Discover Datong's rich history and breathtaking ancient buildings with expertly guided tours, showcasing centuries of artistry and engineering.
Datong, a city steeped in history in China's Shanxi Province, is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by ancient architecture. Once a vital frontier city, its strategic importance has left behind a legacy of monumental structures that stand testament to imperial ambition and artistic innovation. From intricately carved Buddhist grottoes to formidable defensive fortresses, Datong's architectural marvels offer a profound glimpse into China's past. These tours are designed to immerse visitors in the grandeur of Datong's heritage. Imagine standing before the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where thousands of Buddha statues carved into sandstone cliffs have witnessed over 1,500 years of history. Or picture yourself exploring the wooden towers and pagodas that have defied time and earthquakes. Datong's architectural wonders are not just static relics; they are vibrant storytellers, each stone and carving whispering tales of dynasties, religions, and the enduring spirit of human creation.
Discover our top picks for datong architectural marvels in Datong

Meet guide in the hotel lobby in Datong or Datong train station, you will visit Yuangang Grottoes and Hanging temple,after tour drop to hotel in Datong. it was carved out of a mountain side and about 1 km in width, is one of the four famous treasure troves of Chinese grotto art The grotto area was excavated along the mountain, imposingly stretching 1 kilometer with rich contents. Covering over 18,000 square meters engraving area, there are existing 45 main caves, 209 subsidiary caves, more than 1,100 niches, and more than 51,000 stone statues, among which the largest statue measures 17 meters and the smallest only 2 centimeters. Hanging temple bulit on the cliff, it is the national key cultural unit, which is unique as it includes Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. The temple was constructed in the Northern Wei Dynasty (AD 386-534) with a history of 1500 years. The Hanging Temple was selected as one of "The Top 10 Unique and Precipitous Architectures" by Times magazine in 2010.

Join this private day tour to explore two spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Datong:Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple. Yungang represent the successful fusion of Buddhist religious symbolic art from south and central Asian with Chinese cultural traditions. While the 1400 years Hanging Temple is an architectural wonder because it hangs on the cliff more than 50 meters above the ground. This private tour includes lunch, entrance fee, an English-speaking guide and transport by private vehicle. Tour can start from your Datong hotel's lobby or Datong railway station.

Visit highlights of Shanxi including Datong and Pingyao with this 4 days private tour from Datong. You will be picked up at Datong hotel/train station and dropped off Pingyao hotel/Train station.

You cannot imagine until you stand gazing up at them how awe inspiring are the statues and stone-cut architecture of the Yungang Grottos. Over 50 thousand Buddhas in 252 man-made caves punctuate the cliff of Wuzhou Mountain.The statues range in size from tiny Buddhas smaller than an inch, arrayed like tiles in the sandstone, to great carvings 55 feet high (17 meters). UNESCO made this a World Heritage Site in 2001, describing it as “a classical masterpiece of Chinese Buddhist art.” Half a century in the making, involving tens of thousands of workers, this temple like the great cathedrals of Europe is a testament for the ages. It can not but raise our gaze. Your private English-speaking guide will explain it all in detail. This marvel is our destination. But first a more modern adventure: We'll shoot from the city for a roughly two-hour ride on the Beijing-Datong bullet train. From sleek steel to ancient stone – pretty amazing contrast in this day to remember for a lifetime.

Visit highlights of Shanxi including Datong and Pingyao with this 3 days private tour from Datong. You will be picked up at Datong hotel/train station and dropped off Pingyao hotel/Train station.

Visit highlights of Shanxi including Pingyao and Datong with this 3 days private tour from Pingyao. You will be picked up at Pingyao hotel/train station and dropped off Datong hotel/Train station.

Visit highlights of Shanxi including Pingyao and Datong with this 4 days private tour from Pingyao. You will be picked up at Pingyao hotel/train station and dropped off Datong hotel/Train station.

On this four-day private guided tour from Beijing, see wondrous ancient Chinese architecture in and around the towns of Pingyao and Datong. Learn about the historical and cultural elements of Pingyao’s important sites, including the Rishengchang Exchange House and the old city wall. Explore the Wang Family Courtyard, a mansion with lavish classic architecture, and discover the secrets of the Hanging Temple. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Yungang Grottoes. Throughout your tour, hear interesting facts and tidbits about China’s ancient heritage and the significance of these sites from your expert guide.

Spend full day with accompany of professional tour guide and private transfer to explore the historical relics in Datong. On this guided tour, you will visit one of the four most famous grottoes in China - Yungang Grottoes, and explore the peculiar wood-structured Hanging Monastery on the cliff at the foot of Mt. Hengshan.

Visit highlights of China including the Shanghai,Chengdu,Luoyang,Xi'an,Pingyao,Datong and Beijing with this private 13 days tour from Shanghai. You will be picked up from Your Shanghai hotel and dropped off at Beijing.

