Datong - Discovering China

Travelling to Datong

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Datong, a pretty good destination in China (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Datong and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Datong, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through China, here's everything to know about Datong for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Datong

Datong is a city located in the northern part of Shanxi Province in China. It has a population of approximately 3.4 million people and covers an area of 14,176 square kilometers. Datong is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 252 grottoes with more than 51,000 statues and statues of Buddha, and the Hanging Temple, a Buddhist temple built into a cliff face. The city is also known for its coal industry, with the Datong Coal Mine Group being one of the largest producers of coal in China.

What to visit in Datong

Sure, here are some tourist attractions in Datong, China: 1. Yungang Grottoes: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is famous for its extensive collection of Buddhist statues and cave temples. The grottoes date back to the 5th and 6th centuries and are considered one of the greatest examples of ancient Chinese Buddhist art.
2. Hanging Temple: This temple, also known as the Xuankong Temple, hangs on the cliffs of Mount Hengshan, 140 kilometers from Datong. It is an architectural wonder built during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 AD).
3. Nine Dragon Screen: A masterpiece carved from glazed bricks and considered the largest of its kind in China. The Nine Dragon Screen dates back to the Ming Dynasty and depicts nine dragons in vivid colors.
4. Huayan Temple: It is famous for its Chinese timber architecture, and is the largest and most well-preserved Liao Dynasty (907 - 1125 AD) temple.
5. Datong City Wall: It is one of Datong's main attractions, which contains a 600-year-old watchtower that offers breathtaking views of the city.
6. Shanhua Monastery: A Buddhist temple that dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and has been rebuilt several times. It is famous for its 9-story wooden pagoda, which is one of the tallest in China.
7. Qiao Family Compound: This is a famous residential complex built by a wealthy merchant during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912 AD). It is renowned for its typical northern Chinese architecture and beautifully preserved traditional style.
8. Datong Museum: This museum houses a collection of traditional Chinese art and artifacts, with an emphasis on ancient Buddhist sculpture and Chinese calligraphy. I hope this helps!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in China, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Datong.

When to go on holiday to Datong

The best time to visit Datong is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) season. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, it's worth keeping in mind that Datong can be quite cold during the winter months (December to February), with temperatures often dropping below freezing, and summers (July to August) can be hot and humid, so it's best to avoid these periods if possible.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Datong

There are a few ways to get to Datong, China. Here are some options: 1. By air: Datong has its own airport, Datong Yungang Airport, which has flights to major cities in China such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
2. By train: Datong is located on the Beijing-Baotou Railway, which connects Beijing with Inner Mongolia. Trains run daily between Beijing and Datong, with journey times ranging from 3 to 5 hours.
3. By bus: Datong is well connected by bus to major cities in the region, including Beijing, Taiyuan, and Hohhot. Buses usually depart from major bus stations in these cities and journey times can vary depending on the distance.
4. By car: It is also possible to drive to Datong from major cities in the region, but it should be noted that the road network in China is heavily congested and driving can be challenging, especially in large cities like Beijing.
Whichever method of transportation you choose, be sure to plan ahead and account for any travel time as Datong is situated quite far from other major tourist cities.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Datong, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Datong

Here are some of the typical foods you can find in Datong, China: 1. Dao Xiao Mian (Knife-Shaved Noodles): These noodles are made by slicing the dough with a special knife into thin strips. They are often served in a savory broth with vegetables and pork.
2. Yan Jiu Hui Rou Jia Mo (Pork Sandwich): This popular street food consists of shredded pork with spices and other seasonings stuffed inside a soft, pillowy bread.
3. La Mian (Hand-Pulled Noodles): These noodles are pulled by hand and can be served in soup, stir-fried, or dry-tossed with sauce. They are often topped with meat, vegetables, and sometimes egg.
4. Yang Rou Pao Mo (Lamb Soup with Bread): This hearty soup features mutton stewed with various spices and seasonings, along with chunks of bread that are broken into small pieces and cooked in the soup.
5. Leicha (Green Tea Soup): This sweet yet refreshing dish features ground tea leaves that are mixed with sesame seeds, peanuts, and other ingredients to create a soup-like consistency. It is often served as a dessert or snack.
6. Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork with Rice): This dish involves some fatty pork belly braised with soy sauce, sugar, and spices until it's melt-in-your-mouth tender. It's then served over a bed of rice with a side of greens. 7. Tofu: There are many ways to eat tofu in Datong - you can find it in soup, stir-fried, stewed, or even as a dessert. It is often served with a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms or peppers. These are just a few examples of the delicious foods you can try in Datong, China. Bon appetit!
You can find general info about typical foods in China here.

