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Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Datong [2025]
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Yungang Grottoes
4.8
/5
28292 reviews
8.9
From € 14.38
Based on 991 reviews
14.3 km from downtown
Phone +8603527992666
Address: No. 1, Yungang Town, Yungang District, Datong City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Stroll through the grottoes and explore Forty Caves
59,000+ stone sculptures inside caves
Saved by 687 users21837 positive reviews
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📍Yungang Grottoes
We went to the Yungang Grottoes in the afternoon. Even after 3 a.m., there were still a lot of people. Every cave with well-preserved Buddha statues had its own queue and weaved through the crowds to find a good angle for photos. It started to rain halfway through, but the crowds didn't decrease, but increased. The picture shows the cultural landscape in the rain.
The rain continued to fall. I walked all the way back to the scenic area exit with great perseverance. Although my legs felt like they were breaking, I felt a sense of wonder, even with the misty mountains and the rain (perhaps that was just self-consolation).
The walk from the parking lot to the scenic area is quite long.
There were too many people during the summer vacation, so we skipped the one with the longest queue. The whole thing was still very impressive. The entrance was a bit far from the actual cave. We took a taxi when we went there, and there was a bus back to the city. There were not many people and it went fast. We were too lazy to wait for the through bus, so we refunded the ticket and took the bus instead.
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Xuankong Temple
4.7
/5
8981 reviews
8.4
From € 1.80
Based on 789 reviews
58.1 km from downtown
Phone +8603528333081
Address: At the foot of Hengshan Mountain in the southeastern suburb of Wuyuan County, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Asia 100 – Best Things to Do
Highlights:
Admire Exquisite Wood Carved Murals Along the Plank Road
Cliffside's breathtaking architecture
Saved by 603 users6655 positive reviews
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I gave up the reservation directly inside the temple. I didn't want to waste time on it. We will meet each other if we are destined to. The 15 yuan ticket is still worth going in to take a look, take pictures, and see the places where the ancients have been. It can be regarded as a trip to Hengshan. However, it does not have the same entrance as Hengshan. The 20 yuan bus ticket is universal. If you drive yourself, it is more convenient to leave it at the visitor center and take the universal bus. Our car was left at the Hengshan entrance, which was not very convenient. There are quite a lot of universal buses. Anyway, the ticket is 20 yuan for several trips a day, and we basically did not queue.
The Hanging Temple of Hengshan is worth a visit to experience the wisdom of the ancients. The temple is built on the cliff. The scenic area is generally good, but it is too difficult to buy the boarding ticket. The management of the ticket purchase site is chaotic. Many people buy tickets on behalf of others. Even if you queue up in front of the rules, you can't buy it. It's disappointing!
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Heng Shan Mountain
4.5
/5
4411 reviews
7.5
From € 5.40
Based on 41 reviews
58.6 km from downtown
Phone +8603528333077
Address: At the foot of Hengshan Mountain in the southeastern suburb of Wuyuan County, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
360° views of nature
Hanging Temple: ancient wooden architecture
2747 positive reviews10K views in last month
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Hengshan, a destination we'd already added to our travel list due to its proximity to the Hanging Temple, offered a truly unique experience. The view from the summit was truly breathtaking! The only problem is that the infrastructure at the summit is still under construction. Overall, the climb was quite easy.
Hengshan, the Northern Peak, is renowned, but the service needs improvement. Without a guide, it's easy to waste time and take unnecessary detours. We suggest improving the process of ascending the mountain, especially with instructions for choosing bus transfers.
No.
4
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Datong Ancient City
4.7
/5
204 reviews
7.3
From € 4.68
Ancient City Tourist Cultural Area | 1.9 km from downtown
Phone +8603527699269
Address: 山西省大同市平城区御河西路
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 day
No.1 of Night Attractions in Datong
Highlights:
Unique blend of ancient & modern
Ancient & modern city vibe
Saved by 137 users186 positive reviews
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When I went to the beginning of the month, due to the suspension of some programs and light shows, I have not seen it. It is a pity that Datong is a city where food, history and modern civilization coexist. I will definitely revisit it again if I have the opportunity.
