Datong in north of Shanxi, north China is known for the second-largest of the nearly 51,000 sandstone statues of Buddha in 53 Yungang grottoes; the wooden Hanging Monastery built about 1.400 years ago on extremely sheer cliffs of Hengshan Mountain. Bridges and corridors connect the different buildings of the monastery.

In the summer months of July, August, the day time temperature may reach 38 degree C, while in January and February the temperature falls to -30 degree C. The best season to visit is summer, when the temperature won’t be too low .

Distances from Beijing and Shanghai

Beijing to Datong  about 374KM
Shanghai to Datong  about 1841KM

Air
Beijing to Datong  CA1119(07:30-08:20)
Datong to Beijing  CA1120(09:05-10:00)

There is only one flight between Beijing and Datong on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Shanghai Hongqiao to Datong  MU5247(18:25-21:10)
Datong to Shanghai Hongqiao  MU5248 (22:00-23:55)

There is only one flight available between Shanghai to Datong per day and only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Full Price Ticket (one way)
Beijing-Datong: RMB530

Train:
Beijing West to Datong K605 (23:36-06:21) 6 hours and 45 minutes

Datong to Beijing K614 (12:48-18:42)   5 hours and 54 minutes for Datong tour

Shanghai to Datong  K256 (12:52-15:20)   26 hours and 28 minutes

Datong  to Shanghai K258 (18:37-18:50)   24 hours and 13 minutes

Distances between main sights
Datong —Hanging Monastery     75 KM    city roads   1.5-2  hours
Datong —Ming Great Wall Fort    50KM    city roads   1.5 hours

Yungang Grottoes
The sunlit giant (at 46 feet high) is the second-largest of the nearly 51,000 sandstone statues of Buddha in 53 Yungang grottoes. Buddhist cave art began here in Datong, 160 miles west of Beijing, in the fifth century, by Xianbei minority, which ruled Northern China for over 200 years.

Hanging Monastery

Hanging Monastery

Located about 80km south-east of Datong, the wooden Hanging Monastery was built about 1.400 years ago on extremely sheer cliffs of Hengshan Mountain. Bridges and corridors connect the different buildings of the monastery. Numerous bronze, iron, stone and clay statues are enshrined in the monastery. In the Three Religions Hall Buddha, Laotze and Confucius are enshrined together.

Fort, Great Wall and Village
A fort for one section of the Ming Dynasty clay Great Wall is partly reserved and has become a village, where few tourists have ever visited.

Wooden Pagoda in Yingxian County
The largest Pagoda of China.

Nine-dragon Screen Wall
Located in the centre of Datong city, this clay wall is much smaller and not impressive as the one in the Forbidden City in Beijing.

 

We recommend that you take a great flashlight to enjoy the caves and frescoes. There are some low-powered flashlights available for rent outside the main gate, but they are not of great quality and you may be dissapointed..

Cameras are not allowed into the Grottoes.

Visit Yungang Grottoes in the morning to avoid crowds and take advantage of the best lighting conditions.

Before entering the Grottoes, if you do not have a guide we recommend you research the history and information as you will enjoy it more.

It is almost impossible to purchase a soft sleeper to Datong as the train does not originate in Beijing. Hard sleepers on the other hand are very easy to purchase.

Souvenirs famous to the area
Egg Carving
As its name implies, Datong egg carvings are carvings on the thin and fragile egg. Egg carving handicrafts may be common in western countries however Datong egg carvings are different because they are decorated in Chinese themes and art styles. Decorations include Chinese Calligraphy, Facial Painting and Chinese Painting. The Datong egg carving boasts pretty high artistic value and are a favoured souvenir amoung tourists.

Yungang Silk Doll
A silk doll is a traditional Chinese handicraft with a history of over one thousand years. Most figures of the dolls come from traditional Chinese stories and from the figures in the frescos of Yungang Grottoes. The frame of the doll is made of thin wire; muscles is made of cotton. Skin and clothes are made from fine silks. These Silk dolls are lovely to treasure and make a great gift for any little girl.

Artistic Porcelain
With a history of over 1400 years, the process of porcelain production in Datong is well developed. Using a unique method of production, porcelain figurines can be fashioned into many shapes such as animals and figures from traditional Chinese stories.

Corn Husk Plaited Articles
Highly breathable, smooth, soft to the touch and very pliable, processed corn husk can be used to create many useful articles such as coasters, cushions and mats.