Ancient Architecture and Caves in Datong
Shanxi
Datong

2025Ancient Architecture and Caves in Datong|trip.com

Ancient Architecture and Caves in Datong
󰺂5.6
Trip.Trends
No. 1 of Activities in Shanxi

Introduction Ancient Architecture and Caves in Datong

Introduction
Some information may have been translated by Google Translate

Walk the wooden corridors of Hanging Temple, where mortise-and-tenon structures bloom on cliffs like aerial palaces. Trace millennium-old chisel marks on Cloud Ridge Buddhas’ robes, gaze at Kumarajiva’s sutra fragments from the Silk Road. When sunset gilds the Nine Dragon Wall, feel the deities in Yongle Temple murals come alive. Every tile in this "open-air sculpture museum" whispers tales of ethnic fusion from Northern Wei to Liao and Jin dynasties.

Yungang Grottoes Guided Tour: Explore this 1,500-year-old grotto complex with expert guides. From the open-air Buddha in Cave 20 to the "Buddhist story murals" in Cave 6, decipher the evolution of Northern Wei sculpture styles from vigorous to elegant, understanding the perfect integration of Chinese and foreign carving techniques.

Yungang Grottoes+Other Attractions: After visiting Yungang Grottoes in the morning, continue to discover Huayan Temple's Liao wooden structure, Shanhua Temple's Jin dynasty painted sculptures, or ascend the ancient city wall for panoramic views. This one-day itinerary connects architectural masterpieces from different dynasties, deeply experiencing Datong's historical significance as an imperial capital and strategic fortress.

Datong Museum Guided Tour: Systematically understand Datong's civilization evolution through exhibitions like "Dai County History," "Northern Wei Pingcheng," and "Liao & Jin Western Capital." Before the treasure of Sima Jinlong Tomb's lacquer screen paintings, learn about Northern Wei aristocracy life; in the glazed chiwen exhibition, trace the evolution of dragon-shaped roof decorations.



Trip Moments Ancient Architecture and Caves in Datong

Ancient Architecture and Caves in Datong Trip Moments
Recommended hotel in Datong - a great hotel, highly recommended!

Recommended hotel in Datong - a great hotel, highly recommended!

Recommended hotel in Datong - a great hotel, highly recommended! 👋 Hi everyone, today I want to share with you the Ji Hotel (Datong Dayou Square). 🏨 As soon as you enter the hotel, you can feel the unique simplicity and comfort of Ji Hotel. The lobby is bright and spacious, and the decor is fresh and natural. 🛏 The room is clean and tidy, and the decor is warm and elegant. The bedding is soft and comfortable, allowing me to have a good night's sleep during my trip. The room is well-equipped, simple and practical, and the details are thoughtful. 💁‍♀️ The staff are warm and attentive, and very friendly. Check-in and check-out are very quick and efficient, making you feel very comfortable. 🍳 The breakfast is varied, with a variety of nutritious options to suit different tastes. 🎉 The hotel is in a great location, near Dayou Square, with convenient transportation and plenty of food, drink, and entertainment options nearby. 💖 Ji Hotel (Datong Dayou Square) is great value for money and an excellent accommodation choice in Datong.
Leo Foster 321
Leo Foster 321
Hanging Temple | The Mysterious Miracle on the Cliff