Datong Ancient City is definitely worth a visit! Firstly, it's steeped in history and packed with historical sites, including Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple. Secondly, you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious food, including both delicious meals and snacks. You can also climb the city walls to gaze out over the city, experiencing the dialogue between history and modern times. It's an incredible experience!
No.
5
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Datong Museum
4.4
/5
593 reviews
6.9
Datong South Railway Station/Fantawild Adventure | 5.7 km from downtown
Phone +8603522303518
Address: No. 506 Taihe Road, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
No.2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Datong
Highlights:
Dinosaurs' habitat recreated & displayed
Artifacts showcase ancient Chinese history
441 positive reviews10K views in last month
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Datong Museum is one of a group of cultural and art museums built in the south of Datong Municipal Government in the new district in recent years. It is adjacent to Datong Art Museum, Datong Theatre and Datong Library. The exterior design of the museum building is relatively modern, and the internal space is relatively large. Mainly the classification is displayed and introduced to the historical and cultural development process of Datong. The collection is rich, interesting and knowledgeable. Transportation is also more convenient.
💎 The Core Value of the Museum's Treasures
The treasures of Datong Museum share a common theme of "ethnic integration":
• Northern Wei Dynasty artifacts: These showcase the assimilation of Central Plains culture, Buddhist art, and Western Region technology by the nomadic Xianbei during their Sinicization (e.g., Confucian themes on lacquer screens and Western Asian craftsmanship in glassware).
• Liao, Jin, and Yuan Dynasty artifacts: These reveal how ethnic groups like the Khitan and Jurchen, after ruling the Central Plains, preserved their own customs while promoting multiethnic cultural coexistence (e.g., the coexistence of nomadism and farming in Liao tomb murals and the totemic evolution of the Chiwen).
• Historical Status: Datong's role as the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty and the "melting pot" of ethnic groups during the Liao and Jin dynasties serves as a tangible key to understanding the process of multicultural integration in Chinese civilization.
No.
6
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Datong Fantawild Adventure
4.7
/5
6765 reviews
6.5
From € 19.06
Datong South Railway Station/Fantawild Adventure | 6.2 km from downtown
Phone +864001660006
Address: No. 3666, South Ring Road, Pingcheng District, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.2 of Night Attractions in Datong
Highlights:
Dinosaur Age Adventure Rapids
Hua Xia Five Thousand Years Theme Area Experience
5304 positive reviews10K views in last month
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It was fun! I went on a weekday so there were probably fewer people. Over the Limit wasn't as exciting as I'd hoped. I only saw the beautiful scenery of my country once, but I didn't feel it was worth buying the express ticket. The express ticket for the Nikola roller coaster was a great value! That one gives you two laps, which is great! The light show at night was a bit rubbish, like a ghost scattering flowers in the sky.
We played from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM. It rained intermittently that day, so it wasn't hot, and even a bit chilly at night. There are many attractions, and most of the indoor ones require 4D glasses for an immersive experience. We recommend mixing indoor and outdoor activities; staying indoors all the time can be stressful for your eyes and brain. Those with acrophobia or motion sickness should exercise caution. Also, I recommend renting an electric scooter; the park isn't small, and walking around can be tiring.
No.
7
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Datong Clay Forest
4.3
/5
827 reviews
6.4
From € 5.76
20.3 km from downtown
Phone +8615525239807
Address: Duzhuang Village, Duzhuang Township, Datong County, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Stunning sunrise & sunset views
Near Hanging Temple & Yungang Caves
613 positive reviews10K views in last month
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A seriously underestimated scenic spot, the geology is very strange, marvel at the wonders of nature, maybe the locals don't see much, but for me, a southerner, it's too shocking. Many outsiders come here specifically to check in and take pictures, especially in the morning and dusk, the photos are particularly good. This time I came at a bad time, and I didn't want to wait until dusk. You can take a look at the photos taken when it's not the most beautiful. I recommend everyone to go, but be sure to be lenient when visiting. The ecology of the entire scenic area is very fragile. Thank you
The 50 yuan entrance fee was a bit shocking; 10 yuan wouldn't be enough.
