Tour Overview
Datong deserves more than a rushed day trip. This 3-day deep dive goes beyond the Yungang Grottoes to explore the city's hidden treasures: the Liao Dynasty Huayan Monastery (one of China's largest and most intact Buddhist temple complexes from the 11th century), the extraordinary Nine Dragon Screen, the looming Ming Dynasty city walls, and the surreal Datong Earth Forest — an otherworldly landscape of eroded clay formations. Plus, of course, the Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple at a relaxed pace.
Tour Highlights
- ✨ Yungang Grottoes (UNESCO) — unrushed full exploration
- ✨ Hanging Temple — cliffside wonder
- ✨ Huayan Monastery — Liao Dynasty masterpiece (11th century)
- ✨ Datong Nine Dragon Screen — China's oldest and largest
- ✨ Yingxian Wooden Pagoda — 960-year-old architectural marvel
- ✨ Datong Earth Forest — surreal eroded landscape
- ✨ Datong city walls at night
- ✨ 2 nights hotel with breakfast
What's Included
- ✅ Professional English-speaking guide
- ✅ 4-star hotel accommodation with breakfast
- ✅ All entrance tickets as per itinerary
- ✅ Private vehicle transfers
- ✅ Airport/train station transfers
- ✅ Travel insurance
What's Excluded
- ❌ International flights
- ❌ Lunches and dinners (except breakfast)
- ❌ China visa
- ❌ Tips and personal expenses
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Datong. Afternoon: visit Huayan Monastery — this vast Liao Dynasty complex (1038 AD) survived nearly intact for a millennium. The upper temple has China's largest Buddhist scripture hall with cabinets lining the walls in a unique architectural arrangement. The lower temple is a museum of Liao Dynasty statuary, including the famous "Smiling Bodhisattva" — hands clasped in prayer, lips parted in a gentle smile. Visit the Nine Dragon Screen nearby — the oldest and largest glazed-tile dragon wall in China (1392). Evening: walk the recently restored Datong city walls — beautifully illuminated at night. Overnight in Datong.
Morning at Yungang Grottoes — with no rush, take your time exploring every cave, studying the evolution of Buddhist art from Indian-influenced early caves to sinicized later ones. Afternoon: drive to the Datong Earth Forest — a surreal Badlands-like landscape of eroded clay pillars, ridges, and gorges. Photographers love this place, especially in late afternoon light. Overnight in Datong.
Morning at the Hanging Temple — arrive early to beat the crowds. After the temple, continue to Yingxian to see the incredible wooden pagoda. Afternoon transfer to Datong South Station or Datong Yungang Airport for departure. Perfect as a standalone trip from Beijing (just 2 hours by high-speed train).