Is Datong an expensive destination for tourists?

Datong is not typically considered an expensive destination for tourists. Accommodation and food prices are relatively reasonable compared to other popular tourist destinations in China. Admission fees to some tourist attractions such as the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Monastery can be pricey, but there are also many free or low-cost sites to visit in Datong. Additionally, transportation costs such as flights or trains may vary depending on your location and time of travel. Overall, Datong can be a budget-friendly destination for travelers looking to explore the rich history and culture of northern China.

Where to find accomodation in Datong

The best areas to find accommodation in Datong, China would be near the city center or near the Datong Yungang Airport. The city center has many options for budget-friendly hotels and hostels, as well as mid-range and luxury hotels. Staying near the airport is a great option for those who have early morning flights or are planning to visit the Yungang Grottoes, which is a major attraction in Datong. Some popular hotels near the airport include the Yungang Jianguo Hotel and the Yungang International Hotel.
You can check hotel prices at Datong here:
Booking.com

Is Datong a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Datong is generally a safe place for tourists. Like any other city, there are petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft, but violent crimes against tourists are rare. However, as with any destination, it is always a good idea to take basic precautions such as keeping your valuables in a secure place and being aware of your surroundings while exploring the city. It is recommended to follow the advice of your hotel or tour guide as they will have the most updated information about potential safety concerns in the area.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in China here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Datong.

What type of travelers will enjoy Datong the most?

Datong, China is a historically rich city with beautiful ancient architecture, temples, and natural landscapes that all types of travelers can enjoy. However, it can be particularly interesting for those who are interested in history and culture.
Couples who are interested in exploring history and culture may find Datong appealing. The city is home to the famous Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features beautiful ancient Buddhist sculptures. Additionally, the Hanging Temple, a temple built into the side of a cliff, and the ancient city walls and gates are all beautiful sights for couples to explore together.
Young people looking for fun might also enjoy Datong's nightlife scene, which includes karaoke bars, nightclubs, and a few bars. However, the city is not known for its party scene, so more adventurous travelers may find it lacking.
Families can bring their kids to explore the beautiful natural landscapes in and around the city, such as the Hengshan Mountains, the Xuankong Temple, and the Huayan Temple. Additionally, there are several parks and museums in the city that are family-friendly.
Overall, Datong is a destination that can appeal to a broad range of travelers, but those interested in history, culture, and natural landscapes will likely find it the most appealing.

How to get around Datong

The most common transportation options for moving around Datong in China are taxis, buses, and the metro. There is also the option to rent a car or hire a private driver for convenience and flexibility, especially if you plan on exploring more remote areas around Datong. Additionally, biking and walking are also great options in the city center, where many attractions are within a short distance of each other.

What to see around Datong

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Datong: 1. Yungang Grottoes: a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 50,000 Buddhist statues and carvings 2. Hanging Temple: a unique temple built into the side of a cliff, featuring a combination of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism 3. Hengshan Mountain: one of China's Five Sacred Mountains, offering stunning vistas and numerous ancient temples 4. Shanhua Temple: a famous Taoist temple with a history stretching back over 1,500 years and beautiful gardens 5. Nine Dragon Screen: an impressive and well-preserved screen made of glazed tiles, dating back to the Ming Dynasty These are just a few of the many options available in the area. I hope this helps you plan your day trip from Datong!
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