10 Best Things to Do in Datong

10 Best Things to Do in Datong

1. Marvel at the Yungang Grottoes ♥️ Must See

Yungang Grottoes completely blew me away. Dare I say, it was one of the most beautiful places I visited on this trip through China! The enormous Buddhist statues are impressive enough, but the intricate carvings inside the caves were what really stopped me in my tracks. Everywhere I looked, there was another detail to admire.

Some interiors are so densely decorated that it is difficult to know where to look first. From tiny figures covering the walls to elaborate carvings overhead, the amount of work that went into these caves is astounding. This is definitely a place to slow down and look closely rather than simply walk past the main statues.

Be sure to prioritize Caves 5 and 6 when you get here. Cave 5 houses the largest Buddha statue at the site, standing around 17 meters tall, while Cave 6 is particularly remarkable for its absolutely breathtaking carved central pillar and detailed scenes depicting the life of the Buddha, from floor to ceiling. Also, don’t miss Cave 20 either, with its iconic seated Buddha exposed to the open air.

Yes, it can get crowded. Very, very crowded! When I was there, it was busy right from the entrance, and I shuffled slowly through the caves shoulder to shoulder with other tourists, following the flow from one chamber to the next.

Normally, that would take away from the experience quite a bit for me, but the interiors were so extraordinary that I sometimes forgot about the crowds entirely. I was too busy looking up and admiring all the intricate carvings!

To get here, you can catch a tourist shuttle from this departure point by the east gate of Datong Ancient City. The journey takes around 35 minutes, and the shuttle costs 10 CNY one way. You can book it through the shuttle section on this page. Select your preferred departure time and make sure you choose the service leaving from Datong Ancient City, as several departure points are listed.

You can also book your return shuttle through the same page. Be sure to select the service from Yungang Grottoes back to Datong Ancient City, as there are also shuttles connecting to other attractions, including Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and the Hanging Temple. I recommend visiting those two together on a separate day rather than trying to squeeze them in with Yungang Grottoes, as it will take you at least half a day for Yungang Grottoes.

Admission costs 120 CNY, separate from the shuttle fare, and you can book your entrance ticket online here. The site is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with admission ending at 4:30 PM. Hours and prices can change seasonally, so check the details for your travel date when booking and arrive well before the cutoff.

For me, Yungang Grottoes is an absolute must-see in Datong. Even with the crowds, I would happily make the journey again. If you only have time for one major attraction here, this would be my pick!

Where to Stay in Datong?

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CIoud Xiaozhu HoteI

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Mushan Xi She Guest House

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Cloud Villa | Scenic Designer Hotel by Ancient Wall (Huayan Temple, Datong)

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2. Visit the Hanging Temple ☀️ Great Day Trip

Hanging Temple is another impressive site to visit in Datong, with its wooden halls and walkways clinging to the cliff face. Seeing it from below, you can’t help but wonder how anyone managed to build something like this in such a location!

However, there is an important distinction between the basic admission ticket, which lets you view the temple from below, and the climbing ticket, which gives you access to the temple itself. Basic admission costs 15 CNY, while climbing costs an additional 100 CNY. Make sure you know which ticket you are buying, as entering the scenic area does not automatically mean you can go up.

When I tried to reserve a climbing ticket through the official booking system, it required a Chinese phone number, so I couldn’t complete the reservation. Buying on-site was another option, but climbing tickets are limited and availability is not guaranteed. I took the 8 AM bus from Datong, arrived around 9:30 AM, and was told they were already sold out.

Without access to the temple, my visit lasted only around 10 minutes, and that was it 😅. You can admire it from below and browse a few shops and street food stalls, but there wasn’t much else to keep me there. If I’m being honest, I’m not sure I would make the trip just for that.

Don’t get me wrong, it was very cool to see the temple from below, but the journey takes roughly 1.5 hours each way from Datong, so keep that in mind when planning your visit. Thankfully, you can combine it with Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, which made the day trip feel much more worthwhile.

From below, I could also see how narrow the wooden walkways were and how slowly visitors were moving through them. I didn’t get to experience the climb myself, but with that many people, it looked like it would take forever to go through. Something to keep in mind if, like me, you don’t particularly enjoy crowded spaces!

