Ancient Architecture and Caves in Datong
Shanxi
Datong

2025Ancient Architecture and Caves in Datong|trip.com

Ancient Architecture and Caves in Datong
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Introduction Ancient Architecture and Caves in Datong

Introduction
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Walk the wooden corridors of Hanging Temple, where mortise-and-tenon structures bloom on cliffs like aerial palaces. Trace millennium-old chisel marks on Cloud Ridge Buddhas’ robes, gaze at Kumarajiva’s sutra fragments from the Silk Road. When sunset gilds the Nine Dragon Wall, feel the deities in Yongle Temple murals come alive. Every tile in this "open-air sculpture museum" whispers tales of ethnic fusion from Northern Wei to Liao and Jin dynasties.

Yungang Grottoes Guided Tour: Explore this 1,500-year-old grotto complex with expert guides. From the open-air Buddha in Cave 20 to the "Buddhist story murals" in Cave 6, decipher the evolution of Northern Wei sculpture styles from vigorous to elegant, understanding the perfect integration of Chinese and foreign carving techniques.

Yungang Grottoes+Other Attractions: After visiting Yungang Grottoes in the morning, continue to discover Huayan Temple's Liao wooden structure, Shanhua Temple's Jin dynasty painted sculptures, or ascend the ancient city wall for panoramic views. This one-day itinerary connects architectural masterpieces from different dynasties, deeply experiencing Datong's historical significance as an imperial capital and strategic fortress.

Datong Museum Guided Tour: Systematically understand Datong's civilization evolution through exhibitions like "Dai County History," "Northern Wei Pingcheng," and "Liao & Jin Western Capital." Before the treasure of Sima Jinlong Tomb's lacquer screen paintings, learn about Northern Wei aristocracy life; in the glazed chiwen exhibition, trace the evolution of dragon-shaped roof decorations.



Trip Moments Ancient Architecture and Caves in Datong

Ancient Architecture and Caves in Datong Trip Moments
Recommended hotel in Datong - a great hotel, highly recommended!

Recommended hotel in Datong - a great hotel, highly recommended!

Recommended hotel in Datong - a great hotel, highly recommended! 👋 Hi everyone, today I want to share with you the Ji Hotel (Datong Dayou Square). 🏨 As soon as you enter the hotel, you can feel the unique simplicity and comfort of Ji Hotel. The lobby is bright and spacious, and the decor is fresh and natural. 🛏 The room is clean and tidy, and the decor is warm and elegant. The bedding is soft and comfortable, allowing me to have a good night's sleep during my trip. The room is well-equipped, simple and practical, and the details are thoughtful. 💁‍♀️ The staff are warm and attentive, and very friendly. Check-in and check-out are very quick and efficient, making you feel very comfortable. 🍳 The breakfast is varied, with a variety of nutritious options to suit different tastes. 🎉 The hotel is in a great location, near Dayou Square, with convenient transportation and plenty of food, drink, and entertainment options nearby. 💖 Ji Hotel (Datong Dayou Square) is great value for money and an excellent accommodation choice in Datong.
Leo Foster 321
Leo Foster 321
Hanging Temple | The Mysterious Miracle on the Cliff

