When Traveling Is Caring ❤️
大同Northern China40.08° N · 113.30° E
A northern Shanxi city with some of China's finest Buddhist art, from the vast Yungang Grottoes to the Hanging Monastery on its cliff. Here is how to see both and what to expect.
Datong sits on the high, dry plateau of northern Shanxi, close to the line of the Great Wall. In the late 4th and 5th centuries it was the capital of the Northern Wei dynasty, whose rulers sponsored the carving of the Yungang Grottoes just west of the city. Hundreds of caves and many thousands of statues survive, and the site was listed by UNESCO in 2001.
The other great draw is the Hanging Monastery, a cluster of wooden halls pinned to a sheer cliff face near Mount Heng, about 1.5 hours away. In the city itself, the walls and old quarter have been extensively rebuilt, but genuine Liao and Jin dynasty temples remain inside. Two nights is ideal, and Datong is an easy high-speed train ride from Beijing.
Our Datong journeys are private and tailor-made, often as a two-night extension from Beijing or on the way to Pingyao.
We tailor every trip. Want more time in Datong, a different pace or a mix of places? Design my trip →
The experiences our travellers enjoy most, in order of what we would not miss.
Caves of carved Buddhas, some towering over the cliff face, others tiny and painted. Start with the large early caves and allow at least half a day to see the site without rushing.
Wooden halls held on beams set into the cliff, with shrines to Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism side by side. Go early to beat the queues on the narrow walkways.
A large Liao and Jin dynasty complex in the old city, with an original main hall among the biggest of its era in China, filled with painted statues and murals.
The rebuilt walls enclose the old town and make a good walk or bike ride at sunset, with views over temple roofs, the Drum Tower and the Nine Dragon Screen nearby.
One of the five sacred Taoist mountains, rising above the Hanging Monastery. A cable car helps with the climb to temples and ridge views on a clear day.
Built in 1056 and often described as the oldest surviving all-timber pagoda in China. It can be combined with the Hanging Monastery on a full day out.
Plan your private, tailor-made China trip for 2027 now and get $100 off. Tell us your travel dream and we will design it with you.
Customise My TripMost travellers arrive by high-speed train from Beijing. Datong Yungang Airport has domestic flights, and a private car is the easiest way to reach Yungang and the Hanging Monastery.
Places that pair well with Datong, with approximate travel times.
May to October brings the most comfortable weather, with warm days and cool evenings on the plateau. September and October are clear and pleasant. Winters are cold and dry with short days, and national holidays bring heavy crowds to both main sites.
A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.
Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.
Ask us on WhatsAppYes, if you are interested in Buddhist art and architecture. The Yungang Grottoes rank alongside Dunhuang and Longmen as one of China's great cave sites, and the Hanging Monastery is unlike anywhere else. With the fast train from Beijing, Datong is easy to add as a two-night trip.
It lies near Hunyuan, about 1.5 hours by road from the city centre. Most visitors go by private car and combine it with Mount Heng or the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. Arrive early, as walkways are narrow and queues build quickly on weekends.
It is possible to see the Yungang Grottoes in a long day by high-speed train, but adding the Hanging Monastery makes it very rushed. We suggest at least one night, ideally two, so you can see both main sites at a comfortable pace and visit the temples in town.
Tell us what you have in mind and a local travel specialist will design a private itinerary around you. Free, with no obligation.
Three quick questions and we will match you with the right journeys.