For photography, the surrounding cliffs affect when sunlight reaches the temple. Taking the 8 AM bus worked well for me, as arriving much earlier could have meant finding the temple still in shadow. The timing will vary with the season, though. Bring layers as well. I visited in October, and it was already very cold and windy.

To get here, take a tourist shuttle from this departure point by the east gate of Datong Ancient City. The shuttle costs 20 CNY one way, and you can book through the shuttle section here. Look for the service from Datong Ancient City to Hengshan Visitor Center, and confirm that it serves the Hanging Temple before purchasing.

If climbing is a priority and you are willing to pay more, I found a VIP package listed at around 131 USD that advertised transfers from Datong, scenic-area admission, and climbing access. You can check the available packages here. It is a substantially more expensive over the standard tickets though, so be sure to check the details before booking.

The site is open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, although hours vary by season, so check the schedule for your travel date. Remember that the scenic area being open does not guarantee climbing tickets will still be available.

After visiting the temple, you can catch another shuttle straight to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. You can book the shuttle ticket here by selecting the option labeled “Shuttle bus from Heng Shan Mountain travelers distribution center to Ying County Wooden Pagoda”, listed at around 6 USD. Check the departure time and allow enough time to return to the visitor center before booking.

3. Admire the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

Next up is Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, a beautiful wooden tower with stunning layered roofs and intricate supporting brackets that become even more impressive as you get closer. Take your time walking around it and appreciating the details from different angles. The massive Buddha image inside is also quite a sight to behold!

After the crowds at the Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes, I was so happy to find the pagoda much quieter and less crowded. The grounds are more spread out, so I could explore without standing shoulder to shoulder with other tourists, definitely a welcome change! I would allow around 1 to 2 hours to explore the grounds, admire the architecture, and see the Buddha without rushing.

This is a great place to combine with the Hanging Temple. From Hengshan Visitor Center, the connecting shuttle takes around 1 hour. You can check shuttle options here and look for the service labeled “Shuttle bus from Heng Shan Mountain travelers distribution center to Ying County Wooden Pagoda”, which was listed at around 6 USD. Check the departure time and return to the visitor center in time before you board.

If you are coming directly from Datong, check the shuttle section on the same page for departures from Datong Ancient City. The departure point I used for the out-of-town tourist shuttles was by the ancient city’s east gate, but confirm the boarding location as it may changed.

For the journey back, select the service from Yingxian Wooden Pagoda to Datong Ancient City, making sure you have the direction and drop-off point right. The shuttle leaves from here, the same spot where they drop you off. The entry ticket to the pagoda is 50 CNY per person, and you can book your ticket online here or buy it at the entrance. The opening hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, with ticket sales ending at 4:30 PM and last entry at 4:45 PM. Hours change seasonally, so check the schedule for your travel date before visiting.

4. Wander Around Datong Ancient City

Datong Ancient City is a lovely place to wander, and I recommend exploring it both during the day and after dark. In daylight, the streets feel more peaceful and relaxed, giving you time to admire the traditional buildings, browse the shops, and explore at your own leisure.

At night, the atmosphere changes completely as the buildings light up and more people come out to stroll, eat, and enjoy the evening. I found it particularly beautiful after dark, with the streets, shrines, towers, and pagodas illuminated in vibrant colors!

As you wander, you will come across Catholic churches, mosques, bell towers, and beautiful shrines and temples scattered throughout the area. There is plenty to catch your eye between the main attractions, so give yourself time to stop and explore. The ancient city is also larger than it looks on the map, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for plenty of walking!

For an easy starting point, I would enter through the east gate and make your way toward the center. You will pass several other attractions along the way, which I’ll cover in more detail next.

5. Explore the Southeast Yi Historical and Cultural Block 💎 Hidden Gem

As you make your way from East Gate, just off the main street, you will find Southeast Yi Historical and Cultural Block, a district that offers a more modern take on Datong Ancient City, with renovated streets and buildings housing minimalist cafés, galleries, craft beer bars, and handicraft shops.

I loved exploring this part of the ancient city because it felt quite different from the souvenir shops and street food stalls elsewhere. Everything felt a little more polished, with contemporary storefronts and creative spaces tucked into traditional-style buildings.

It’s an interesting contrast and a reminder that exploring the ancient city doesn’t have to be all about temples and historical sights. Rather than heading straight through, take time to explore the smaller lanes, browse the handicraft shops, and pop into whichever galleries catch your eye.

