How to Plan a Trip to Datong: Best Attractions, Transport, Tips & Itineraries

Written by Natalia | Updated December 09,2025

In Shanxi province, there lives a quiet but lively city, Datong. Even though you may have never heard of its name, its incredible cultural heritage is now attracting more and more foreign visitors these years. This old city, with thousands of years of memories, vividly brings history alive in its streets, buildings, temples, or even its air. Time seems to be frozen here, stories travel through countless days and finally reach to people living in the present and the future, and this is the ultimate charm of Datong. If you want to explore some of the finest Buddhist arts and the greatest beauty of ancient architectures, then you should pay a visit to this town.

To better explore all the highlights of Datong’s attractions, this article can tell you every practical tip you may need when planning a trip to Datong, and that will include details about what to see, when to go, how to reach each site etc. And now, keep reading, as we’re now embarking on a wonderful journey through this incredible place.

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• Top attractions in Datong
• Datong Weather & Best Time to Visit Datong
• How to Get to Datong
• How to Get Around Datong
• Where to Stay in Datong
• What to Eat in Datong
• What Souvenirs to Buy in Datong — Suggestions & Caveats
• How Many Days to Plan for a Datong Trip / Sample Itinerary
• Key Travel Tips for Datong
• FAQs on Planning a Trip to Datong
• Discover the Wonders of Datong with China Xian Tour

Top attractions in Datong

When visiting Datong, you would be amazed by main attractions like monumental Buddhist cave art, cliff-hanging temples, historic urban relics and more. History and culture will be greatly involved in your exploration of these sites, and here we have prepared some of the most rewarding options for you.

Yungang Grottoes

• Location:about 16–25 km west of Datong.At the foot of Wuzhou (Wuzhoushan) / Shi Li River valley.
• How to get there:by public bus (tourist shuttle from the city)/ taxi or private transfer (30–50 minutes).
• Ticket price: typically ¥120–¥150 in peak season
• Time needed:2–4 hours for the main cave groups and museum. A fuller visit can take 4–5 hours.

Yungang Grottoes is a cave complex of cliff-carved Buddhas, and its history can even be traced back to the Northern Wei (5th–6th centuries). The site’s monumental central caves (e.g., the Tan Yao group and Caves 5–6) contain the most famous large Buddhas, and to fully appreciate their grandeur, visitors typically pair a museum visit with a walk through the main grotto groups. This would allow you to grasp the historical context and artistic development. Come here during the morning or late-afternoon, the soft but colorful light is best for photography, and crowds can also be less bothersome. >> See how to get to Yungang Grottoes

Hanging Temple (on Mount Hengshan)

• Location: the west cliff of a gorge on Mount Hengshan, Hunyuan County
• How to Get There: by car or taxi (1.5 hours from Datong downtown). 2. coach/bus (journey ~ 1.5–2 hours), then a short taxi trip from the bus station to the temple entrance.
• Ticket Price: ~ ¥15 (low-season, for viewing from below). If you want to climb up and walk inside the temple, then you would need to buy the ticket which costs ~¥100.
• Time Needed: 5–2 hours

The Hanging Temple is perched against a sheer cliff on Mount Hengshan, and this really presents an incredible look. Indeed, it is said to be among China’s most dramatic and remarkable architectural wonders. This dream-like construction has been sitting here for over 1,500 years, even gravity could not draw it down from the rock surfaces. However, its uniqueness lies not only in its dangerous-looking cliff-side design but also in its religious inclusiveness: this temple is the only surviving structure in China that combines worship of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism under one roof. Walking its narrow and wooden walkways, visitors can sense the ancient builders’ ingenuity.

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Tour of Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery

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Mount Hengshan (Northern Hengshan, near Datong)

• Location: Hunyuan County, about 65 km southeast of Datong city center
• How to Get There: take a car or taxi (approx. 1.5 hours from Datong downtown).
• Ticket Price:~¥60–80 per adult.
• Time Needed:Half-day to full-day

China has “Five Sacred Mountains” and Mount Hengshan (恒山) is one of them. It is renowned for both its natural beauty and historical heritage. So that visitors will always find it fulfilling no matter whether they are coming to hike along its scenic paths or explore ancient temples. And this also means you’ll get to enjoy a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration.

