How to Get to Yungang Grottoes: Avoid Crowds & Save Time

Bo Wu 06 Jul 2026 22 reads 8 min read

More details

updated: 11 Jul 2026 reviewer: Xiaoyu Mao 2026-07-11

Quick Navigation

Public Bus from Datong
Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Private Driver & Tour
Biking & Walking (Not Recommended)
Ticket Booking & Opening Hours
Best Time to Go & Crowd Tips
Frequently Asked Questions

I've lost count of how many times I've taken first-timers to Yungang Grottoes. And every single time, the biggest headache isn't the caves — it's figuring out how to actually get there. Taxi drivers overcharging, confusing bus stops, and that moment when your phone dies and you're stuck without a map. Let me walk you through every option, with exact prices and hidden shortcuts I've learned from years of guiding. Yungang Grottoes directions

My quick verdict: If you're alone or on a budget, take bus 3 from Datong Railway Station direct to the grottoes (¥3, 45 minutes). If you're with family or short on time, use a ride-hailing app (Didi) — about ¥60-80 one way and you skip the crowd at the bus stop. Avoid taxis that wait near train stations; they often quote ¥150+.

Public Bus from Datong

Bus 3 is your budget-friendly workhorse. It starts from the east side of Datong Railway Station (exact stop: opposite the station square, look for the sign 3路). The bus runs every 10-15 minutes from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Get off at the terminal — Yungang Grottoes stop. The ride takes about 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. Cost: ¥3 (cash only, exact change required unless you have a local transit card).

Watch out: The bus can get crammed during weekends and holidays. I've seen foreigners shoved to the back with no room for luggage. If you have a daypack, you're fine; a big suitcase? Forget it. Also, the last bus back from the grottoes leaves around 6:30 PM — don't miss it or you'll be stuck paying ¥100+ for a taxi.

Alternative: Bus 37 & 35

Bus 37 also reaches the grottoes but starts from a different point (near Datong University). Unless you're already in that area, stick to bus 3. Bus 35 runs only on weekends and holidays — unreliable, don't bother. Yungang Grottoes from Datong

Taxi or Ride-Hailing

Taxis are plentiful but unpredictable. From the city center or railway station, a metered taxi should cost around ¥60-80 one way. But many drivers will quote ¥100-150 because they assume you're a tourist. Always insist on using the meter, or better yet, use the Didi app (China's Uber). Didi gives you a fixed price upfront — ¥60-70 is typical. You can pay with Alipay, WeChat, or cash (though cash is hit or miss for change).

Pro tip I always give: If you're not comfortable with Chinese apps, ask your hotel reception to order a Didi for you. They can do it in 30 seconds. Hand the driver ¥80 in cash and say "不用找了" (no need for change) — they'll appreciate it and be more willing to wait for you while you visit.

Private Driver & Tour Packages

Many hotels and tour agencies offer private round-trip transfers to Yungang Grottoes. Expect to pay ¥200-300 per person for a half-day tour including a driver and sometimes a guide. This is the most stress-free option: the driver picks you up, waits at the parking lot, and takes you back. I usually recommend this if you're a group of 3-4, as the per-person cost drops to ¥70-100.

Check with Ctrip or local Travel agencies for reliable packages. Just make sure the driver speaks basic English or has a translation app ready. Yungang Grottoes transportation

Biking & Walking (Not Recommended)

I've seen some travel blogs suggest biking from Datong. Please don't. It's 16 km of dusty, busy roads with trucks whizzing past. There's no dedicated bike lane, and the scenery isn't worth the risk. Walking? Absolutely not — unless you have 4 hours to kill and enjoy heatstroke. Save your energy for the grottoes themselves.

Ticket Booking & Opening Hours

Before you even think about transport, you need a ticket. Yungang Grottoes requires advance booking via their official WeChat mini-program (search "云冈石窟" in WeChat). The process is entirely in Chinese, which is a nightmare for non-speakers. Here's the workaround: ask your hotel to book it for you. Or use a third-party site like Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) where you can book in English, though it costs a small surcharge.

Ticket Type	Price (RMB)	Notes
Standard Adult	¥120	Includes all cave areas; no extra fees
Student (with valid ID)	¥60	International student ID may work, but Chinese ID is safer
Senior (60-64)	¥60	Must show passport; 65+ free
Child (under 6 or under 1.2m)	Free	No ticket needed, but queue at entrance

Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). The grottoes close at 5 PM for clearing, so don't arrive later than 3 PM if you want a relaxed visit. The site closes at 4 PM during winter (November–March). Datong to Yungang Grottoes bus

Best Time to Go & Crowd Tips

Most tour groups arrive between 10 AM and 2 PM. If you want to experience the caves in relative peace, aim for 8:30 AM (opening time) or after 3:30 PM. I personally love taking clients at 3 PM — the light hits the stone carvings beautifully for photos, and the crowds thin out by 4 PM. But don't wait too long; you need an hour to get back to the exit. Yungang Grottoes taxi cost

Heat alert: In summer (June-August), there's no shade in the cave area — it's a stone desert. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and at least 1.5 liters of water per person. I've had guests faint from heat exhaustion. The gift shop sells water at ¥5 per bottle, but better to bring your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my international credit card to buy a ticket on-site?

No, the ticket counter only takes Chinese mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat) or cash. Most foreign credit cards are not accepted. Bring enough cash to buy tickets, or prepay via Trip.com. I've seen many travelers stuck at the gate trying to swipe a Visa card — it won't work.

Is there an English audio guide or guide service?

Yes, you can rent an audio guide device at the entrance for ¥20 (needs ¥200 deposit — cash only!). Or you can download the "Yungang Grottoes" app (only in Chinese though). I recommend hiring a local English-speaking guide near the ticket office — they usually charge ¥150-200 for a 1-hour tour, and they know all the hidden details you'd miss alone.

How do I get back to Datong after visiting if I miss the last bus?

If you miss bus 3 (last around 6:30 PM), your only option is a taxi. But taxis that hang around the exit after 5 PM know this and will charge you ¥100-130 for the ride back. My advice: save a local taxi dispatch number in advance (your hotel can give you one). Or use Didi if you have data — the price will be around ¥70-80. Never get into a car without a meter or pre-negotiated price.

Is it possible to combine Yungang Grottoes with the Hanging Temple in one day?

Technically yes, but it's a rush. Yungang Grottoes is about 16 km west of Datong, while Hanging Temple is 65 km south. I'd recommend taking a private tour for that combo — the driver will handle logistics. Start at Yungang at 8 AM, leave by 11 AM, grab a quick lunch, then drive 1.5 hours to Hanging Temple. You'll arrive around 1:30 PM and have 2 hours there before closing. It's a packed day; if you hate rushing, split them into two days.

What should I do if my WeChat mini-program won't open for booking?

This happens a lot with foreign phones that don't have Chinese App Store accounts. The easiest fix: ask your hotel staff to book it for you (they will happily help). Or go to the official website (on your browser): yungang.org. But the site is mostly in Chinese. If all else fails, just show up with cash and buy at the counter — but be prepared to wait in a long line. The counter line can be 30-45 minutes on busy days, while online ticket holders walk right in.

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.

Bo Wu

Bo Wu, a Tianjin-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in North China itineraries covering the Ancient Culture Street, Five Great Avenues, and Drum Tower Bazaar.