Hanging Temple | The Mysterious Miracle on the Cliff

| The Mysterious Miracle on the Cliff. Let's follow Kong Kong for a trip, First stop: Hanging Temple - The Hanging Temple was first built in the 15th year of the Taihe era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (491 AD), with a history of more than 1,500 years. The existing buildings were mainly rebuilt during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and it has been repaired in various dynasties. - The Hanging Temple is built on the inward concave part of the mountainside of Cuiping Mountain, supported by 27 wooden beams. It 'hangs' on the edge of the cliff, as if facing an abyss, extremely steep. Its architectural style is unique, integrating mechanics, aesthetics, and religion, with exquisite craftsmanship, ingeniously combining wooden beams with the rock wall. It has stood firm through thousands of years of wind and rain, reflecting the superb wisdom of ancient craftsmen. - The Hanging Temple is a unique temple that accommodates the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Inside the temple, there are Chunyang Palace, Leiyin Hall, and the Three Religions Hall. In the Three Religions Hall, the three founders of the religions, Laozi, Buddha, and Confucius, gather together, reflecting the noble realm of national integration and world harmony of the Chinese nation. This is extremely rare in temple architecture across the country. Travel Guide: - Opening hours: Summer (April 1 to October 31) 08:00 - 18:00; Winter (November 1 to March 31 of the following year) 08:30 - 17:30. - How to get there: - Self-driving: Navigate to the Hanging Temple of Hengshan, Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province. There is a parking lot in the scenic area, but it may be crowded during the peak tourist season. - Public transportation: First arrive at Datong City, then transfer to a shuttle bus to Hunyuan County, and then take a taxi or local bus to the Hanging Temple. - Travel route: - After arriving at the Hanging Temple, you can first admire the spectacular view of the temple hanging on the cliff from a distance and take photos. - Then enter the scenic area, observe the architectural structure and details of the Hanging Temple up close along the tour path, and feel its unique charm. Pay attention to the ingenious design and exquisite carvings of the buildings, focusing on visiting Chunyang Palace, the Three Officials Hall, and Leiyin Hall in the South Building, the Five Buddhas Hall, Guanyin Hall, and the Three Religions Hall in the North Building, and the Long Line Bridge connecting the South and North Buildings. - If time permits, you can also learn about the historical and cultural background of the Hanging Temple, appreciate its religious significance and the wisdom of the ancients. Listening to the guide's explanation can give you a deeper understanding of the Hanging Temple. - Notes: - The climate in the Hengshan area where the Hanging Temple is located is changeable, so it is recommended to bring clothing and sunscreen suitable for different weather conditions. - Since the temple is built on a cliff, pay attention to safety during the tour, follow the scenic area regulations, and do not climb or cross the railings.
James567 Scott
James567 Scott
Datong, Great Differences|Traversing Ancient and Modern Times · A Glimpse of a Thousand Years

Datong, Great Differences|Traversing Ancient and Modern Times · A Glimpse of a Thousand Years

Reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles. Travel is a good medicine that helps you heal all the unhappiness in life; travel is a small lamp that helps you rediscover beauty in the dark; travel is a journey of cultivation that allows you to feel and maintain a love for life. I am a time traveler. As the saying goes, 'For underground relics, look to Shaanxi; for above-ground relics, look to Shanxi.' Datong is the second largest city in Shanxi Province, one of the first batch of national historical and cultural cities, and one of China's nine ancient capitals, with a profound cultural heritage and numerous historical sites. I don't know when, but overnight, Datong in Shanxi became popular nationwide. Although I had planned to visit Datong a few years ago, work reasons always prevented me from going. This year, I finally made up my mind to take advantage of this wave of Datong fever and squeezed out two days to experience this thousand-year-old ancient capital. On the first day, I set off at six in the morning, drove for four hours to Datong, and used the noon and afternoon time to visit the Yungang Grottoes and the Nine-Dragon Wall. In the evening, I went to the ancient city of Datong to eat food, enjoy the night view, and visit the night market. I suggest that friends traveling to Datong book a hotel near the ancient city in advance for convenience in both rest and play. Since I had to drive four hours back, on the second day, I only visited the Hanging Temple and the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (a reminder: you need to book a ticket in advance to climb the Hanging Temple, otherwise, you can only view it from a distance). Besides these, there are many other essential attractions that I can only explore in-depth on a future visit. Although this trip was rushed, I truly felt the 'great differences in Datong.' When I stood in front of those pagodas, murals, buildings, and sculptures, it was far more shocking than seeing them online. I felt as if I was having a conversation across time and space with the ancients, experiencing the vicissitudes of a thousand years. It felt like every carving, every brick, and every tile carried the bloodline of Chinese civilization, flowing through the river of time to the present. Datong, I will come again!
WhimsicalNomad
WhimsicalNomad
The theme hotel "Follow Wukong to Shanxi" is here.

The theme hotel "Follow Wukong to Shanxi" is here.

Another wave of black mythology has made our Shanxi popular again. The 5,000-year-old Shanxi has finally waited for you all. However, Shanxi tourism has been silent for many years. There are not many high-end characteristic hotels and homestays to choose from. Where to stay after arrival, as a local editor in Shanxi, I must arrange for you all. Datong Tongshe Waji Meisu (Huayan Temple Store) The newly opened Tongshe Waji Meisu in Datong is quite popular recently, because of its location, the gate is the thousand-year-old ancient temple Huayan Temple, and the lobby window view is amazing! The next Datong will have high-end Anlu, Kaiyue Zhenxuan, and Jixiashan. Taiyuan Maoye JW Marriott Hotel Taiyuan 2024 just opened JW Marriott, the opening time is just right, the hotel is in the core area of Taiyuan, the business district and attractions are very convenient to reach, you can overlook the style of this ancient capital of the Nine Dynasties in the city's high altitude, the luxury experience of Longcheng can't miss Marriott! In addition, Taiyuan Sheraton Hotel, Taiyuan InterContinental Hotel, and Taiyuan Kempinski Hotel, which are located in the core location of Taiyuan, can also be selected!
kaliyah_2536
kaliyah_2536
Datong | Yungang Grottoes World Heritage Site