Many Other Cultural Sites in Datong

• Datong City Wall: The ancient city wall is one of the best places to catchthe city’s historic layout and past defenses. If you have time, take a stroll along it, and you’ll get to travel to the old Datong.
• Nine–Dragon Screen: This glazed screen wall (5 meters long, 8 meters high) was built in the early Ming Dynasty in front of a prince’s mansion.And this is the oldest and largest Nine–Dragon Screen which still exists in China. The highlights of this screen are the vivid dragons and exquisite glazed-tile craftsmanship, and with them, the screen then becomes a must-see for art and architecture lovers.
• Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: Constructed in 1056, the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is the oldest and tallest fully wooden pagoda in the world. It’s quite surprising to see architecture built without nails but still stand steadily for almost a thousand years. Its use of ingenious mortise-and-tenon joinery has made it able to withstand centuries of earthquakes and upheaval.
• Shanhua Temple: This temple’s stories began inTang Dynasty (with later rebuilding), and it contains ancient halls and historic Buddhist statues. If you can have a visit to it, you may get a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of Datong’s long-standing religious heritage and the continuity of its sacred architecture.
• Huayan Monastery: As the largest and best-preserved monastery from the Liao Dynasty, Huayan Monastery is known for its Lower Sutra Hall and Upper Buddha Hall. These two halls are filled with Ming- and Liao-era Buddhist statues and frescoes.

Related Readings: Top Things to Do in Datong

Datong Weather & Best Time to Visit Datong

Datong has a continental monsoon/steppe-influenced climate, and this means people can feel the sharp and distinct difference between four seasons, and there would often be large temperature swings between day and night.

In spring, the weather will gradually become warm, but unlike many other places, there will still be wind and dust. And they can more or less affect your travel experience. Summer is not so fierce but feels mild to warm. However, it also sees the rainiest season. Autumn is widely liked for its clear skies and comfortable temperatures, while winter can be so long, cold and dry (often well below freezing).

Overall, the best time to visit Datong is April to October. The most recommended months are May, June, September, and October. In these periods, the weather is comfortable and skies are clearer, which provides the best conditions for you to enjoy the amazing outdoor explorations

How to Get to Datong

Datong is located in northern Shanxi Province. As a historically rich city that is also known for major cultural heritage and scenic sites, you can easily reach here via all sorts of transportation: air, rail or road, whichever you like from other hubs.

By Flight

• Datong’s airport is Datong Yungang Airportand it’s located about 15 km from the downtown area.
• You can take the shuttle-bus (Express Bus 605 / 605 快速公交)or taxi to travel from the airport the city centre. And if you want to take the taxi, then the fare would roughly be about ¥80–100.
• Some domestic cities have direct flights to Datong, though availability may vary by season.So it’s better to book early.

By Train (High-Speed Rail or Regular)

• Datongactually has 11 train stations (which serve high-speed train routes). And the main hub is Datong South Railway Station (大同南站), located just about 10 km from the city center.
• If you want to travel to Datong from other cities, for example, Beijing, thenyou can take a high-speed (“G” / “D”) train from Beijing North Railway Station or Qinghe Railway Station to Datong South. This journey typically takes around 2–2.5 hours (second class ¥170, first class ¥270).
• However, you can also take slower regular trains, which normally arrive atthe older Datong Railway Station (大同站). And this station is nearer to downtown (about 7 km from the center).

By Car / Road

• Driving to Datong is also possible, usually from major nearby cities. If driving from Beijing, you’ll have to travelroughly 330–340 km, which takes about 5 hours by car.
• Driving or hiring a car (self-drive or with a driver) offersmore flexibility that the other two options cannot match. It is especially useful if you plan to visit more remote sites around Datong, or prefer to travel on your own schedule and pace (you can stop and start whenever and wherever you want).