Hanging Temple | The Mysterious Miracle on the Cliff

| The Mysterious Miracle on the Cliff. Let's follow Kong Kong for a trip, First stop: Hanging Temple - The Hanging Temple was first built in the 15th year of the Taihe era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (491 AD), with a history of more than 1,500 years. The existing buildings were mainly rebuilt during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and it has been repaired in various dynasties. - The Hanging Temple is built on the inward concave part of the mountainside of Cuiping Mountain, supported by 27 wooden beams. It 'hangs' on the edge of the cliff, as if facing an abyss, extremely steep. Its architectural style is unique, integrating mechanics, aesthetics, and religion, with exquisite craftsmanship, ingeniously combining wooden beams with the rock wall. It has stood firm through thousands of years of wind and rain, reflecting the superb wisdom of ancient craftsmen. - The Hanging Temple is a unique temple that accommodates the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Inside the temple, there are Chunyang Palace, Leiyin Hall, and the Three Religions Hall. In the Three Religions Hall, the three founders of the religions, Laozi, Buddha, and Confucius, gather together, reflecting the noble realm of national integration and world harmony of the Chinese nation. This is extremely rare in temple architecture across the country. Travel Guide: - Opening hours: Summer (April 1 to October 31) 08:00 - 18:00; Winter (November 1 to March 31 of the following year) 08:30 - 17:30. - How to get there: - Self-driving: Navigate to the Hanging Temple of Hengshan, Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province. There is a parking lot in the scenic area, but it may be crowded during the peak tourist season. - Public transportation: First arrive at Datong City, then transfer to a shuttle bus to Hunyuan County, and then take a taxi or local bus to the Hanging Temple. - Travel route: - After arriving at the Hanging Temple, you can first admire the spectacular view of the temple hanging on the cliff from a distance and take photos. - Then enter the scenic area, observe the architectural structure and details of the Hanging Temple up close along the tour path, and feel its unique charm. Pay attention to the ingenious design and exquisite carvings of the buildings, focusing on visiting Chunyang Palace, the Three Officials Hall, and Leiyin Hall in the South Building, the Five Buddhas Hall, Guanyin Hall, and the Three Religions Hall in the North Building, and the Long Line Bridge connecting the South and North Buildings. - If time permits, you can also learn about the historical and cultural background of the Hanging Temple, appreciate its religious significance and the wisdom of the ancients. Listening to the guide's explanation can give you a deeper understanding of the Hanging Temple. - Notes: - The climate in the Hengshan area where the Hanging Temple is located is changeable, so it is recommended to bring clothing and sunscreen suitable for different weather conditions. - Since the temple is built on a cliff, pay attention to safety during the tour, follow the scenic area regulations, and do not climb or cross the railings.
James567 Scott
James567 Scott
Datong | Yungang Grottoes World Heritage Site

Datong | Yungang Grottoes World Heritage Site

Yungang Grottoes is located on the southern foot of Wuzhou Mountain in the western suburbs of Datong, Shanxi. It is one of the four major grottoes in China, along with the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, and the Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui. It is the pinnacle of Chinese Buddhist art and a historical monument to cultural exchanges between China and the West during the Northern Wei Dynasty. The Northern Wei geographer Li Daoyuan praised it in his book "Commentary on the Water Classic": "Carving stones and opening mountains, building according to the rocks, the true form is huge and magnificent, rare in the world..." Yungang Grottoes has 254 caves and niches, with more than 59,000 statues, and a history of more than 1,500 years. Its large scale, damaged cave appearance, and the various Buddha statues, some solemn and dignified, some kind and benevolent, all reveal a captivating, mysterious, and charming smile, like a lingering sound that cannot be forgotten, reminiscent of the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, with its unique and incomplete beauty, and the unforgettable "Khmer smile"... The writer Bing Xin once described Yungang Grottoes like this: "Countless incarnations, carved all over the mountains, with supernatural craftsmanship, shocking the mind. One Buddha, one world, one wing, one hoof, one flower, one leaf, each with precision and rigor, beyond words and paintings. Looking back, there is infinite nostalgia, looking forward, there is boundless desire. Eyes cannot focus, feet cannot stop, like a thief suddenly entering a treasure house, losing one's mind, wisdom taken away, recalling afterwards, like a dream entering a heavenly palace, knowing in the heart but unable to speak, only then realizing the uselessness of words!" Yungang Grottoes, this treasure of the world, leaves one speechless, making writers feel that words are useless, how wonderful it is...
William21 Miller.
William21 Miller.
Datong, Great Differences|Traversing Ancient and Modern Times · A Glimpse of a Thousand Years

Datong, Great Differences|Traversing Ancient and Modern Times · A Glimpse of a Thousand Years

Reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles. Travel is a good medicine that helps you heal all the unhappiness in life; travel is a small lamp that helps you rediscover beauty in the dark; travel is a journey of cultivation that allows you to feel and maintain a love for life. I am a time traveler. As the saying goes, 'For underground relics, look to Shaanxi; for above-ground relics, look to Shanxi.' Datong is the second largest city in Shanxi Province, one of the first batch of national historical and cultural cities, and one of China's nine ancient capitals, with a profound cultural heritage and numerous historical sites. I don't know when, but overnight, Datong in Shanxi became popular nationwide. Although I had planned to visit Datong a few years ago, work reasons always prevented me from going. This year, I finally made up my mind to take advantage of this wave of Datong fever and squeezed out two days to experience this thousand-year-old ancient capital. On the first day, I set off at six in the morning, drove for four hours to Datong, and used the noon and afternoon time to visit the Yungang Grottoes and the Nine-Dragon Wall. In the evening, I went to the ancient city of Datong to eat food, enjoy the night view, and visit the night market. I suggest that friends traveling to Datong book a hotel near the ancient city in advance for convenience in both rest and play. Since I had to drive four hours back, on the second day, I only visited the Hanging Temple and the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (a reminder: you need to book a ticket in advance to climb the Hanging Temple, otherwise, you can only view it from a distance). Besides these, there are many other essential attractions that I can only explore in-depth on a future visit. Although this trip was rushed, I truly felt the 'great differences in Datong.' When I stood in front of those pagodas, murals, buildings, and sculptures, it was far more shocking than seeing them online. I felt as if I was having a conversation across time and space with the ancients, experiencing the vicissitudes of a thousand years. It felt like every carving, every brick, and every tile carried the bloodline of Chinese civilization, flowing through the river of time to the present. Datong, I will come again!
WhimsicalNomad
WhimsicalNomad
The theme hotel "Follow Wukong to Shanxi" is here.