It's just a few small mounds. If you're not particularly interested in the topography, I wouldn't recommend visiting. The "Devil City" on the Loess Plateau is an exaggeration; it pales in comparison to the larger ones.
No.
8
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Jinhuagong National Mine Park
4.6
/5
383 reviews
6.1
14.1 km from downtown
Phone +8603527086666
Address: Jinhua Palace, South Suburb of Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Admire the unique patterns of coalified petrified wood
Underground Exploration Tour: Experience Industrial Culture
311 positive reviews10K views in last month
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It has great scientific educational significance. It is recommended for children to visit. It is just opposite the Yungang Grottoes. It is recommended to buy tickets for underground visits in advance. If you buy tickets online, don't forget to get the waiting code from the machine on site. Don't be late. The team goes down the well. The wind is cold underground, so bring more coats.
The exploration trip was novel and shocking. Although I rented a mobile phone, the pixel was relatively low and the noise was high. It might be clearer than taking photos and videos. The shooting effect was not ideal. I don’t think it is necessary to rent a mobile phone specifically. Taking photos actually interfered with listening to the explanation. The overall experience is rare. Missing work is hard and dangerous. I hope it will be safe. I took a picture of a rainbow today.
No.
9
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Yong'an Temple
4.8
/5
117 reviews
6.0
Based on 4 reviews
53.5 km from downtown
Phone +8603528322142
Address: North Lane, Gulou, Hunyuan County, Shanxi 037400
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Admire Yuan Dynasty Murals in Chuan Fa Zheng Zong Hall
Jin Dynasty ancient temple has seen historical changes
113 positive reviews10K views in last month
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It is very close to the Hanging Temple. I suggest you take a taxi here if you have time. Remember to pay attention to the weather. You can only see the murals through natural light. The overall size is not big but it is still very shocking and has a sense of history.
As a historic temple, Yong'an Temple boasts reasonable admission prices, fully commensurate with its cultural value. The well-preserved Yuan Dynasty murals and quaint architecture are truly impressive, especially the exquisitely detailed caisson ceilings and painted patterns in the Main Hall, truly a true masterpiece.
The scenic area is well-managed and not crowded, allowing for a tranquil experience of the ancient temple's tranquility and grandeur. We recommend taking advantage of the guided tour, which costs 200 yuan per visit, for a deeper understanding of the historical story. If you're visiting Datong, this is a worthwhile stop on your itinerary!
No.
10
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Datong Volcanic Group
4.3
/5
107 reviews
5.4
30.1 km from downtown
Phone +8603528013338
Address: Yunshan District, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Rare volcanic heritage site
Volcano cones densely at 3600 ft
31% positive reviews10K views in last month
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It's a good volcano park. I encountered the shortest shuttle bus, and the return time was just one minute. But I still recommend taking the shuttle bus. After all, the park is free, and it still costs a lot of money to maintain such a large park. 🙈🙈🙈
It is recommended to go up the mountain from the left road. While you are in good physical condition, walk the uphill road first, and the rest is "downhill"?
Langwo Mountain: It has the deepest crater among the Datong volcanic group. It is also the only volcano with a wooden plank road. Walking along the plank road, you can enjoy a full view of the crater and surrounding landforms.
Jinshan: The mountain is reddish-brown lava in the shape of slag. The slopes are cut by radioactive valleys. The top of the mountain has a wide view and you can see other volcanoes in the distance.
Heishan: It is 1,429.9 meters above sea level. There is a Ming Dynasty beacon tower on the top of the mountain. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can have a panoramic view of the surrounding volcanic group and the Sanggan River Valley.
Haotian Mountain: The crater is 500 meters in diameter and is the largest crater in the Datong volcanic group. The Haotian Temple on the top of the mountain adds a cultural touch to it.
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