Visit the Yungang Grottoes and experience the weathering of time

The Yungang Grottoes, about a half-hour drive from Datong city center, are so famous that they hardly need an introduction. Coming here is the right choice. It is highly recommended to hire a guide when visiting the Yungang Grottoes; it's really necessary. As the saying goes, 'Three parts looking, seven parts listening,' but here, it should be 'Two parts looking, eight parts listening.' Without a guide, you will easily miss the exquisite details, and it will be difficult to understand, especially the statues of the Buddhas - the past Buddha, the future Buddha, the present Buddha, etc. - which are not easy for the average person to comprehend. Moreover, a good guide can immerse you in a sense of history. These statues have endured for a millennium, some weathered beyond recognition. As you stroll among them, you feel the weight of history, and these benevolent Buddhas seem to watch over you, just as they did over the devout believers a thousand years ago. This place is suitable for a leisurely visit. Don't rush and certainly don't speak loudly. Also, there are several popular photo spots. It's advised to queue orderly, take your photo, and move on, especially at the railing near the giant Buddha, which is indeed very photogenic. I encountered a girl who took photos there for more than ten minutes, leaving those behind her no choice but to watch her strike various poses. Lastly, I must mention the Yungang Coffee at the exit. Perhaps due to the fatigue, sitting down and sipping a coffee here feels particularly pleasant. Sitting quietly for a while, letting your brain digest the information your eyes have taken in, 'Without any hindrance in the mind, there is no fear' was the first phrase that came to my mind at that moment.