Tao Xu
Quick Jump
I’ve been leading groups to the Hanging Temple for over a decade, and the question I hear most is, “Where should we stay?” It’s not a simple answer. The temple clings to a cliff about 80 kilometers southeast of Datong city, near Hunyuan County. Most visitors base themselves in Datong, but that means a 1.5-hour drive each way. Others choose Hunyuan for convenience but sacrifice some amenities. Let me break down your options so you can pick what fits your style.
Why Location Matters: Datong vs. Hunyuan
The Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si) opens at 8:00 AM (summer) or 8:30 AM (winter). It gets packed by 10 AM, especially in peak seasons (May-October). If you stay in Datong, you’ll need to leave by 6:30 AM to arrive before 8 AM. Traffic around the temple is narrow, and tour buses clog the parking lot. In contrast, staying in Hunyuan puts you just 15 minutes away. But Hunyuan is a small county – limited restaurants, few Western-style hotels, and almost no nightlife. Choose based on your priorities: convenience vs. comfort.
Staying in Datong City: The Comfort Choice
Datong is a major city with plenty of accommodation from backpacker hostels to 5-star hotels. Most international tourists prefer this base. Here are my top recommendations:
| Hotel Name | Area | Price Range (per night) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Datong Garden Hotel | City Center | 400-800 RMB | Families & comfort seekers |
| Jinjiang Inn (Yingze Street) | Near Drum Tower | 150-250 RMB | Budget travelers |
| Hanting Express (Railway Station) | Near Datong Railway Station | 120-200 RMB | Backpackers & early train departures |
| Yungang International Hotel | Near Yungang Grottoes (west) | 300-600 RMB | Combining Hanging Temple & Yungang |
Personal note: I once had a group from Texas who insisted on staying at the Garden Hotel. They loved the breakfast buffet (Chinese and Western options) and the fact that the front desk spoke basic English. But we left at 6:30 AM and still hit traffic near the temple – the bus queue was already 20 cars deep by 8:15 AM. If you choose Datong, plan to leave early and pack some snacks for the road.
Getting from Datong to Hanging Temple
You have three options: taxi (about 200-300 RMB one way, 1.5 hours), private driver (400-500 RMB round trip, book through your hotel), or bus from Datong Bus Station to Hunyuan (30 RMB, 1 hour) then a local taxi to the temple (30 RMB). I recommend the private driver if you’re a group of 3-4 – it saves time and hassle.
Staying in Hunyuan County: The Closest Option
If your main goal is the Hanging Temple and you don’t mind a simple overnight, Hunyuan is your best bet. The county has a few budget hotels and guesthouses. Most are within walking distance to restaurants (try Hunyuan Noodle House for decent dao xiao mian).
| Hotel Name | Price Range | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Hunyuan Hotel (浑源宾馆) | 150-300 RMB | Basic but clean, near bus station |
| Home Inn (Hunyuan) | 130-200 RMB | Chain hotel, reliable Wi-Fi |
| Local Guesthouses (on booking apps) | 100-250 RMB | Often family-run, no English |
Pro tip: Book through Ctrip or Trip.com – they list most options. Don't expect luxury. The sheets might be a bit rough, and the shower pressure weak. But you can walk to the temple entrance in 15 minutes (or take a 5 RMB shared van). I stayed at the Hunyuan Hotel once with a client who insisted on sunrise photos. We were at the ticket gate by 7:00 AM – front of the line!
Unique Stays: Guesthouses Near the Temple
A handful of guesthouses have popped up right at the foot of the mountain, just 500 meters from the Hanging Temple. These are rustic, often converted farmhouses. They offer the closest possible stay but minimal facilities. I’ve only used them for adventure groups. Example: Shanxi Cliffside Inn (山西崖居) – about 200-350 RMB per night. Expect squat toilets, no heating in winter except a small stove, and home-cooked meals. If you’re a backpacker or photographer wanting first light without crowds, this is your spot.
Day Trip Logistics: Making It Work
If you’re coming from Datong as a day trip, here’s a realistic schedule:
- 6:00 AM – Wake up, quick breakfast at hotel.
- 6:30 AM – Depart Datong (private driver).
- 8:00 AM – Arrive, buy tickets (adult: 130 RMB in peak season, 100 RMB off-peak; student discount with ID).
- 8:00-10:00 AM – Explore the temple (bring a flashlight for dark corners).
- 10:30 AM – Visit nearby Hanging Temple Museum (free) or walk the suspension bridge.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch in Hunyuan town (try Hunyuan Liang Fen – cold jelly noodles).
- 2:00 PM – Drive back to Datong, visit Yungang Grottoes if you have energy.
This itinerary works well except in July-August when the temple is sweltering by 11 AM. If you stay in Hunyuan, you can shift everything earlier and be back in your hotel for a nap by noon.
Frequently Asked Questions
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