Classic Datong Itinerary: 2 Days for First-Timers

I've been guiding travelers through Datong for eight years, and the number one thing people ask is: “What's the best way to see the must-visits without rushing?” This classic Datong itinerary is the result of hundreds of trips – fine-tuned to balance awe, comfort, and that craving for real local flavor. Let's dive in.

Why This Classic Datong Itinerary Works

Datong isn't a huge city, but its two blockbuster sites – Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple – are 60 km apart. Many travelers try to squeeze both into one day and end up exhausted. I've seen it over and over. This plan spreads them over two days, adds an evening on the ancient city wall, and leaves room for the food scene that most foreigners miss. You'll also get insider timing tips to dodge the tour bus crowds.

Getting to Datong

Datong has its own airport (Datong Yungang Airport, DOY) with flights from Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. But most visitors come by high-speed train from Beijing (about 2 hours, 150-200 RMB) or Taiyuan (1.5 hours, 90-120 RMB). The Datong South Station is the newer hub, about 30 minutes by taxi to the city center (around 40 RMB). If you're arriving at the old Datong Station, you're closer to the city wall – a 10-minute taxi ride.

Local transport within Datong: Didi (Chinese Uber) is cheap and easy – most rides within the city are under 20 RMB. Public buses work, but I'd recommend Didi if you're short on time. For Yungang Grottoes, you can take bus 3 or 12 from the city center (2 RMB, 50 minutes), but I prefer a 30-minute taxi for about 60 RMB.

Day 1 – Yungang Grottoes & Ancient City

Morning at Yungang Grottoes (8:00 AM – 12:30 PM)

Yungang is a UNESCO World Heritage site with 45 major caves carved into sandstone cliffs. The ticket price (as of my last visit) is 120 RMB for adults, free for children under 1.2 m (just over 3 ft), and half-price for students with ID. You can buy directly at the gate, but you'll save 15 minutes by booking on their WeChat mini-program (search “云冈石窟”). I always tell my groups: bring a bottle of water and wear good shoes – there's a lot of walking between caves.

Start from Cave 1 and work your way west. The three largest caves (16-20) are the showstoppers, especially Cave 20 with its colossal seated Buddha. Most tour groups skip the smaller caves, so you can linger in Cave 5-8 without the crush. Don't miss the museum near the exit – it explains the Buddhist art you just saw, and it's air-conditioned (a blessing in summer).

Lunch near Yungang (12:30 – 1:30 PM)

There's a row of small restaurants just outside the ticket gate. I usually grab a bowl of dao xiao mian (knife-cut noodles) at the second shop from the left – it's called “大同刀削面” (no English sign, just look for the steam). A bowl costs 15-20 RMB, and they accept WeChat Pay or cash. No English menu, but just point to what others are eating. If you're vegetarian, ask for su cai mian.

Afternoon: City Wall & Huayan Temple (2:00 – 6:00 PM)

Back in the city, head to the ancient city wall. It's free to walk on top (just register with your passport at the gate). Rent a bicycle (20 RMB per hour) and cycle the full 7 km loop – it takes about an hour with stops. The best section is the south gate, where you can see the Drum Tower and the old courtyard houses.

Then visit Huayan Temple (entrance 50 RMB), a Liao Dynasty gem with a stunning wooden pagoda. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the old city. Tip: The temple closes at 5:30 PM (last entry 5:00), so go before 3:30 to have enough time.

Evening: Datong Old City Food Walk (7:00 PM onwards)

Near the Drum Tower, there's a street called Temple Street that comes alive at night. Try the Datong yang za (lamb offal soup) at the stall with a yellow awning – 25 RMB for a bowl. Another must: hun dun (wontons) from the old lady at the corner. She's been there 30 years. For dessert, grab a tang hu lu (candied hawthorn) from the cart. Most vendors only take WeChat or cash, so have some small bills ready.

Day 2 – Hanging Temple & Local Eats

Morning: Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si) – 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

The Hanging Temple is about 80 km south of Datong, a 1.5-hour drive. I recommend booking a private driver through your hotel (around 400-500 RMB round trip) or joining a small group tour (often 150-200 RMB per person). The temple clings to a cliff face, built in 491 AD. Tickets are 115 RMB for adults, and you need to reserve a time slot on WeChat (search “悬空寺”). They limit visitors to 200 per hour, so booking ahead is essential – don't just show up!

Once inside, you'll climb steep wooden stairs. It's not for the faint of heart (or those with vertigo), but the views are surreal. My groups usually spend 1.5 hours here. Early morning is key – by 10 AM the tour buses arrive and the narrow walkways get jammed.

Lunch: Local Food Must-Try (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM)

On the way back to the city, stop at a village restaurant for ku lao rou ( a Datong specialty). I always take my groups to a place called Yuan Family Farmhouse on the main road – no English name, but your driver will know it. They serve a set meal for 60 RMB per person that includes the famous Datong mixed stir-fry and jia zhang suan cai (home-style pickled cabbage). The owner's daughter speaks a little English and can help with orders.

Afternoon: Shanhua Temple & Free Time (1:30 – 4:00 PM)

Back in Datong, visit Shanhua Temple ( entrance 30 RMB). It's less crowded than Huayan, but its Liao Dynasty hall is equally impressive. The painted murals inside are a hidden gem. Spend about 1.5 hours. Afterward, you have free time to explore the old city lanes around Drum Tower Street – shops sell local crafts like coal carvings (Datong is a coal hub) and dried dates.

Evening Option: Datong Impression Show (8:00 PM)

If you're not too tired, catch the “Datong Impression” performance at the city wall's south gate. It's a light and sound show about the city's history (tickets 100-150 RMB). I've seen it three times – the projection on the wall is quite something. The show runs April to October, weather permitting.

Where to Stay in Datong

For this classic Datong itinerary, stay inside the old city wall for walking access to the night food scene. I recommend:

Most hotels have free Wi-Fi and can help book drivers. Note that many budget hotels don't have elevators, so ask for a ground floor room if stairs are an issue.

FAQ – Classic Datong Itinerary

This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision. Prices and hours may change – always verify via official channels before your trip.