The theme hotel "Follow Wukong to Shanxi" is here.

Another wave of black mythology has made our Shanxi popular again. The 5,000-year-old Shanxi has finally waited for you all. However, Shanxi tourism has been silent for many years. There are not many high-end characteristic hotels and homestays to choose from. Where to stay after arrival, as a local editor in Shanxi, I must arrange for you all. Datong Tongshe Waji Meisu (Huayan Temple Store) The newly opened Tongshe Waji Meisu in Datong is quite popular recently, because of its location, the gate is the thousand-year-old ancient temple Huayan Temple, and the lobby window view is amazing! The next Datong will have high-end Anlu, Kaiyue Zhenxuan, and Jixiashan. Taiyuan Maoye JW Marriott Hotel Taiyuan 2024 just opened JW Marriott, the opening time is just right, the hotel is in the core area of Taiyuan, the business district and attractions are very convenient to reach, you can overlook the style of this ancient capital of the Nine Dynasties in the city's high altitude, the luxury experience of Longcheng can't miss Marriott! In addition, Taiyuan Sheraton Hotel, Taiyuan InterContinental Hotel, and Taiyuan Kempinski Hotel, which are located in the core location of Taiyuan, can also be selected!
kaliyah_2536
kaliyah_2536
Datong | The most impressive city I've ever seen.

Datong | The most impressive city I've ever seen.

The most surprising city in Shanxi 🌆 is Datong. Underground cultural relics in Shaanxi, above-ground cultural relics in Shanxi Datong, Shanxi, probably has the most ancient buildings I've ever seen I don't know why, but standing in front of ancient buildings always gives me a sense of familiarity 【About the Attractions】 ✅1️⃣ Yungang Grottoes: The Yungang Grottoes are a treasure trove of grotto art with a history of 1,500 years, about 16 kilometers from downtown Datong. It is one of the three major grottoes along with the Mogao Caves and the Longmen Grottoes. ✅2️⃣ Huayan Temple: A well-preserved temple complex from the Liao and Jin dynasties. The temple houses many precious Buddhist cultural relics and buildings, where you can deeply feel the profoundness of Buddhist culture. ✅3️⃣ Shanhua Temple: Built during the Tang Dynasty, compared with Huayan Temple, it has more ancient charm of the temple. Free appointment for visit, the key point is that it is super beautiful for taking photos ✅4️⃣ Hanging Temple: The Hanging Temple is located at the foot of Mount Hua in the south of Datong. The temple is built on a cliff, giving people a feeling of hanging in the air. Li Bai described it as spectacular. ✅5️⃣ Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: It is a World Cultural Heritage site with a history of thousands of years. No nails were used. It is the oldest existing wooden pagoda in China. ✅6️⃣ Datong Ancient City Wall: You can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire city on the city wall, and you can also appreciate the historical buildings and cultural relics in the city. Finally, I want to say that Datong, Shanxi, is really, really, really shocking!
MajaHaugland
MajaHaugland
I was blown away by the Yungang Grottoes. It's truly a sight to behold!

I was blown away by the Yungang Grottoes. It's truly a sight to behold!

