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
Highly recommended (Datong)

Highly recommended (Datong)

The scenic area is very impressive, with standardized management. Children under 6 years old are free of charge according to the scenic area regulations. We did not pay attention and bought an extra child ticket, which was refunded very quickly. The scenic area is well-managed, and the tour guides are very professional. The grottoes are very impressive, with a history of more than 1,000 years. However, many stone statues have been weathered, and there are also people who have been here, as well as damage during the war and looting by foreign powers, which is very distressing.
agleam.brianna
agleam.brianna
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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.
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
Yungang Grottoes.

Yungang Grottoes.

I've seen the Mogao Caves, Longmen Grottoes, and many other grottoes in Xinjiang and Chongqing, but I was still shocked when I saw the Yungang Grottoes. There are 45 caves in Yungang, and the essence is concentrated in the first 20 caves, which are officially carved caves. The official caves are magnificent and majestic, with many exquisite carvings. Several of them are large Buddhas over ten meters high, which are very stylish at close range. Every time at this moment, I hate that I am not an expert like Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin, so I can read this treasure more deeply.
TravelWithTara
TravelWithTara
Datong Impressions

Datong Impressions

Datong is the second largest city in Shanxi Province, with a history of 2,300 years. It has a wealth of cultural relics, including the Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, and the Nine-Dragon Wall, all of which showcase Datong's unique charm as a historical and cultural city. Every year during the Spring Festival, the ancient city wall hosts a lively lantern festival, like a colorful picture book, with each page a masterpiece of craftsmanship, and each scene a heartwarming sight. If you have time, you can visit the Hanging Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda to admire the unique ancient architecture.
987Hazel~Rivera%
987Hazel~Rivera%
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
Datong

Datong

🏮 Every household hangs small colored lights 🌲 The trees on the street are also decorated with small colored lights. The people of Datong say that no tree should be bare during the New Year (Shanxi people are so nice) 🔥 There are tall flames in the community, symbolizing prosperity 🧨 It really feels like the New Year Yungang Grottoes: 🎫: Search for the Yungang Research Institute mini program to make a reservation. Off-season: CNY 100/person, peak season: CNY 120/person 📿 No matter the season, you can have an excellent grotto experience ☀️ Cool and comfortable in summer, suitable for children ❄️ Snow in winter, the sense of destiny of the Northern Wei Dynasty is overwhelming 🏅️ If you can, hire a gold medal guide Huayan Temple 🎫: Search for the mini program "Datong Huayan Temple Scenic Area" to buy tickets. Off-season: CNY 40/person, peak season: CNY 50/person 🎨 The murals are exquisite, as if time has frozen here, making people feel awe! ⛩️ There is a huge window in the lobby on the second floor of Tong She Homestay, where you can look at Huayan Temple. Many netizens say it feels like Kyoto, but it seems to be temporarily closed to the public now. Friends who come for this window are advised to make a strategy in advance Hanging Temple: 🎫: Make a reservation through the Hengshan Scenic Area official account The scenic area is divided into two tickets: entrance ticket CNY 15/person, only for viewing from a distance; if you want to climb the Hanging Temple, you need to make a reservation and buy a climbing ticket, CNY 100/person 🧡 Food recommendations Lao Chai Knife-Cut Noodles: A time-honored brand that locals in Datong have been eating since childhood, a white moonlight, look for the Xiangyangli flagship store Zini 369 Coarse Grain Season: The queue at the Drum Tower store starts at 2 hours, it is recommended to get a number first and then visit the ancient city, the price is affordable, and the yellow rice cold cake is a must Fenglin Pavilion: Royal decoration, hard to get a number at the Drum Tower store, you can get a number online at 9 am/3:30 pm, and the hundred-flower steamed bun is a must
AND. Sam 2872
AND. Sam 2872
Datong

