datong Yungang Airport.
• Getting around the city: Datong currently has no subway, so taxis and direct buses to attractions are the main options. Take a taxi or Bus 3 to the Yungang Grottoes. For attractions outside the city, such as the Hanging Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, take a direct tourist bus from the ancient city's East or West Gate, or hire a car. A one-day charter usually costs about CNY 300–400.

Practical Tips

• Ticket reservations: The Yungang Grottoes require online reservations one day in advance. If no tickets remain online that day, only emergency tickets can be bought on site. Tickets for entering the Hanging Temple are limited, and in peak season they usually need to be reserved through the mini program seven days in advance.
• Weather and clothing: Datong has noticeable day-night temperature differences in every season, so bring a light jacket. Autumn and winter can be windy and dry; consider carrying face cream, body lotion, and a hydrating sheet mask.
• Best times for photography: Huayan Temple and the Hanging Temple face east, so morning light is more suitable. At the Yungang Grottoes, afternoon sunlight can enter the caves and create clearer layers; visitor numbers are usually lower near closing time.
• Ticket safety: If anyone in the ancient city claims they can guide you or provide internal tickets, refuse directly. Buy tickets for all attractions through official channels.