Datong was the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534 AD) and is home to some of China's most magnificent Buddhist cave art. Located near the Great Wall, it's an essential stop for history and architecture lovers.
Top Sights in Datong
Yungang Grottoes
UNESCO site with 51,000 Buddhist statues carved into 252 caves — one of China's four great Buddhist grotto complexes.
Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si)
A 1,500-year-old temple dramatically suspended on a cliff face 75 meters above the ground — a marvel of engineering.
Huayan Temple
The largest and best-preserved Liao Dynasty temple complex in China, with stunning wooden pagodas.
Nine-Dragon Screen Wall
The oldest and largest glazed-tile screen wall in China, built in 1392 with nine intricate dragons.
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
The world's oldest and tallest wooden pagoda, built in 1056 without a single nail — 67 meters high.
Best Time to Visit
April–October. Spring and autumn are ideal. Winters are cold (-15°C) but the snow-covered grottoes are magical.
Transportation
High-speed train from Beijing (2 hours). Local buses and taxis connect the main sites. The Hanging Temple is 65km from the city center.
Datong Cuisine
Datong Hand-Pulled Noodles (Dao Xiao Mian), Mutton Soup (Yang Rou Tang), You Mian (oat noodles), Shanxi Aged Vinegar dishes.
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