Datong

【Must-Visit Attractions】 Yungang Grottoes: 5A, World Heritage Hanging Temple: 4A, Aerial Pavilion Yanmen Pass: 5A, The First Pass of China Mount Wutai: 5A, World Heritage Pingyao Ancient City: 5A, World Heritage Jinci Museum: 4A, Little Jiangnan of North China Qiao Family Courtyard: Once 5A, Very Famous Wang Family Courtyard: 4A, After Seeing Wang's Courtyard, No Need to See Others Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River: 5A, The Largest Yellow Waterfall in China ✅【Shanxi Panorama 4-Day Tour】 D1: Taiyuan - Mount Wutai, Stay at Mount Wutai D2: Mount Wutai - Hanging Temple, Stay in Datong D3: Yungang Grottoes - Yanmen Pass, Stay in Taiyuan D4: Qiao Family Courtyard - Pingyao Ancient City, End in Taiyuan ✅【Shanxi Panorama 5-Day Tour】 D1: Taiyuan - Yanmen Pass - Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Stay in Datong D2: Yungang Grottoes - Hanging Temple, Stay at Mount Wutai D3: Mount Wutai Attractions - Jinci, Stay in Pingyao D4: Wang Family Courtyard - Hukou Waterfall, Stay in Pingyao D5: Pingyao Ancient City - Qiao Family Courtyard, End in Taiyuan 🧡【Tips】 Flights: Taiyuan, Datong, Linfen, Yuncheng, Changzhi, Shuozhou, Xinzhou all have airports. High-speed Rail: High-speed rail is very convenient in all prefecture-level cities in Shanxi Province. Dining: Shanxi is a carbohydrate-rich province, mainly featuring noodles, divided into three styles: North, Central, and South, mainly salty and sour. Accommodation: Low city consumption, good conditions, slightly higher in scenic areas, average conditions. Transportation: Shanxi's scenic spots are well connected by highways, with good road conditions.
TravelWithTara
TravelWithTara
Datong • Fahua Temple.

Datong • Fahua Temple.

A peaceful sanctuary, a must-visit temple in Datong, located on the north side of the city and Yang Street, rebuilt in 2012, imitating the Ming Dynasty style, with a four-entry courtyard layout. You need to have three or two hours or longer, and you might as well walk through every corner carefully. The treasures in the temple include the blood sutra that the abbot Wande Dharma Master closed for three years, which is extremely shocking and indescribable. With a devout heart, come to Fahua Temple, if you can, come more.
123Max~Martinez^
123Max~Martinez^
Wuyemiao - Datong

Wuyemiao - Datong

Wuyemiao (Temple of the Fifth Lord) is located in Yanggao County, Datong City. It is an ancient temple with a long history and profound cultural heritage. It is also one of the famous tourist attractions in the area. Wuyemiao is also known as "Wulong Tang" (Hall of the Five Dragons), and it is one of the famous temples around Datong City. The temple is so named because it enshrines the Five Dragon Kings, hence it is also called Guangji Longwang Temple, commonly known as Wuyemiao. Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty also bestowed the title of Dragon King Bodhisattva upon the Five Lords. ✅ The incense at Wuyemiao is particularly prosperous for two reasons: firstly, because praying to the Fifth Lord is believed to be very efficacious, and secondly, because the Fifth Lord is considered an incarnation of the God of Wealth. The Fifth Lord is also revered as the God of Wealth among the people, protecting and blessing them in respecting wealth, seeking wealth, attracting wealth, and safeguarding wealth. ✅ It is said that wishes made at Wuyemiao will come true within three years. Moreover, offering incense in the early morning is believed to be particularly efficacious, so between four and nine o'clock in the morning, the temple is bustling with pilgrims worshipping the Five Dragon Kings, with a constant stream of visitors. Now that you know the origin of Wuyemiao, be sure to visit the temple to pray for wealth and safety when you travel to the Yungang Grottoes next time. 📍 Detailed address: Inside the Yungang Grottoes Scenic Area, Yanggao County, Datong City, Shanxi Province. 🕙 Opening hours: See announcements inside the temple 💰 Ticket price: Free admission. ⏳ Visiting time: About half an hour to an hour.
JourneyGems
JourneyGems
Historic China
myhiddengems
instatravel
china

Historic China

The Yungang Grottoes, located near Datong in China's Shanxi Province, are a breathtaking testament to ancient Buddhist art. Carved into sandstone cliffs, these caves house over 51,000 statues, ranging from tiny figurines to colossal Buddhas, dating back to the 5th century. As you explore the 252 grottoes, the intricate details of the sculptures and the vibrant remnants of painted murals transport you back to the Northern Wei Dynasty. The serene atmosphere and the sheer scale of the site make it an unforgettable destination for anyone interested in history, art, or spirituality. It's truly a marvel of ancient craftsmanship #myhiddengems #instatravel #china
Joe0412
Joe0412
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