Bo Wu
Quick Navigation
I've been guiding travelers to Yungang Grottoes for over a decade. And honestly? The biggest headache isn't the grottoes themselves—it's getting there from Datong city center. Most online guides just list vague options without real numbers. Let me fix that.
Here's the bottom line: if you're short on time (like a day trip from Datong), take a taxi or Didi—costs around 40-50 RMB and takes 30-40 minutes. If you're on a tight budget, Bus 603 works but expect 1.5 hours. Want a deep dive into each option? Keep reading.
Bus 603: The Budget Traveler's Friend
Bus 603 is the only public bus that goes directly to Yungang Grottoes. It starts from the Datong Railway Station (right outside the east exit). I always tell my guests: look for the bus with the big "603" sign—it's usually crowded but reliable.
Key details:
- Route: Datong Railway Station → Yungang Grottoes (terminus). It also stops at some hotels along Yingbin Street.
- Fare: 3 RMB (cash or local transit card only—no Alipay/WeChat accepted on this bus as of my last trip).
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes, from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Last bus back from the grottoes is around 6:00 PM—don't miss it!
- Travel time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Real talk: during morning rush (8-9 AM) or afternoon school hours (4-5 PM), it can stretch to 1.5 hours.
My pro tip: Board at the second stop after the railway station (e.g., at "Yingbin Street")—the bus is often packed at the start. Also, keep small change handy; the driver won't break a 10 RMB note.
Taxi or Didi: Fast and Flexible
This is my personal favorite for most travelers. Taxis are plentiful in Datong, and Didi (the Chinese Uber) works well if you have the app set up with a Chinese phone number.
Cost: 40-50 RMB (taxi from city center); Didi Express slightly cheaper at 35-45 RMB. Didi Premier (Comfort) around 55-65 RMB.
Time: 30-40 minutes door-to-door. The route is straightforward: take the G208 National Road westward, then turn south at the signs. Note: Google Maps doesn't work well in China—use Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode) for navigation.
Hailing a Didi: If you don't have the app, ask your hotel concierge to call a taxi for you. Standard flag-fall in Datong is 7 RMB for the first 3 km. The total ride is about 16 km one way.
Watch out for: Some taxi drivers may try to negotiate a flat return fee (e.g., 100 RMB including waiting time). That's actually not a bad deal if you plan to stay 2-3 hours—it guarantees a ride back. But if you're fine taking the bus back, just pay the meter one-way.
Private Tour: Hassle-Free Experience
If you're traveling in a group of 2-4 or don't want to deal with logistics, a private tour is worth it. Many local agencies offer half-day tours from Datong to Yungang Grottoes, usually including English-speaking guide, entrance fee, and hotel pickup.
Price range: 250-400 RMB per person (depending on group size and inclusions). I've used Trip.com and Klook for bookings—both reliable. The tour typically lasts 4-5 hours, with about 2-2.5 hours at the site.
What's included? Hotel pickup/drop-off, entrance ticket (120 RMB for adults, free for children under 6 or under 1.2m), and guide commentary. Some tours also include a stop at the Datong Museum or Nine-Dragon Wall, but that's extra.
My honest take: If you're a history buff, the guide's explanation brings the carvings to life. But if you're just wanting to see the caves on your own, the taxi + audio guide (rent a device at the entrance for 20 RMB) is cheaper.
Rental Car: Driving Yourself
Renting a car in China? Only if you have a Chinese driver's license (international driving permits are not recognized). So this option is mostly for expats living in China. But let me cover it anyway.
Major car rentals like Ctrip (now Trip.com) and eHi have offices in Datong. A compact car costs about 150-200 RMB per day. Driving from city center to Yungang along the G208 takes about 30 minutes. Parking at the site costs 10 RMB (small car).
The road is well-paved but can be busy with trucks. I don't recommend this unless you're comfortable with local driving habits. Trust me—the Didi drivers know the shortcuts.
Bike or Walk: For the Adventurous
Okay, this is not for everyone. But I have had a few young backpackers who rented a bicycle in Datong and biked to Yungang. It's 16 km with some uphill sections—took them about 1.5-2 hours. They loved the countryside scenery.
Bike rental: Around 20-30 RMB per day from shops near the railway station. You can also use the city's public bike system if you have the app. But honestly? Not my recommendation unless you're fit and have a whole day to spare. The road has no dedicated bike lane, so you'll be sharing with cars.
Walking? Absolutely not practical. 16 km on foot is 3-4 hours one way. Only if you're a marathon runner.
Quick Comparison Table
| Method | Cost (per person) | Travel Time | Best For | Parking/Waiting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 603 | 3 RMB | 1 – 1.5 hours | Budget travelers, solo backpackers | No parking; stop at entrance gate |
| Taxi / Didi | 35 – 55 RMB | 30 – 40 min | Couples, small groups, time-savers | Driver can wait or you call another |
| Private Tour | 250 – 400 RMB | 4 – 5 hours (total) | History lovers, hassle-free | Tour includes pickup/drop-off |
| Rental Car | 150 – 200 RMB/day | 30 min | Drivers with Chinese license | Parking available (10 RMB) |
| Bicycle | 20 – 30 RMB | 1.5 – 2 hrs | Adventure seekers, fit travelers | Bike lock required |
No comments yet.