Datong | Yungang Grottoes World Heritage Site

Yungang Grottoes is located on the southern foot of Wuzhou Mountain in the western suburbs of Datong, Shanxi. It is one of the four major grottoes in China, along with the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, and the Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui. It is the pinnacle of Chinese Buddhist art and a historical monument to cultural exchanges between China and the West during the Northern Wei Dynasty. The Northern Wei geographer Li Daoyuan praised it in his book "Commentary on the Water Classic": "Carving stones and opening mountains, building according to the rocks, the true form is huge and magnificent, rare in the world..." Yungang Grottoes has 254 caves and niches, with more than 59,000 statues, and a history of more than 1,500 years. Its large scale, damaged cave appearance, and the various Buddha statues, some solemn and dignified, some kind and benevolent, all reveal a captivating, mysterious, and charming smile, like a lingering sound that cannot be forgotten, reminiscent of the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, with its unique and incomplete beauty, and the unforgettable "Khmer smile"... The writer Bing Xin once described Yungang Grottoes like this: "Countless incarnations, carved all over the mountains, with supernatural craftsmanship, shocking the mind. One Buddha, one world, one wing, one hoof, one flower, one leaf, each with precision and rigor, beyond words and paintings. Looking back, there is infinite nostalgia, looking forward, there is boundless desire. Eyes cannot focus, feet cannot stop, like a thief suddenly entering a treasure house, losing one's mind, wisdom taken away, recalling afterwards, like a dream entering a heavenly palace, knowing in the heart but unable to speak, only then realizing the uselessness of words!" Yungang Grottoes, this treasure of the world, leaves one speechless, making writers feel that words are useless, how wonderful it is...
William21 Miller.
William21 Miller.
Datong | The most impressive city I've ever seen.

Datong | The most impressive city I've ever seen.

The most surprising city in Shanxi 🌆 is Datong. Underground cultural relics in Shaanxi, above-ground cultural relics in Shanxi Datong, Shanxi, probably has the most ancient buildings I've ever seen I don't know why, but standing in front of ancient buildings always gives me a sense of familiarity 【About the Attractions】 ✅1️⃣ Yungang Grottoes: The Yungang Grottoes are a treasure trove of grotto art with a history of 1,500 years, about 16 kilometers from downtown Datong. It is one of the three major grottoes along with the Mogao Caves and the Longmen Grottoes. ✅2️⃣ Huayan Temple: A well-preserved temple complex from the Liao and Jin dynasties. The temple houses many precious Buddhist cultural relics and buildings, where you can deeply feel the profoundness of Buddhist culture. ✅3️⃣ Shanhua Temple: Built during the Tang Dynasty, compared with Huayan Temple, it has more ancient charm of the temple. Free appointment for visit, the key point is that it is super beautiful for taking photos ✅4️⃣ Hanging Temple: The Hanging Temple is located at the foot of Mount Hua in the south of Datong. The temple is built on a cliff, giving people a feeling of hanging in the air. Li Bai described it as spectacular. ✅5️⃣ Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: It is a World Cultural Heritage site with a history of thousands of years. No nails were used. It is the oldest existing wooden pagoda in China. ✅6️⃣ Datong Ancient City Wall: You can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire city on the city wall, and you can also appreciate the historical buildings and cultural relics in the city. Finally, I want to say that Datong, Shanxi, is really, really, really shocking!
MajaHaugland
MajaHaugland
Taking the kids out during the summer vacation? Head to Datong Fantawild

Taking the kids out during the summer vacation? Head to Datong Fantawild

Summer and amusement parks are a perfect match!! I absolutely love playing in amusement parks, and I recently checked in at this Fantawild Joy World in Datong. It was so much fun, it made me forget all my worries for a moment. Since we arrived at noon, we had plenty of time to play in the afternoon. We got to enjoy many attractions and saw lots of amazing performances~ Soaring Over the Limit: The effects are incredibly realistic! It felt as if I was truly flying in an airplane, enjoying the thrill of flight~ Escape from Dinosaur Island: Brace yourself for the rapids and make sure to have a raincoat ready!! To avoid getting wet Conch Bay: This attraction is more suitable for kids. Requires wearing 4D glasses Strange Tales of Liao Zhai, Five Thousand Years of China: If you're tired from all the playing, you can also watch a performance. These shows are quite interesting, like Five Thousand Years of China, which presents us with a history spanning from ancient times to the present~ Meteor Fire, Giant Pendulum: For those who like thrills, these two attractions are super fun and also quite classic. Welcome friends, both big and small, from all over the country to come and experience it for yourselves!
AnniLappalainen
AnniLappalainen
Datong, Shanxi - Black Myth: Wukong-themed homestay.