How to Get Around Datong

Bus

Datong city bus system covers most of the city and even major nearby attractions. For example, you can take Bus No. 3 (or in some cases transfer via Bus 4 + 3) to reach Yungang Grottoes. This option is really suitable for budget travelers as it only costs about ¥1–2 to travel within the city.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

Taxis are everywhere, and ride-hailing apps (like DiDi) also work so well. As a result, taxis or app-based rides are often recognized as a convenient, flexible option. And if you take taxi, expect the base fare to start at ¥7 for the first 3 km and beyond that, it costs about ¥1.6 per km in daytime. Nighttime rates increase slightly.

Private Transfer or Booking a Tour

For visitors planning to visit remote or multiple attractions in a short period (like one day to travel through Grottoes + Hanging Temple + the countryside), private transfer or guided tour can be most suitable for you as this can simplify logistics significantly. And since not all the remote attractions can be connected by a single direct bus, guided tour can provide you with the best convenience and experience. You can always negotiate with the driver or guide about where you want to or how much time you want to spend in one place. And for those who are worried about language barriers, this is also the best for you.

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Where to Stay in Datong

You can find all kinds of accommodations in Datong. People looking for either modern hotels or traditional guesthouses can all find a place that suits their preference and budget.

For most visitors, the downtown / ancient-city area (within or near the restored city wall) is the best answer to this question. This area provides the greatest convenience for everything. Sightseeing, dining or transportation, no matter what you’re focusing on, staying here can certainly make your tour smoother. While major historic landmarks, night markets and local streets are all nearby, you’ll also find the most diverse types of accommodations here.

Another practical area is near Datong Railway Station or Datong South High-Speed Station. You’ll see several modern hotels are located here. For those who have early trains or a short stay, this area is better.

What to Eat in Datong

• Datong Knife–Shaved Noodles (Dao Xiao Mian) — This is a quite traditional Chinese noodle. It’s thick, willow-leaf–shaped andcarved directly from dough. Eventually, it’ll be served in a rich broth or savory sauc You may be surprised about how chewy and satisfying it is, and it’s one of Datong’s most iconic dishes.
• Hunyuan Jelly (Hunyuan Liangfen / potato jelly) — A cool, translucent jelly made from potato starch. Don’t make it wrong, it’s not any kind of dessert, instead, it’soften dressed in vinegar, chili oil, scallions and spices, and such a special taste has made it refreshing and popular especially in hot weather.
• Datong Lamb Offal Soup (Yang Za Tang / Yangza Soup) — A hearty, warming soup made with lamb offal and glass-vermicelli, often spiced and served steaming. If you’re traveling incolder seasons or you have just finished a day of sightseeing, having a cup of this soup can help you get energetic and relive some tiredness.
• Datong Yellow Cake (Huang Gao)— A traditional sweet or snack made from millet (or local grains), and it tastes mildly sweet and chewy. You can have it as a nice complement to savory meals or a treat with tea.
• Youmian Wowo / Oat-Based Noodles— This type of noodle is also special. It’s made from hulless oats (or oat-related flour), and sometimes it is served with simple sauce or with vegetables/mea

What Souvenirs to Buy in Datong — Suggestions & Caveats

While walking around this town, you can find a lot of crafts and gifts that can reflect the city’s culture and heritage.

• Handmade dolls or textiles inspired by Buddhist/grotto art. These small figures or dolls often depicttraditional opera characters or figures inspired by local grotto art. They can be really nice souvenirs as they are lightweight and culturally meaningful.
• Datong egg carvings.This can be an incredibly unique gift as they are hollow eggshells intricately carved and painted with traditional motifs. They are beautiful as decorative keepsakes.
• Folk-art figurines,clay or dough sculptures, and small handicrafts are all good choices. Local artisans may create decorative pieces in clay, dough, or ceramic, and each one tells a part of northern China’s historic town craft traditions.
• Local snacks or specialty foodsare some really special but traditional and representative souvenirs. Packaged grains, baked goods, or preserved foods are all good.

