A Simple 3.5-Day Tour of Datong

Yungang Grottoes + Ancient City Stroll Must-see attractions: Yungang Grottoes - A Millennium of Buddhist Art As one of the four major grottoes in China, the Buddha statues here are exquisitely carved, especially the Sakyamuni statue in Cave 5 and the open-air Buddha in Cave 20, which are truly awe-inspiring. It is recommended to rent an audio guide or hire a tour guide to gain an in-depth understanding of the Buddhist art of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Huayan Temple + Shanhua Temple Huayan Temple is representative of Liao-Jin architecture. The Great Buddha Hall is magnificent, and the Huayan Pagoda offers a panoramic view of the ancient city. Staying at the same hostel allows you to overlook Huayan Temple, making for beautiful photos. Shanhua Temple is quieter than Huayan Temple, with well-preserved Liao Dynasty wooden structures, perfect for slow appreciation. In the evening, you can see the golden ancient city. At sunset, rent a bicycle or walk along the Datong Ancient City Wall, which is 7 km long and offers a panoramic view of the ancient city. When the lights come on at night, the city walls become even more magnificent.