Datong, a historical city in Shanxi Province, is a treasure trove of ancient Chinese culture and architectural marvels. From towering mountains and hanging temples to world-renowned Buddhist grottoes and stunning dragon walls, this 2-day itinerary will take you through some of the city’s most iconic attractions. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates nature’s beauty, Datong offers a wealth of experiences that showcase China’s rich heritage.
Day 1: Hengshan Mountain & Xuankong Temple in Hunyuan
Morning: Begin your journey by ascending Hengshan Mountain, one of China’s Five Great Mountains. The mountain is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, including towering ancient pine trees, temples and pavilions, unique flowers, and bizarre rock formations. These create what is known as the “Eighteen Scenes of Hengshan,” which are often described as eighteen beautiful scrolls of nature’s artwork unfolding before your eyes.
Afternoon: After lunch, head to Xuankong Temple, also known as the Hanging Monastery. This remarkable temple, built on the side of a cliff, boasts 40 halls and pavilions. Its design is a stunning example of ancient engineering, using principles of mechanics with beams and pillars cleverly suspended and supported by the cliff. Inside, visitors can admire over 80 statues of Buddha, made of bronze, iron, stone, and clay. The word “壮观” (magnificent), carved by the legendary poet Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty, is inscribed on the rock beneath the temple, adding a cultural touch to this awe-inspiring site.
Meals: As part of the northern Shanxi region, Hunyuan’s cuisine is centered around hearty wheat-based dishes, such as noodles and steamed buns. Visitors can dine at nearby restaurants or bring their own food to enjoy in the area.
Accommodation: There are hotels near the Hengshan Scenic Area, or for a more local experience, you can opt for staying in a family-run guesthouse.
Day 2: Yungang Grottoes & Nine-Dragon Wall in Datong
Morning: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Yungang Grottoes, one of China’s three major ancient rock-carved temples. These grottoes, along with the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang and the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, are considered masterpieces of Buddhist cave art. The Yungang Grottoes contain over 51,000 Buddhist statues and carvings, with the famous Tianyue Five Caves being a prime example of early Chinese Buddhist art. These caves mark the peak of Chinese Buddhist art during the Northern Wei Dynasty.
Afternoon: After lunch, continue your tour by visiting the Nine-Dragon Wall, the largest and oldest surviving example of its kind in China. Located in Datong, this impressive wall was originally built as a decorative screen for the residence of the 13th son of the Ming Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. The wall, made of 426 colorful glazed tiles, features nine magnificent dragons soaring across its surface, symbolizing power and good fortune. It’s known for its striking visual impact and is often regarded as one of the finest examples of Chinese architectural art, alongside the Nine-Dragon Walls at the Forbidden City and Beihai Park in Beijing.
