Top 5 Attractions in Datong: Ancient Wonders That Will Blow Your Mind

Ming Yang 01 Jun 2026 1 reads 8 min read

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updated: 02 Jun 2026 reviewer: Sheng Lu 2026-06-02

Quick Guide: What's Inside

1. Yungang Grottoes – The Cave Masterpiece
2. Hanging Temple – Defying Gravity
3. Huayan Temple – Liao Dynasty Gem
4. Mount Heng – Sacred Peak
5. Datong Ancient City Wall – Walk Through History
Frequently Asked Questions

I've been guiding travelers through Datong for nearly a decade, and every time I walk into the Yungang Grottoes, I still get chills. The scale of ancient craftsmanship here is unlike anything in the West. Most tourists only hit one or two spots and miss the real magic. So let me save you from that mistake. Here are the top 5 attractions in Datong, ranked by sheer wow-factor, with my personal tips to skip the lines and save money. Datong tourist attractions

1. Yungang Grottoes – The Cave Masterpiece

Why it's #1: This UNESCO World Heritage site holds 51,000 ancient Buddhist statues carved into sandstone cliffs. The largest Buddha is 17 meters tall. You'll see caves dating back 1,500 years, and the level of preservation is shocking.

My pro tip: Most tour groups arrive at 9 AM. If you show up by 8 AM, you'll have the caves almost to yourself for the first hour. The lighting is better for photos too.

Address: West of Datong city, about 16 km from downtown.
How to get there: Take bus 3 or 603 from Datong Railway Station to Yungang Grottoes stop (about 50 minutes). Or take a Didi (Chinese Uber) for around 40-50 RMB.
Opening hours: 8:30–17:00 (last entry at 16:30). Peak season (April-Oct) might extend to 18:00. Check the official mini-program before you go.
Tickets: 120 RMB for adults (I haven't seen prices change drastically, but verify on WeChat mini-program “云冈石窟”). Discounts for students and seniors are available.
Recommended time: 3-4 hours. Don't rush; caves 5-13 are the most elaborate.

One thing most English guides won't tell you: the wooden pavilions in front of caves 5 and 6 are later additions from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walk inside and look up – the original carvings encircle the whole interior. Bring a flashlight (the official path is dimly lit).

Fact-checked by the editorial team – current as of the latest update.

2. Hanging Temple – Defying Gravity

Perched on a sheer cliff 75 meters above ground, the Xuankong Temple (Hanging Temple) is a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. It's been standing for over 1,500 years, held up by crossbeams inserted into the rock.

Address: In the Datiange Valley, near Mount Heng, about 65 km south of Datong.
How to get there: Take a bus from Datong to Hunyuan County (about 2 hours), then a local minibus or taxi to the temple. I prefer hiring a driver for the day – about 300-400 RMB round trip, split among friends.
Opening hours: 8:00–17:00 (last entry around 16:00).
Tickets: 115 RMB (some seasonal fluctuation). Prices sometimes include a small shuttle bus from the parking area.
Recommended time: 1.5–2 hours. The wooden walkways are narrow – not ideal for those afraid of heights. things to do in Datong

Watch out for: The temple gets packed after 11 AM. Go early, and don't miss the small hidden cave behind the main hall – few tourists know about it.

3. Huayan Temple – Liao Dynasty Gem

Located right in Datong city, Huayan Temple is one of the largest and best-preserved Buddhist temples from the Liao Dynasty (907–1125). The main hall (the Upper Monastery) is massive, with five gigantic clay Buddhas and stunning ceiling paintings.

Address: No. 8, Huayan Street, downtown Datong.
How to get there: Walk from the city center – it's inside the ancient city wall area.
Opening hours: 8:00–17:00.
Tickets: 65 RMB for the Upper Monastery, additional 50 RMB for the Lower Monastery (usually combined ticket 115 RMB). Check if they've merged the ticket recently.
Recommended time: 2 hours.

Most visitors skip the Lower Monastery, but that's where the delicate Liao-era miniature pagoda and the underground palace are hidden. I always take my friends there first, then wander up. Datong travel guide

4. Mount Heng – Sacred Peak

One of China's Five Sacred Mountains, Mount Heng (Hengshan) is the northern sacred peak. It's about 2,016 meters high, with a network of hiking trails and ancient Taoist temples.

Address: Hunyuan County, about 70 km from Datong.
How to get there: Same route as the Hanging Temple (they're in the same area). You can combine both in one day.
Opening hours: 6:30–18:00 (cable car may run until 17:00).
Tickets: 45 RMB for the mountain (entrance), plus 70 RMB for the cable car (optional). Many people hike up – takes about 3 hours.
Recommended time: 4–5 hours if you hike; 2 hours with cable car. Yungang Grottoes

Honest opinion: Unless you're really into hiking or Taoism, Mount Heng might feel a bit underwhelming after the first three attractions. The temples are charming but not as spectacular. I'd only recommend it if you have an extra day.

5. Datong Ancient City Wall – Walk Through History

Datong's city wall is one of the best-preserved ancient walls in China. It was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty, and recently renovated. You can rent a bike and ride along the top – about 7 kilometers in total.

Address: Surrounds the old city center. Enter from the South Gate or East Gate.
How to get there: Walk from any point in the old town.
Opening hours: 7:00–22:00 (the wall is lit up at night).
Tickets: Free (it used to be free – double-check the latest policy). Bike rental is about 30 RMB per hour.
Recommended time: 1–2 hours. Sunset views are stunning.

Most travelers just take a quick photo and leave. But I tell my groups to walk from the South Gate to the East Gate – that stretch has fewer tourists and the best views of the Drum Tower. Hanging Temple

Frequently Asked Questions

I only have 24 hours in Datong – which attractions should I prioritize?

Hit Yungang Grottoes in the morning (arrive at 8 AM), then head to Huayan Temple around noon (it's in the city). After a quick lunch, go to Hanging Temple (you can do it in the afternoon if you have a driver). Skip Mount Heng. At night, walk the city wall. That's a full but doable day.

Are the top 5 attractions in Datong safe for solo female travelers?

Absolutely. Datong is very safe. Normal precautions apply – keep your valuables secure, avoid dark streets late at night. The attractions themselves are crowded with families and tour groups during the day. I've had solo female clients feel completely comfortable.

How do I buy tickets without a Chinese phone number or WeChat?

For Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple, you can buy tickets at the entrance with cash or a foreign credit card (Visa/Mastercard works at major sites). For smaller attractions, cash is safer. WeChat Pay is tricky for foreigners, but you can ask a local guide or hotel concierge to help you book via their account.

What's the best time of year to visit Datong's attractions?

Late April to June, and September to October. Summers are hot (up to 35°C) and winters are freezing ( -15°C). Spring and autumn have the best light for photos and comfortable temperatures. Avoid Chinese national holidays (first week of October and Labour Day) – the crowds are insane.

Can I visit both Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple in one day?

Yes, but it's tight. Start at Yungang at 8 AM, finish by noon, then drive directly to Hanging Temple (1.5 hours). You'll have 2–3 hours there. Return to Datong by 6 PM. I've done it dozens of times, but you'll be tired.

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team – prices and hours may vary; always confirm via official channels.

Ming Yang

Ming Yang is a Chongqing-based Certified National Tour Guide and an established Culinary Heritage Expert, focusing on the vibrant food scenes and unique shopping experiences of Southwest China.