Written by Veronica |
Being a city included on the List of Famous Historical and Cultural Cities in China, Datong is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It is located in the northern Shanxi Province in China and has become a popular destination that attracts tourists from home and abroad. If you are planning a trip to Dantong, here are the top 10 things to do in Datong for your reference.
1. Visit Yungang Grottoes
As one of the great grottoes in China, Yungang Grottoes is famous for its exquisite carvings and excellent rock architecture. The excavation of Yungang Crottoes spans over 150 years, and it remains 45 caves and over 59,000 Buddhist sculptures and statues. Yungang Grottoes is regarded as a masterpiece of Chinese Buddhist cave art, and it is a must-visit place on your Datong tours.
2. Find out the mystery of the Hanging Temple
Hanging Temple is a unique temple in China that combines Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism into one. It is an old temple that has existed for over 1500 years. The architecture of this temple is highly distinctive; itās arduous, as if on the brink of a deep gulf. As its name suggests, it is a temple hanging on a cliff, from which you can have a great view of the city.
3. Admire the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
If you want to know what to do in Datong, consider visiting Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. It is one of the oldest wooden pagodas in China that features exquisite carvings. In this pagoda, there are inscriptions by famous writers in Chinese history. Besides, the 260-meter mural painted on the wall is also an amazing work of art. Walking into the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and diving into the historic and artistic atmosphere will be a unique experience on yourĀ tour of Datong.
4. Walk on Datong Ancient City Wall
It is a good way to get closer to the cityās history by walking on the Datong Ancient City Wall as it has witnessed the past and development of the city throughout centuries. The city wall played an important role in ancient times, and it is now one of the city walls well-preserved in China. Walking on the city wall, you will understand its significant position when stepping on the blue bricks. Stand on the watchtower, look far into the distance, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of this city.
5. Try Local Cuisine
Tasting the local cuisine is also among theĀ top things to Do in Datong. Like other cities in northwest China, Datong is famous for a wide range of noodles, such as knife-cut noodles, pea noodles, cold noodles, Cat’s Ear Noodles, and more. Besides, there are a variety of other delectable foods, including cooked chopped entrails of sheep, Yellow Cake, Datong Yogurt, etc. Discover foods in this city to satisfy your taste and appetite.
6. Learn Ancient Buddhism in the Huayan Temple
Huayan Temple is a Buddhist temple built in the Liao Dynasty in ancient China and is one of the old temples maintained in good condition. It has collected various cultural heritages, including architecture in the Liao and Jin Dynasties, wooden pavilions, painted sculptures, and murals. These also contribute to its important position in the study of Chinese architecture, religion, and arts. It is a good place for you to learn more about ancient Buddhism on your tour of Datong.
7. Enjoy the natural scenery of Mt. Hengshan
Climbing Mount Hengshan is also among the top things to do in Datong. Regarded as one of the Five Sacred Mountains in China, Mount Hengshan is a great tourist attraction that harbors many temples, pavilions, huge caves, and more. Make your way to explore the wind trails, breathe the fresh air in the forests, and take a rest at the temples. After two hours of climbing, youāll be at the top of the mountain and have a panoramic view of the splendid scenery.
8.Ā Uncover the History and Culture at Datong Museum
Datong is a city with a deep history and culture, and you can discover more at Datong Museum. It has collected 170,000 cultural relics, among which over 3,000 are valuable ones. There exhibits relics of the Wei Dynasty, Liao Dynasty, and Ming and Qing Dynasties, displaying the cultural fusion progress and economic development of this city in the past. Besides, there are exhibitions of valuable porcelains, calligraphy, paintings, and Buddhist sculptures. By visiting this museum, you will know more about this city on your travel to Datong.
9.Ā Embark on the Drum Tower
Built in the Ming dynasty, the Drum Tower in Datong is also a must-see attractionĀ on your DatongĀ Travel. ItĀ hasĀ three floors,Ā and you can go upstairs and lean against the railings, overlooking the bustling streets of the city. There is a huge drum on the topĀ floor of the tower, which wasĀ used to remind people of the time in the evening.
10.Ā Visit the Yanmenguan Pass
Yanmenguan Pass is one of the three significant outer passes of the Great Wall, along with Ningwuguan Pass and Pianguan Pass. On account of its strategic location, Yanmenguan Pass was a place of vital importance and used to be a battlefield for many ancient wars. Visit Yanmenguan Pass to explore the history of ancient Datong.
The above-mentioned are the top things to do in Datong. This city not only offers a great view of nature but also a variety of historic sites and cultural attractions. By the way, donāt forget to taste delicious local cuisine.
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