Where to Shop in Datong

• Daxi Street (near Huayan Temple). People always describe it as Datong’s oldest and busiest shopping district. Here you can basically buy all the souvenirs listed above.
• Xinjian West Road.This road includes sections known as “Big East Street” and “Big South Street.” It is another common shopping thoroughfare where you’ll find all kinds of things.
• Smaller craft-shops, local markets and specialized stores such as the Datong Art Sculpture Center. These might be the best places to buyhandcrafted items like dough figurines, carved souvenirs or decorative arts.

How Many Days to Plan for a Datong Trip / Sample Itinerary

Recommended Length

You may want to spend around 2 days in Datong just like most travelers would do. This is enough for you to see some highlights and have a brief insight into this city at a rather relaxing pace. However, if you are pressed for time, 1 day can also work, but this frame will require you to take make a rather packed arrangement and only a few key sites can be visited. To have an even more relaxing and in-depth visit, a 3-day trip won’t let you down.

Sample 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

• Morning → Visit Yungang Grottoes.
• Afternoon → Explore the old city / historic centre: stroll the city wall, visit local temples, enjoy local food, or take a short night-market walk.

Day 2

• Morning → Head to Hanging Temple or nearby mountains/temples.
• Afternoon → Continue exploring the old town or nearby cultural sites, visit small museums or markets, shop for souvenirs, enjoy local food, and prepare for departure (train/flight).

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Key Travel Tips for Datong

• Book tickets in advance. Well, since Datong has become more and more famous these years, attractionslike Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple often require real-name ticket booking ahead of time. And be aware that tickets can be sold out quite soon, especially around holidays.
• Bring some cash and small bills. Even though WeChat pay and Alipay can be used everywhere, still be prepared that some public transportlike rural-area buses may not always accept credit cards or apps. As a result, cash is quite useful in this situation.
• Plan enough time for travel between sights. Many key attractions (grottoes, temples, hills) are scattered outsidethe city center, a tight schedule (like a 1-day tour) may feel rushed.
• Respect local customs & sites: When visiting temples, grottoes or historic sites. pleasedress modestly, speak quietly, and follow any posted rules (especially about photography or behaviour).

FAQs on Planning a Trip to Datong

Is Datong worth visiting?

Yes. Datong offers a rich mix of history and culture plus affordability. If you want to explore China’s profound culture without traveling with the crowds, then this can be one of the most rewarding destinations.

Is Datong good for a day trip from Beijing?

It’s possible but you may feel rushed. High-speed trains from Beijing to Datong take about 2–2.5 hours, and you can use the rest of the time to explore the city. However, major attractions like Yungang Grottoes or Hanging Temple are spread out, it’s better to more carefully plan your Datong trip and see which site you want to focus on.

Is the Hanging Temple safe?

Generally yes, but still there are some caution advised. Paths and stairways here are narrow/steep (unavoidable), so visitors should be wearing non-slip shoes and take their steps carefully. If you’re afraid of heights, it also might be uncomfortable while visiting.

Is Datong suitable for families?

Yes. You can take your families to visit a lot of sites: museums, grottoes, ancient-city areas, gentle temples. The city is affordable and safe, and you can easily discover a mix of culture and history here, which are educational for both adults and kids. But if you want to see attractions like Hanging Temple, care is needed (narrow stairs, heights), and supervision of children is wise.

Is it easy to get around Datong?

Not always straightforward. There is no metro in this city, which means you may more often take public buses to travel to many parts of the city. And sometimes take a taxi/private car is necessary. If you want convenience, chartered cars or guided tours are recommended.

Discover the Wonders of Datong with China Xian Tour

If you want to go deeper into China’s impressive cultural and historical heritage, then Datong is surely a place you should come and meet. It has the magic of freezing time that the stories began thousands years ago is still living in Datong’s incredible attractions. While planning a trip to this city can be harder than planning one to Beijing or Shanghai, China Xian Tour is here ready to provide you with the best Datong tour. Our travel experts will give you customized itinerary to fulfill all your expectation about this city (where you want to go, what you want to see), and they are promised to be available 24/7 to solve all your questions. While the every detail is taken care of by us along the way, your Datong exploration is definitely going to be smooth and unforgettable.