Overview
The Yungang Grottoes are an ancient Buddhist temple site near the city of Datong in the Shanxi province of China. The site is made up of 252 caves with more than 51,000 Buddhist statues and statuettes, ranging in size from 2 centimeters to 17 meters in height.
The Yungang Grottoes are one of the three most famous ancient Buddhist temple sites in China, along with Longmen and Mogao.
Location
Address
Datong, Shanxi
Neighborhood: Wuzhou District
Coordinates
39.489500, 113.283300
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
April to October
Best Time of Day
Early morning
Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
Mild to warm
- • Cherry blossoms
- • Garden blooms
summer
Hot and humid
- • Extended opening hours
autumn
Cool and comfortable
- • Autumn foliage
- • Cooler temperatures
winter
Cold and dry
- • Snow-covered grottoes
- • Holiday decorations
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book tickets in advance
- Bring valid ID
- Check the weather forecast
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: Moderate (some walking and stairs)
- • Stay hydrated
- • Protect against sun exposure
Medical facilities: First aid available on-site
Payment Information
Accepted
Cash (CNY), Credit/Debit cards (Visa, MasterCard)
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Typical Costs
Dress Code
Modest and respectful attire, Comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, Comfortable walking shoes, Revealing clothing, High heels
Booking Tips
- • At least 1 week in advance
- • Official website or authorized ticket vendors
- • 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- • Available for purchased online tickets
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Yungang Grottoes Official App
Size: 75 MB
Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket purchase, Historical information
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafeteria
Charging Stations: Visitor center, Rest areas
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Datong Airport (DAT)
Distance: 15 km
Travel Time: 20 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 3 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: A symbol of Datong's rich history and cultural heritage
Historical Significance: Dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty, the grottoes represent a significant period in Buddhist art and Chinese history
Insider Tips
- Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience
- The best views are from Cave 5 and Cave 6
- Local snacks can be found near the exit
Local Recommendations
- • Try local Shanxi noodles
- • Visit the nearby Shanxi Museum
- • Explore the Hanging Monastery
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: Mandarin, English, Local dialects
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Cave 5 and Cave 6
Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon
Tips: Capture the intricate details of the statues
Result: Stunning shots of ancient Buddhist art
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Shanxi Museum
Distance: 500m
Walking: 7 min
Type: Museum
Hanging Monastery
Distance: 1.5km
Walking: 20 min
Type: Historical Site
Reviews
Based on 5,000 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Arrive early to avoid crowds"
- "Wear comfortable shoes"
- "Visit the gift shop for unique souvenirs"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (3)
Quick Info
Available Tours
92
Rating
4.7 / 5.0
Reviews
5,000
Adult Entry
¥120