Hey guys, I just got back from the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, and I was absolutely blown away! This is definitely a place you have to visit at least once in your life. Here's a guide for you👇 🎫Tickets: You can buy tickets in advance on the official "Yungang Grottoes" WeChat account for RMB 120. If you want a guided tour, you can also book one on the WeChat account. A professional guide will lead the tour and help you better understand the stories behind the grottoes. Of course, you can also rent an audio guide on site for RMB 20 each. 🕙Opening hours: Peak season (April 1 - October 31) 08:30 - 17:20; off season (November 1 - March 31) 08:30 - 17:00. It's best to go early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the grottoes in peace. 🚗Transportation: * Self-driving: Just navigate to the Yungang Grottoes parking lot. It's very convenient. * Public transportation: In Datong, you can take bus No. 3, No. 10, or the express tourist bus No. 603 to Yungang Grottoes Station. 🌟Must-see caves: * Cave 5: The largest Buddha statue in the Yungang Grottoes is here, standing 17 meters tall. Standing at the foot of the statue, you can instantly feel the insignificance of humanity and the greatness of art. The statue is full-bodied and has smooth lines. It's truly a masterpiece! * Cave 6: Known as the "Greatest Cave of Yungang," the walls of the cave are filled with statues of Buddhas, niches, pagodas, and more. The content is rich and varied, and the craftsmanship is exquisite. The central pagoda is especially impressive, with carvings on each level that are breathtaking. * Cave 18: The main Buddha is dressed in a robe with a thousand Buddhas, which is very unique. The ten disciples on either side have different expressions and are lifelike. Each one seems to have its own story, and is worth savoring. Photography📷: Every corner of the Yungang Grottoes is photogenic. But remember, no flash photography is allowed inside the caves. * The passage between Cave 9 and Cave 10 is perfect for taking artistic photos with its interplay of light and shadow. * The distant green mountains and the grottoes complement each other. Find a high spot to capture the panoramic view of the grottoes and the mountains. It's breathtaking. 💡Tips: * When visiting the grottoes, do not touch the statues. These precious cultural relics need to be protected by all of us. * Some areas inside the grottoes are uneven, so be careful when walking and pay attention to safety. Guys, the charm of the Yungang Grottoes can only be truly appreciated in person. Each statue here carries a thousand years of history and culture, and will definitely give you a visual and spiritual shock. Go check it out!🎉
WanderlustAbroad
WanderlustAbroad
󱁨4
Taking the kids out during the summer vacation? Head to Datong Fantawild

Taking the kids out during the summer vacation? Head to Datong Fantawild

Summer and amusement parks are a perfect match!! I absolutely love playing in amusement parks, and I recently checked in at this Fantawild Joy World in Datong. It was so much fun, it made me forget all my worries for a moment. Since we arrived at noon, we had plenty of time to play in the afternoon. We got to enjoy many attractions and saw lots of amazing performances~ Soaring Over the Limit: The effects are incredibly realistic! It felt as if I was truly flying in an airplane, enjoying the thrill of flight~ Escape from Dinosaur Island: Brace yourself for the rapids and make sure to have a raincoat ready!! To avoid getting wet Conch Bay: This attraction is more suitable for kids. Requires wearing 4D glasses Strange Tales of Liao Zhai, Five Thousand Years of China: If you're tired from all the playing, you can also watch a performance. These shows are quite interesting, like Five Thousand Years of China, which presents us with a history spanning from ancient times to the present~ Meteor Fire, Giant Pendulum: For those who like thrills, these two attractions are super fun and also quite classic. Welcome friends, both big and small, from all over the country to come and experience it for yourselves!
AnniLappalainen
AnniLappalainen
Datong's top romance is hidden here!

Datong's top romance is hidden here!

🎈In December, a trip to Datong is a unique ice and snow adventure! Datong, a city full of historical charm and modern allure, has a unique charm in winter. I. Itinerary recommendation Day 1: Yungang Grottoes 👉 Huayan Temple 👉 Datong Ancient City Wall In the morning, head to the Yungang Grottoes to feel the compassion and shock of the thousand-year-old Buddha statues. In the cold December, the grottoes are even more solemn and majestic😮. In the afternoon, head to Huayan Temple to appreciate the exquisite ancient architecture and the profound Buddhist culture. In the evening, climb the Datong Ancient City Wall. As the lights come on, the lights on the city wall and the distant night view complement each other, creating a stunning scene✨. Day 2: Mount Heng 👉 Hanging Temple The snow scene of Mount Heng is a must-see, with snow-covered peaks like a fairyland🏔. The Hanging Temple is magically embedded in the cliff, making people marvel at the wisdom and courage of the ancients. Standing in front of the Hanging Temple, you will be amazed😲. II. Must-see spots in Datong 1. Yungang Grottoes: A world-famous art treasure trove, each Buddha statue is a witness to history and a cultural heritage. 2. Huayan Temple: Its architectural style is unique, and the murals and Buddha statues in the temple are of great ornamental value. 3. Datong Ancient City Wall: Walking on it, you feel like you are traveling back in time, experiencing the charm and tranquility of the ancient city. 4. Mount Heng: One of the "Five Sacred Mountains," Mount Heng in winter is more cold and noble. 5. Hanging Temple: A miracle in architectural history, it is strange, dangerous, ingenious, and unique. III. Precautions ❄️The weather in Datong in December is cold, so be sure to bring enough warm clothes, such as down jackets, thick sweaters, scarves, gloves, etc.🧣. The roads may be slippery due to snow and ice, so it is best to choose shoes with good slip resistance👢. When visiting temples and other attractions, respect religious beliefs and local customs🙏. In short, a trip to Datong in December will leave you with deep and beautiful memories. Come and start this unforgettable journey!
RuralRoer*
RuralRoer*
Datong Earth Forest | A unique geological landscape.