The place gets very lively in the evening too, and a great place to come and grab a few craft beers for the evening.

6. See the Nine-Dragon Screen

As you make your way west from the east gate into Datong Ancient City, you can stop at the Nine-Dragon Screen, a decorative wall featuring nine dragons sculpted from colorful glazed tiles. Originally built as the screen wall in front of Prince Dai’s palace, it was relocated 28 meters south in 1954 as part of the city’s redevelopment. Now, you can admire it up close!

The beauty is in the details, with each dragon twisting through clouds and waves in a different pose. The yellow, green, and blue tiles give the wall a striking appearance overall, but be sure to get closer so you can admire the details, like the dragon scales, claws.

The Nine-Dragon Screen is open from 8 AM to 6 PM. It makes for a quick stop, and around 10 minutes should be enough to admire it before continuing your walk through the ancient city.

7. Watch an Evening Show at Prince Dai’s Residence

Like most touristic cities in China, they often have live shows and performances showcasing the city's unique culture and history one can attend, and if you want to see one here, you can head over to Prince Dai’s Residence.

The original palace was built during the Ming dynasty, but it was destroyed in the 17th century, so the grand halls and courtyards you see today are a modern reconstruction. Now, the palace operates as tourist attraction, combining palace architecture with costumed characters, theatrical performances, and evening entertainment.

The programme includes the large-scale production Tianxia Datong, while seasonal events may add lantern displays and traditional fire performances. Check the day’s programme when you arrive, as the shows and their times can change.

If you only want to explore the palace, the general sightseeing ticket costs 50 CNY. Tickets that include performances generally cost around 98 to 128 CNY, depending on the package and available offers. Make sure your ticket includes the evening programme you want to see, as sightseeing-only admission does not cover it.

The palace is open for daytime visits from 9 AM to 5 PM, followed by an evening session from 5:30 PM to 9 PM, with last evening admission at 8:10 PM. Tuesdays are generally performance-free, with sightseeing open from 9 AM to 6 PM instead, so please keep that in mind when you visit. You can buy your ticket here or at the site.

8. Explore Huayan Temple

I have recommended so many things to do after dark in Datong Ancient City that you might be wondering what to do during the day! There is plenty to explore, and one of my favorite stops is Huayan Temple.

Located inside the ancient city, Huayan Temple is easy to fit into your explorations and definitely worth making time for. Its spacious courtyards and impressive halls are beautiful, but the interiors were what really stood out to me.

I really loved the main hall, with its Buddha images and deity sculptures housed inside this old wooden temple. It was incredibly atmospheric, and I was all here for it! Take your time appreciating the figures, their expressions, and the details around them.

Give yourself around an hour to explore the temple grounds as there is quite a few courtyard to walk through and halls to see.

To get in, you will have to pay between 40 - 50 CNY for the entry ticket, depending on the season. The place opens from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM during peak season and 8:30 AM to 5 PM during low season. If you are looking for awesome things to do in Datong city during the day, this is where you should be.

9. Enjoy a Bowl of Oil-Splashed Noodles 🥘 Place to Eat

If you are looking for somewhere to eat in Datong Ancient City, stop by Yang Hongyu Datong Noodles for a bowl of oil-splashed noodles. The name might not sound particularly appetizing, but trust me, it tastes much better than it suggests!

The dish gets its name from hot oil poured over seasonings such as chili and garlic, releasing their aroma before everything is mixed into the noodles. Rather than simply tasting oily, you get a delicious bowl with a spicy kick, and I'm here for it.

Although oil-splashed noodles are associated with neighboring Shaanxi rather than being uniquely local to Datong, that doesn’t mean you should pass up a delicious bowl while you are here. I’m not sure of the exact opening hours, but during my visit, the restaurant was open around midday and still serving at 8 PM, so you can come here for lunch or dinner.

10. Walk Along Datong’s City Wall 👍 Must Do

For a different perspective on the ancient city, head up to Datong City Wall, where broad ramparts connect imposing gate towers and battlements around the historic center. Much of what you see today has been reconstructed, but the scale is still impressive. The full circuit stretches around 7.2 kilometers, so don’t underestimate the distance if you plan to walk it all!

If you've been to Xi'an before, this is similar to the city's walls there, but I found it to be much less crowded here than in Xi’an, and way more enjoyable in my opinion. Plus, it's free here whereas you have to pay an entrance fee in Xi'an.

