Shanxi Province – Datong

Shanxi – Datong

Shanxi is a province of ancient historical sites, including countless
grottoes and giant Buddhas you’ll be craning your neck to see in their entirety.
It’s also known for its wheat products, so the noodles are a must try!

Itinerary Highlights

`/ ancient city wall`

This is a scenic area the perfect size for a day of exploring. The grottoes carved into these mountains seem almost like they’re hiding, and the area itself is sprawling with nature.

`/ yungang grottoes`

These grottoes and the statues you’ll find inside will leave you shocked in all the best ways. You’ll be left wondering how such beauty was constructed so long ago and is still standing today.

`/ hengshan hanging temples`

Unbelievable hanging temples and mountains in the outskirts of town, giving you real off the beaten track vibes. You won’t be looking over the railings much here!

Suggested Itinerary

Recommended time (3-4 days)

*NOTE: This place is one of my STANDOUTS in China! It’s also a great place
to combine with a trip to Inner Mongolia.

Day 1

Arriving by train to Datong is very convenient as all stations are central.

From Datong Railway Station, catch Bus 70, 22, 42 or 25 to Xingyun Nanjie.

RECOMMENDED ACCOMODATION
Youth Capsule Hostel

Coffee and cats! Need I say more? Lovely English speaking staff, too.
(It is a little tricky to find – walk through the parking lot to the ‘Ximen Youth Hostel’ painted wall and turn left.)

Make your way to Datong Ancient Town, walking distance from the hostel.

Here you’ll find a city wall much like the one in Xi’an – except it’s free!

You can walk or cycle and see the city from above.

Day 2

Yungang Grottoes
Catch Bus 68 from Yu XinLiangCheng XiaoQu to GongjiaoSi GongSi
THEN
catch Bus 3 to Yungang

1.5 hours
2rmb

Alternatively, you can arrange transport with the hostel which will be faster but costs 80-100rmb.

Walk under the bridge and you will see the entrance for the grottoes.
120rmb entry

This place is WELL worth the money. There are statues that stand at 18m tall, a museum and countless grottoes to enter.
3 hours

The park closes at 5pm.
Get back to town with the same buses.

Find local noodles for dinner as the province is known for wheat!

Day 3

Hengshan Mountain
Catch Heng’an Bus to the final stop (Hunyuan).

Find the transfer bus OR get a taxi to drop you off to the base of Hengshan.

45rmb entry
70rmb cableway

Personally I don’t think this is a must do. If you have been to other mountains in China or have others planned, this is not a stand out BUT it is a long journey to get to this location so it’s a good way to fill the day.

Hanging Temples
These are found closer to the bus station so you will backtrack.
115rmb entry

You only need about an 1-2 here but make sure you’re back at the bus stop for 5pm last bus.

There are transfer buses between Hengshan > Hanging Temples > Bus.

Map of Shanxi - Datong, Hengshan, Yungang

`Weather in Datong`

Winter is long and very cold. This period is snowy and very dry.
Spring is still cold in Datong though mostly clear.
Summer is often rainy with comfortably warm temperatures.
Autumn gets suddenly cold again however the weather is sunny with blue skies.