Datong, Shanxi - Black Myth: Wukong-themed homestay.

Of all the hotels and homestays I've stayed at, this one is the most heartwarming and touching! A full 100 points! First, the location. The homestay is easy to find and you can park right outside. The city wall is right outside and all the attractions are nearby. The hygiene is impeccable! There's not a single corner that's dirty, not even a water stain. The floor is so clean it shines. It's perfect for people with OCD. The room is spacious and clean. The bedding is all brand-name, especially the pillows. They provide great support for the neck. I'm the kind of person who brings my own pillow when I travel. This is the only homestay I've stayed at where I didn't need to use my own pillow. The bedding is really worth praising! The toiletries are all big brands, which is rare. The shower has a strong flow and can be adjusted to different modes. It's very satisfying! There's a small fridge, air purifier, and humidifier. There's also a washing machine and dryer downstairs. The whole house is smart, which is very convenient. "Xiao Ai Tong Xue" has won my heart! It's also very quiet at night. It's the first choice for accommodation. The owner is very enthusiastic, humble, and polite. They meet our needs as soon as possible and have a great attitude. They provide travel guidance and food guides that only locals know about. They also offer chartered car services. The driver is skilled and nice. We chartered a car to the Hanging Temple. The driver introduced us to various things along the way, allowing us to see a different side of Shanxi. I highly recommend Nan She. Full marks for service, facilities, and environment! It's only natural that a homestay like this does well. It's well-deserved!
marcella.lilith.thornfield
marcella.lilith.thornfield
Datong Travel Notes!

Datong Travel Notes!

Datong is a city with a long history and rich cultural heritage, offering a wealth of tourist attractions. 1. Main Attractions Datong Ancient City Wall Address: Heyangmen Inner Street, Datong Ancient City, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province Features: Datong Ancient City Wall is one of the most well-preserved ancient city walls in China, allowing visitors to experience the historical charm of the ancient city. The ancient city wall has several gates, and visitors can choose to enter from any gate, stroll along the city wall, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the ancient city. Recommended Visiting Time: Evening to night, to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the ancient city wall at sunset and the night light show. Yungang Grottoes Address: No. 1, Yungang Town, Yungang District, Datong City, Shanxi Province Features: Yungang Grottoes is one of the four major grottoes in China, carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty, mainly featuring Buddhist themes, with exquisite carving techniques and high artistic value. The grottoes contain a rich variety of statues with different shapes, serving as important physical materials for studying ancient Chinese art and religious culture. Recommended Visiting Time: All day, it is recommended to reserve half a day to a full day for the visit. Datong Museum Address: No. 506, Taihe Road, Wenying Lake Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province Features: Datong Museum is a comprehensive museum integrating collection, protection, research, and exhibition, with a rich collection of ceramics, bronzes, paintings, and calligraphy, among other categories. Visitors can learn about the history, culture, and artistic treasures of Datong here. Recommended Visiting Time: Morning or afternoon, it is recommended to reserve about 2 hours for the visit. Northern Wei Culture Park Address: West side of the intersection of Beidu Street and Yuhe West Road, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province Features: Northern Wei Culture Park is a park themed on the history and culture of the Northern Wei Dynasty, with buildings and sculptures from the Northern Wei period, showcasing the political, economic, and cultural achievements of the Northern Wei period. Visitors can experience the unique charm of Northern Wei culture here. Wenying Lake Ecological Park Address: Intersection of Wenying North Road and Xijing Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province Features: Wenying Lake Ecological Park is a city park integrating leisure, entertainment, and sightseeing, with picturesque lake and mountain scenery, lush greenery, and fragrant flowers. Visitors can enjoy walking, cycling, fishing, and more, experiencing the tranquility and beauty of nature. 2. Food Recommendations Mulan Restaurant (Datong Ancient City Drum Tower Branch) Address: Drum Tower East Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province Special Dishes: Stir-fried tofu and other Shanxi specialties Average Cost: About CNY 64 per person Longjuxiang Shaomai Restaurant (Drum Tower Branch) Address: Northwest corner of the intersection of Drum Tower West Street and Yongtai Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province (inside Datong Ancient City) Special Dishes: Shaomai and other local specialties Average Cost: About CNY 68 per person Heyangju Old Datong Restaurant Address: 50 meters west of the south gate of Fahua Temple, Heyang Street, Datong City, Shanxi Province Special Dishes: Offers a variety of local Datong specialties Average Cost: About CNY 68 per person
Phoenix_Blackwooden/38
Phoenix_Blackwooden/38
Yungang Grottoes| A rendezvous with national treasures that spans a thousand years