I recommend going up from the east gate, then deciding whether to walk or rent a bike. During my visit, a single bicycle cost 50 CNY for 90 minutes, while a tandem bicycle cost 100 CNY for 90 minutes. There was also a sightseeing cart option priced at 40 CNY per person if you preferred a more convenient way to get around.

You don’t need to complete the entire circuit to enjoy it. Pick a stretch, stop at the viewpoints, and give yourself time to appreciate the architecture. Keep an eye out for the Wild Goose Pagoda at the southeastern corner of the walls while you are up there.

Datong City Wall is generally open from 7 AM to 10 PM in spring and autumn, with extended hours until 11 PM in summer and an earlier closing time of 9 PM in winter. I would aim to visit around sunset, when the warm light falls across the rooftops and towers. It was particularly beautiful at that time of day, so don’t miss it!

Which Places Should You Prioritize?

If you have limited time in Datong, Yungang Grottoes would be my first priority. The enormous Buddha statues and intricate cave interiors completely blew me away, and I would set aside half a day to appreciate them without rushing.

Inside the ancient city: Prioritize Huayan Temple and a walk along the city wall around sunset, then enjoy the illuminated streets after dark. The Nine-Dragon Screen is an easy, quick stop along the way, while Southeast Yi is a great place for cafés, creative shops, and a change of pace.

For another full day out: Combine the Hanging Temple with Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. If climbing the Hanging Temple is important to you, sort out your ticket arrangements beforehand. Without climbing access, I found the visit very short, so I wouldn’t make the journey solely to see it from below.

If you have extra time: Check the evening programme at Prince Dai’s Residence, or simply spend more time wandering, trying the food, and enjoying the ancient city. I would rather give the main sights enough time than squeeze every attraction into a day.

When to Visit Datong?

The best time to visit Datong is during May to June and September to October, when temperatures are generally comfortable for walking around the ancient city and exploring the out-of-town attractions. Autumn would be my first choice, although you should bring layers as mornings and evenings can get chilly.

I visited in mid-October, and it was already very cold and windy, with morning temperatures around 4°C. Thankfully, it warmed up as the day went on, but if you are visiting during the shoulder seasons, definitely bring layers!

Summer is also an option, but expect busier attractions during the school holidays. Winter can be bitterly cold, making outdoor sightseeing less comfortable, especially at exposed places like the city wall and Hanging Temple. If your dates are flexible, avoid the Labor Day holiday in early May and Golden Week in early October, when popular sights can get particularly crowded.

How to Get to Datong?

By Train: If you are coming from Beijing, the most straightforward option is a high-speed train from Beijing North to Datong South Railway Station. The journey should take around 2 hours and you can book the train here. Once you arrive at Datong South, you can use Didi to get to your accommodation.

By Air: You can also fly into Datong Yungang Airport (DAT), depending on the routes available from your departure city. If you are traveling from abroad, you may find it more convenient to fly into Beijing and take the high-speed train to Datong from there.

For finding flights, I would recommend browsing through Skyscanner or Expedia to compare flight options to Datong.

How to Get Around Datong?

By Walking: Walking is the best way to explore Datong Ancient City, especially if you are staying within the city walls. That said, the walled area is larger than it might look on the map, and walking from one end to the other can take around 30 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes and use DiDi when you want to save time and energy!

By DiDi: DiDi is a convenient option for getting between your accommodation, the railway station, and places that are too far to comfortably walk. You can book through the DiDi mini-app inside Alipay. It's very easy, reliable, and affordable!

For the Out-of-Town Attractions: One thing I appreciate about traveling in China is how convenient the tourist transport can be. In Datong, government-run tourist shuttles depart throughout the day from this departure point, serving attractions such as the Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes.

The shuttle service also run between attractions, so you don’t have to backtrack to Datong when visiting more than one in a day. Very convenient! I’ve covered the specific routes in each attraction’s section above, so be sure to check it out.

How Many Days to Spend in Datong?

I would recommend spending 3 full days in Datong. This gives you two days to explore the ancient city, including a morning at Yungang Grottoes, plus another full day for the Hanging Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda.

Technically, you can squeeze all three out-of-town attractions into one day, but that would feel far too rushed for me. I would split them across two days so you have enough time to enjoy each place.