Visit highlights of China including the Beijing,Datong,Pingyao,Xi'an,Luoyang,Chengdu and Guilin with this private 13 days tour from Beijing. You will be picked up from Your Beijing hotel and dropped off at Guilin.
Datong's sites offer direct encounters with centuries of Chinese history, art, and religious devotion.
Witness unique and awe-inspiring structures, from colossal Buddhist carvings to gravity-defying monasteries.
Guided tours provide context and understanding that goes beyond what can be seen at a glance.
Capture stunning images of ancient craftsmanship against dramatic natural backdrops.
Visit sites recognized globally for their outstanding universal value and historical significance.
Gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and religious influences that shaped these incredible structures.
These tours center on the magnificent Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the colossal Buddha statues carved directly into the cliffs, marveling at the intricate details and the sheer scale of this ancient Buddhist art.
Comprehensive day tours that combine visits to key Datong architectural sites. Typically includes the Yungang Grottoes and may extend to other significant locations like the Nine-Dragon Screen or the Hanging Monastery.
These tours are dedicated to reaching and exploring the precarious Hanging Monastery (Xuankong Temple), a stunning architectural feat built into a cliff face. It offers a unique perspective on ancient engineering and spiritual dedication.
For a more personalized experience, private tours allow you to tailor your itinerary to your specific interests. These can be focused on particular architectural periods or include less common, but equally fascinating, local historical sites.
Most tours range from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the number of sites visited and travel time between them. Some full-day itineraries can extend up to 8-10 hours.
Datong experiences distinct seasons. Summers (June-August) are warm, while winters (December-February) are very cold. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures. Be prepared for varying conditions, especially if visiting outdoor sites.
Tours vary from small, intimate groups of 4-6 people to larger coach tours of 20-30 travelers. Private tours offer exclusivity with just your party.
Typically includes guided commentary, entrance fees to main attractions (like Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery), and sometimes transportation within Datong. Lunch is often included in full-day tours.
Most tours have designated meeting points in Datong city, often at major hotels or tourist information centers. Pickup from your hotel may be offered for certain tour types.
Personal expenses, souvenirs, and some meals or snacks not specified in the itinerary will incur additional costs. Tips for guides and drivers are customary but not always included.
Book Yungang Grottoes tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to save time.
Wear comfortable walking shoes; you'll be doing a lot of exploring, often on uneven terrain.
Carry water and snacks, particularly when visiting more remote sites like the Hanging Monastery, where amenities can be limited.
Dress in layers. The weather can change, and some indoor sites may have different temperature controls.
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases; while guides will speak English, local interactions can be enhanced.
Consider visiting the Yungang Grottoes in the morning to avoid the largest crowds and the midday heat.
If you plan to visit the Hanging Monastery, be aware of the physical aspect; there are many stairs involved.
Check the operating hours for each site, as they can vary seasonally and may differ from your tour's scheduled time.
A: The two most iconic architectural marvels are undoubtedly the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Monastery. The grottoes are a breathtaking UNESCO site with thousands of Buddha statues carved into cliffs, while the Hanging Monastery is an engineering marvel clinging to a mountainside. Many tours focus on these two.
A: Yes, some comprehensive Datong tours include visits to or views of the impressively restored Ming Dynasty city walls. These often focus on the grandeur of the fortifications that once protected the city.
A: The Hanging Monastery involves climbing many stairs and walking on narrow, suspended wooden walkways. It requires a reasonable level of fitness. Tours of the Yungang Grottoes are generally less strenuous, involving walking on paved paths within the site.
A: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are generally considered the best times. The weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring outdoor sites like the grottoes and the monastery without extreme heat or cold.
A: Absolutely. Many tour operators offer private and customizable options. This allows you to focus on specific architectural interests, spend more time at your favorite sites, or include less-visited historical spots.
A: For most standard tours covering major sites like the Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery, entrance fees are usually included. Always check the specific tour details to confirm what is covered in the price.
A: Transportation varies. Smaller group tours might use vans or minibuses, while larger tours often use coaches. Private tours will provide a dedicated vehicle, typically a car or SUV for smaller parties.
A: Tours focusing on the Yungang Grottoes are generally suitable, though young children might tire from extended walking. The Hanging Monastery's strenuous climb might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Always review tour details and consider your family's stamina.
Discover ancient Buddhist art carved into sandstone cliffs, a UNESCO gem near Datong.
Explore the spiritual heart of Yungang Grottoes, an unparalleled historical marvel.
Experience the Yellow River's cultural cradle and Shanxi's rich heritage in Datong.
Uncover centuries of history at the magnificent Hanging Temple, a true architectural feat.
Savor hearty Shanxi cuisine and witness traditional opera performances unique to Datong.
Journey into China's past and marvel at its enduring artistic and architectural spirit.
Datong experiences a continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and can be humid, while winters are long, cold, and dry with significant snowfall. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather, with moderate temperatures and lower humidity.
The best months to visit Datong are typically April to May in spring and September to October in autumn, offering comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and exploring the historical sites.
The peak tourist season generally falls during the summer months (June to August) and major public holidays like the National Day Golden Week in October. Expect larger crowds and potentially higher accommodation prices during this period.
The off-season, from November to March, is characterized by cold winter weather, with average temperatures well below freezing. While sightseeing can be challenging due to the cold, you'll encounter fewer crowds and potentially lower costs for travel and accommodation.
Explore comprehensive guides to plan your perfect trip, including food tours, cultural experiences, and more.
Discover the rich, savory traditions of Datong through immersive food and drink experiences, from street snacks to regional specialties.
Discover Datong's rich past with expertly guided tours exploring ancient temples, imperial residences, and significant cultural landmarks.
Discover the awe-inspiring Hanging Temple, a testament to ancient engineering perched precariously on a cliff face in Datong, China.
Uncover the ancient soul of Shanxi province with curated tours exploring Datong's imperial past and Buddhist artistry.
Discover ancient Buddhist art carved into sandstone cliffs on guided tours of Datong's magnificent Yungang Grottoes.
Getting around Datong is relatively straightforward. Taxis are readily available and affordable for longer distances or to reach sites like the Yungang Grottoes. Within the city center, buses are an economical option, though routes can be confusing for first-time visitors. For independent exploration, renting a car might be considered, but parking can be challenging. Many tourists opt for organized tours or hiring a driver for day trips to attractions outside the main urban area, which simplifies logistics considerably when getting around Datong.
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Find the perfect accommodation for your Datong adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.