Datong Ancient City Guided Tour: Insider Tips to Beat the Crowds
Planning a visit to Datong Ancient City? Learn how to avoid queues, where to buy tickets, and the best photo spots from a local guide. Save time and skip the hassle.
Best Things to Do in Datong View all
Datong Ancient City Wall Cycling: Insider Tips to Skip Crowds & Rent Bikes Fast
Wondering how to cycle the Datong Ancient City wall hassle-free? I've done it dozens of times—here's my exact route, rental spots, and common mistakes to avoid.
Datong Nine-Dragon Screen Guided Tour: Avoid Crowds & Save Time
Tired of outdated guided tour tips? Discover exactly when to visit the Datong Nine-Dragon Screen to avoid crowds, how to buy tickets without WeChat hassle, and the best photo spots – all from a local guide who has taken hundreds of tourists there.
Hanging Temple English Guide: Visit Without a Chinese Speaker
Planning to visit the Hanging Temple but don't speak Chinese? Here's everything you need to know—from booking tickets online to getting there by bus, and avoiding tourist traps.
Datong Travel Itineraries View all
Datong Itinerary for First-Timers: Avoid Crowds & Save Money
Planning your first trip to Datong? Discover the best 2-day itinerary with insider tips, ticket prices, and how to skip the crowds. Written by a local guide.
Datong 3-Day Itinerary: Budget Tips & Hidden Gems
Wondering how to see Datong's best in 3 days? This guide covers Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, local food, and money-saving tips from a local guide.
Classic Datong Itinerary: 2 Days for First-Timers
Planning a trip to Datong? Discover the classic Datong itinerary that hits Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, and local food – straight from a seasoned guide. Skip the crowds and save time.
3 Days in Datong: A Stress-Free Itinerary for First-Timers
Planning a trip to Datong? Discover the perfect 3-day itinerary covering Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, and local delicacies with insider tips to save time and money.
Datong 5-Day Itinerary: Explore Ancient Wonders Without Crowds
Planning a trip to Datong? This 5-day itinerary covers Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, and hidden gems, with insider tips to skip lines, save money, and beat the crowds.
Where to Stay in Datong View all
Where to Stay in Datong: Top Areas & Hotels for Every Budget
Planning a trip to Datong and wondering where to stay? Discover the best areas and hotels for every budget, from ancient city charm to modern convenience. Insider tips on location, transport, and local secrets.
Where to Stay Near Datong Ancient City: Top Areas & Hotels
Looking for where to stay near Datong Ancient City? I’ll break down the best areas, hotels for every budget, insider tips on avoiding noise, and how to pick a spot that saves you time and hassle.
Yungang Grottoes Accommodation: Where to Stay for Easy Access
Wondering where to stay near Yungang Grottoes? I've explored Datong's top hotels and guesthouses, from budget hostels to luxury stays. Get insider tips on proximity, transport, and avoiding crowds.
Where to Stay Near Datong Nine-Dragon Screen: Best Hotels & Local Tips
Planning a visit to Datong's Nine-Dragon Screen? Discover the best places to stay, from budget hostels to luxury hotels near this iconic Ming dynasty screen. Get insider tips on transportation, dining, and avoiding tourist traps.
Where to Stay Near Hanging Temple: Best Hotels & Hostels in Datong and Hunyuan
Planning a visit to the Hanging Temple? Discover the best places to stay from budget hostels to luxury hotels in Datong and Hunyuan, plus insider tips for an easy trip.
Datong Trip Routes
Two-day Grottoes & Walls
- Day 1: Yungang Grottoes and Huayan Temple
- Night: Cycling or walking on the City Walls
- Day 2: Hanging Temple (Hengshan) - 1.5 hours drive away
Recent Reviews
I came to Datong for the food, and I left with so much more. The dao xiao mian (knife-cut noodles) at the night market were the best I've ever had — chewy, flavorful, and made right in front of you. Also loved the lamb hotpot. But beyond the food, the Nine Dragon Wall and the old town's atmosphere were magical. Everything is walkable and the city feels safe even at night. Absolutely worth a visit!
Spent three days in Datong and it was hands down one of the best city trips I've ever taken. Rented a bike to ride along the ancient city wall — the views of the old town and the surrounding mountains were incredible. The Huayan Temple is a hidden gem with gorgeous murals. Plus, the locals were super friendly, and the street food near the Drum Tower was cheap and tasty. Can't recommend this place enough!
I had high expectations for Datong after seeing so many photos, but honestly, it fell a bit short for me. The Yungang Grottoes were impressive but felt overcrowded, and the constant hawking of souvenirs at the entrance ruined the atmosphere. Also, the smog was pretty bad during my visit, which made walking around the city wall less enjoyable. The food was okay, nothing to write home about. Maybe I picked a bad time to go.
Visited Datong mainly for the Hanging Temple and it did not disappoint. The engineering feat is incredible and the location on the cliff is surreal. The city itself has a nice blend of ancient and modern. However, I found the service at my hotel a bit slow and the pricing for some tourist buses seemed steep for what you get. A good trip overall, but not perfect.
Datong surprised me in many ways. The Yungang Grottoes are absolutely breathtaking — the scale and detail of the carvings left me speechless. I also loved walking on the city wall at sunset; the view was stunning. The local food, especially the knife-cut noodles and lamb skewers, was delicious and affordable. The only downside? Some of the signage at the grottoes could be better in English. Still, an unforgettable trip. Highly recommend!
I really wanted to love Datong, but honestly it was a mixed bag. The Yungang Grottoes are a must-see — no question. But our tour group was rushed through the whole thing, and the audio guide we rented kept cutting out. The hotel we booked online looked nothing like the pictures — the room smelled musty and the bathroom had mold. We tried the so-called famous knife-cut noodles and they were just okay. For the price we paid for transport and tickets, I was hoping for a smoother experience. Not terrible, but definitely room for improvement.
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