Datong Earth Forest | A unique geological landscape.

|A unique geological landscape. Datong Earth Forest, also known as the Earth Pillar Forest or Loess Forest, is a unique geological wonder located in Yunzhou District, Datong City, Shanxi Province. The earth platforms, earth pillars, earth cliffs, earth ridges, and earth walls are all rich in color, including golden, reddish-brown, and purple-gray. As the light changes, the colors also change. Every grain of sand and every stone is related to the wind and rain. When you step into the Datong Earth Forest, every step you take is on the loess deposits of millions of years. No wonder someone left a poem: The earth is cut into a forest, and the creation is strange, and the high and low ghost axes are always appropriate. Sanggan Water is gone, but the heart is still there, leaving a thousand years of peerless beauty. Ticket: 50 Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
PositiveVibes&
PositiveVibes&
Shanxi!!! You're confused if you don't promote these places!|||

Shanxi!!! You're confused if you don't promote these places!|||

1⃣️Huayan Temple 2⃣️Li Family Village 3⃣️Ma Family Courtyard 4⃣️Qikou Ancient Town 5⃣️Yungang Grottoes 6⃣️7⃣️8⃣️9⃣️Shanhua Ancient Temple 1⃣️0⃣️ 1⃣️1⃣️Yong'an Zen Temple 1⃣️2⃣️Zhenguo Temple 1⃣️3⃣️Shuanglin Temple 1⃣️4⃣️Shuanglin Temple 1⃣️5⃣️Shuanglin Temple 1⃣️6⃣️Shuanglin Temple . Shanxi! I·really·love Shanxi so much!!! I'm going to write 10 Shanxi travel guides! Let's start with a few phone pictures as a preview~🤪 .
LEONARD SUTTON
LEONARD SUTTON
Yungang Grottoes: One of China's Four Great Grottoes? Is it worth visiting?

Yungang Grottoes: One of China's Four Great Grottoes? Is it worth visiting?

Yungang Grottoes The Yungang Grottoes are located in Datong, Shanxi Province, and are one of China's Four Great Grottoes. They are famous for their spectacular stone carvings and unique Buddhist culture. The Yungang Grottoes have a long history, dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty. They were excavated under the supervision of Tan Yao over a period of more than 60 years. There are 45 main caves and 209 subsidiary caves, with more than 59,000 statues of various sizes, forming a large-scale grotto complex. The statues in the Yungang Grottoes have a unique style and rich content, showcasing the artistic styles of different periods. The Tan Yao Five Caves are early works of the Yungang Grottoes and are known for their grandeur. Caves 5 and 6 are the highlights of the Yungang Grottoes, especially the seated Buddha in Cave 5, which is 17 meters high and very impressive. In addition, the carvings in Cave 6 are exquisite and rich in content, vividly recreating the life of Shakyamuni Buddha. In addition to the charm of the grottoes themselves, the surrounding environment and atmosphere of the Yungang Grottoes are also worth a visit. After visiting the grottoes, you can walk along the mountain road to a museum and cultural and creative store with ancient music and Northern Wei-style decorations. The store is elegantly decorated, with beautiful and ceremonial desserts, and the details of the tableware show respect and care for traditional culture. The store's desserts are mainly traditional Chinese pastries, with authentic flavors, especially red bean paste, mung bean, and yokan. In addition, the store offers local specialty drinks such as sea buckthorn juice, which is sweet and sour and very refreshing. In short, the Yungang Grottoes are not only a historical and cultural heritage site but also a gathering place for food and culture. Visitors can experience the wisdom and craftsmanship of ancient artists, learn about ancient Chinese culture and history, and enjoy delicious traditional snacks and drinks.
Zephyr Thomas
Zephyr Thomas