Yungang Grottoes| A rendezvous with national treasures that spans a thousand years

| A rendezvous with national treasures that spans a thousand years. Stepping into the Yungang Grottoes is like stepping into the world of a thousand years ago The sculptors seem to be whispering in your ear🙌 Have a cross-time eye contact with the Buddha in front of you I really understand why it can be called a national treasure🎁 · The Yungang Grottoes is the first royal authorized excavation of grottoes in China It not only reflects the political ambition of the Northern Wei Dynasty And it integrates a variety of foreign styles🔮 It coincides with the name of Datong city Reflecting the deep relationship with the world's major civilizations It can be called 'World Datong'‼️ · 📍 Address: Yungang Scenic Area, Yungang District, Datong City, Shanxi Province ⏰ Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 💰 Tickets: 100¥/person 🚗 Transportation: You can drive or take a taxi, the cost from the city is about thirty yuan, or you can take bus 3 directly to the terminal · 🌟 Small tips: -The Yungang Grottoes are divided into 20 caves in total, it is suggested that friends with ample time can spend a whole day to enjoy it slowly🚶 -Strongly recommend to listen to the explanation during the visit‼️ You can join a group or activate the electronic explanation in the visitor center for ten yuan -It is recommended to go in summer and autumn🛎 , the spring is windy and the winter is cold
TravelMelodies
TravelMelodies
Datong Earth Forest | A unique geological landscape.

Datong Earth Forest | A unique geological landscape.

|A unique geological landscape. Datong Earth Forest, also known as the Earth Pillar Forest or Loess Forest, is a unique geological wonder located in Yunzhou District, Datong City, Shanxi Province. The earth platforms, earth pillars, earth cliffs, earth ridges, and earth walls are all rich in color, including golden, reddish-brown, and purple-gray. As the light changes, the colors also change. Every grain of sand and every stone is related to the wind and rain. When you step into the Datong Earth Forest, every step you take is on the loess deposits of millions of years. No wonder someone left a poem: The earth is cut into a forest, and the creation is strange, and the high and low ghost axes are always appropriate. Sanggan Water is gone, but the heart is still there, leaving a thousand years of peerless beauty. Ticket: 50 Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
PositiveVibes&
PositiveVibes&
A designer homestay in Datong Ancient City.

A designer homestay in Datong Ancient City.

💖Datong Treasure Homestay | Tong She Wabi-sabi Homestay, an encounter with history💖 📍Great location: This homestay is located in Datong Ancient City, right across from Huayan Temple. The ticket office of Huayan Temple is right outside the door, making it a neighbor to historical sites. There are also famous attractions such as Daiwang Mansion, Guandi Temple, Nine Dragon Wall, Yuantong Temple, and Shanhua Temple nearby, all within walking distance, making it very convenient to visit. 🏡Beautiful environment: The design of the homestay is deeply influenced by Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics, full of Zen and natural beauty. The spacious landscape design of the lobby offers a panoramic view of the magnificent scenery of Huayan Temple, with the gentle breeze and birdsong from the temple in the morning, which is very healing. The courtyard design is full of ancient style, showcasing the beauty of Oriental aesthetics. Here, you can feel the harmonious coexistence with ancient buildings at every moment. The rooms are simply and comfortably decorated, with various layouts and comfortable bedding for a good night's sleep. 🛏️Various room types: There are Zen standard rooms, simple yet cozy, using a lot of wooden elements to create a tranquil and comfortable atmosphere. The Japanese tatami rooms are equipped with traditional tatami beds, suitable for guests who want to experience Japanese life. The view suites have spacious balconies, offering a distant view of the ancient beauty of Huayan Temple, perfect for enjoying a quiet morning or evening. The family suites are suitable for families with children, with room layouts considering the needs of family members, and providing child-friendly facilities and services. 💁Thoughtful service: The service at the homestay is also excellent😉. There is a free breakfast with a variety of options, including whole grains, rice porridge, toast, fruit, etc., which you can enjoy while admiring the beautiful scenery. The staff will carefully help with luggage and allow late check-out, which is also very friendly to women. 💰High cost performance: In terms of price, it varies according to different room types, with Zen standard rooms starting at about 400 yuan, Japanese tatami rooms starting at about 600 yuan, view suites starting at about 1,000 yuan, and family suites starting at about 1,200 yuan. Considering its location, environment, and service, it is really cost-effective.
Joseph Whitman
Joseph Whitman