Private Day Tour to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple with Lunch from Datong

Datong , China

Private Day Tour to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple with Lunch from Datong

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(3 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

If you are looking for the highlights and World Cultural Heritage sites，you should come to see these two things: one is Hanging Temple, built along the cliff around 1,500 years ago,nowadays is famous for its grandeur; the other is Yungang Caves,carved1,500 years ago with 45 caves and over 51,000 statues preserved till now. This tour is leaded by an experienced tour guide who has been explaining these two places for over 10 years

Available options

Private Day Tour to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple with Lunch from Datong

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Entrance fees

Lunch

Airport,Train Station or Hotel pickup and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You will be picked up by your private tour guide at 8:00 am in your hotel in Datong and transferred to the Hanging Temple, about 1.5hours’ driving. You will visit the temple for about 1.5hours. In summer time during the peak season (from July to August), it may takes a longer time and early start, since the Hanging Temple really is a hot spot. We will arrange you the lunch in the local restaurant in Hunyuang County. After lunch you will be transferred to Yungang Caves The stone carving was done in three separate stages. In the first stage, the five caves were carved under Monk Tanyao’s conduction, which are called Tanyao Five Caves now. Since it is the beginning of the stone carving, the carving style have been greatly influenced by Indian and Western Asian art style, even by the Greek art style, the statues looks much different from the later ones.

Stop 2

In the second stage, the caves are renowned for the delicacy and details, which are the manifestation of the art style from the Northern Wei Dynasty. The caves sculpted in the later time are much smaller in sizes but the statues from this period are designed thinner but with fine appearances and handsome features, which is a reflection of Northern China’s art style as well as the beginning of figures’ design style called elegant skeleton and delicate features. Moreover, lots of caves are decorated with carvings of music instruments, flying Apsaras in dancing and statues performing Chinese ancient miscellaneous acrobatics, which is a reflection of social life and the Buddhist practicing trend at the Northern Wei Dynasty. and then visit there for about 3 hours. The scenic area of Yungang Caves has been renovated and enlarged, so it will take 40 to 50 minutes for walking in and out and you will spend 1.5 to 2 hours for visiting. If you want to leave more time for staying in the central visiting area you can take the electric car instead of walking, which will be 15yuan per person for the round trip. After that, you will be transferred to the place where the trip starts.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Please wear comfortable walking shoes

About Datong

Datong is a historic city in northern China known for its rich cultural heritage and significant role in China's coal industry. It offers a unique blend of ancient Buddhist architecture and modern industrial development, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and adventurous travelers alike.

Top Attractions

Yungang Grottoes

The Yungang Grottoes are a series of ancient Buddhist temple caves featuring intricate carvings and statues. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most significant historical attractions in Datong.

Historical 2-3 hours ¥150

Hanging Monastery

The Hanging Monastery, also known as Xuankong Temple, is a unique Buddhist temple built into a cliff face. This remarkable structure is a testament to ancient Chinese engineering and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Historical Half-day trip ¥80

Shanxi Museum

The Shanxi Museum is a comprehensive museum showcasing the rich history and culture of Shanxi Province. It features a wide range of exhibits, including ancient artifacts, calligraphy, and paintings.

Museum 1-2 hours Free

Datong Coal Mine

The Datong Coal Mine is one of the largest coal mines in China and has played a significant role in the city's industrial development. Visitors can take a tour of the mine to learn about its history and operations.

Historical Half-day trip ¥50-100

Must-Try Local Dishes

Datong Flatbread (Da Tong Bing)

A type of flatbread that is crispy and slightly sweet, often served with various toppings such as scallions, sesame seeds, and chili oil.

Snack Vegetarian

Lamb Skewers

Grilled lamb skewers marinated in a blend of spices, offering a smoky and flavorful taste.

Snack Contains meat

Shanxi Noodles

Hand-pulled noodles served with a variety of sauces and toppings, such as beef, lamb, or vegetables.

Main Course Vegetarian and meat options available

Popular Activities

Hiking and trekking in nearby mountains Exploring ancient temples and grottoes Visiting tea houses and enjoying local tea culture Strolling through local parks and gardens Visiting museums and historical sites Attending local festivals and events Experiencing winter sports in nearby ski resorts Enjoying the unique winter charm of the city

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This is the best time to visit Datong as the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. The city's attractions, such as the Yungang Grottoes, are best explored during this period.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Renminbi (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Datong is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it is important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi companies or ride-hailing apps to avoid scams.
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, such as markets and public transportation.
• Bargain for prices in markets and street stalls to avoid overcharging.

Getting there

By air

Datong Yungang Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Datong Railway Station

By bus

Datong Long-Distance Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The public bus system in Datong is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a budget-friendly way to get around and are widely used by locals and tourists alike.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Yungang District Chenghuang Temple Shanxi University District

Day trips

Hanging Monastery

65 km from Datong • Half-day to full-day trip

Mount Wutai

130 km from Datong • Full-day to overnight trip

Mount Wutai is a sacred Buddhist mountain known for its stunning natural beauty and ancient temples. It is one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism and is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Festivals

Datong Coal Festival • Annual, typically in September Datong International Photography Festival • Annual, typically in October

Pro tips

Visit the Yungang Grottoes early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Hire a local guide for a more in-depth and enriching experience when visiting historical sites and attractions.
Try local specialties, such as Datong Flatbread and lamb skewers, for an authentic taste of the region's cuisine.
Explore the city's tea culture by visiting local tea houses and enjoying a cup of tea with friends or family.
Attend local festivals and events, such as the Datong Coal Festival and the Datong International Photography Festival, for a unique and memorable experience.