Day 1: Explore Datong Ancient City. Visit Huayan Temple and the Nine-Dragon Screen, wander through the ancient city’s streets, and explore the Southeast Yi Historical and Cultural Block. Leave time for the city wall and, if a performance is scheduled, an evening show at Prince Dai’s Residence.

Day 2: Yungang Grottoes and More of the City. Spend the morning exploring Yungang Grottoes. Expect to spend half a day here. Return to Datong afterward for lunch and use the rest of the day to explore places you missed, browse the shops, or relax at a café.

Day 3: Hanging Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. Set aside a full day for these two attractions. Be sure to reserve the Hanging Temple ticket beforehand if you want to climb the temple! You should be done by around 3 - 4 PM so you can use the rest of the evening to relax.

Is Datong Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Yungang Grottoes alone made the trip worthwhile for me. The enormous Buddhist statues and intricate carvings inside the caves completely blew me away. Dare I say, it was one of the most beautiful places I visited on this trip!

Add the Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, and the beautiful view over the ancient city from my hotel, which cost barely 15 USD a night, and I couldn’t have been happier with my decision to stop in Datong on my way from Beijing to Xi’an.

If you are following a similar route, Datong makes a great place to break up the journey. The food is delicious, accommodation is much more affordable than in the big cities, and you get to experience a different side of China along the way. I highly recommend making time for it!

Things to Know Before Visiting China

• Always Carry Your Passport: Everything revolves around your passport/ID in China, and it’s often used interchangeably as your main form of identification. Many major tourist attractions require you to show your passport when buying a ticket, and the ticket will then be linked to it. You’ll scan your passport again to enter. The same applies to high-speed trains. It’s best to carry your passport with you at all times while traveling in China.
• Get an eSIM: China’s cashless economy relies on constant internet access, so having a data connection is essential. I highly recommend getting an eSIM or a local SIM card for your trip. An eSIM is often better because the service is usually based in Hong Kong, which bypasses China’s Great Firewall, meaning you can access apps like Instagram and YouTube without a VPN. I suggest checking eSIM options on Klook or Trip.com, as they tend to be the most affordable.
• Use AMap to Navigate: Google Maps doesn’t work well in China, so local apps like AMap are much more informative and accurate for getting around. It even provides metro information, making it easy to navigate city subway systems. I used AMap throughout my entire trip, and it worked perfectly! In this guide, I’ll be linking locations with AMap links instead of Google Maps, so be sure to download it before your trip.
• Use VPN to Bypass the Great Firewall: As you may know, many major websites such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more are blocked in China. To access them, you’ll need a VPN like LetsVPN installed on both your phone and laptop before you arrive in China. This is crucial as once you're in the country, you won’t be able to search for or download VPN apps. I used LetsVPN during my trip, and it worked very well throughout. The service is affordable too, with a free tier offering limited data or a basic unlimited plan for just 5.99 USD per month.
• Connect Alipay with Your Credit Card: First, download Alipay from the app store, set up your account, and link it to your credit card. This will be one of the two main ways you’ll pay for services in China. Alipay also has mini-apps built in, such as Didi (China’s version of Uber), so you don’t need to download separate apps, and you can use them directly through Alipay. Very convenient!
• Get a Transport Card Working in Alipay: Once you have Alipay set up, you’ll need to verify your account before you can activate a transport card for metro and bus rides. First, if you’re not currently in the city you want to use, tap the city name in the top-left corner and select the correct city. After that, tap the “Transport” button and request a transport card. You’ll be asked to upload a photo of your passport for verification. Once approved, your transport card will be issued, and you can use the QR code to scan and pay for buses and metro rides.
• Get WeChat Set Up: WeChat is another essential app for communicating with locals, thanks to its built-in translation feature. It’s also widely used for payments as Alipay only works about 70% of the time, while WeChat is commonly needed for paying individuals, buying entry tickets at certain attractions, and more. Setting up WeChat can be a bit tricky though because you need verification from an existing user. The easiest way is to ask your hotel’s reception to help verify your account when you arrive in China, which is how I got mine activated.
• Use Trip.com / Trip App: For hotels, day trips, attraction tickets, train tickets, flights, and everything in between, you can use Trip.com or the Trip app to book all your travel needs. It’s very convenient, offers a great user experience, and has a generous cancellation policy that gives you more flexibility when traveling in China.