7-Day In-Depth Cultural Tour Guide to the Hanging Temple (Including Datong Surroundings)

The Hanging Temple is located in Hunyuan County, Datong, Shanxi, and is one of China's most precarious ancient wooden structures. During summer vacation, there are many tourists, so it's recommended to plan your time wisely and combine visits to Datong and its surrounding attractions for a deep travel experience that integrates history, nature, and culture. Below is a **customized 7-day Hanging Temple and Datong Surroundings Tour Guide** for you. --- **📅 Day 1: Arrive in Datong, Discover the Ancient Capital** - **Morning** - Arrive in Datong and check into a hotel near the ancient city (e.g., Datong Yungang Jianguo Hotel, Datong Howard Johnson Plaza). - Rest and acclimate to the weather (Datong has cool summers but strong UV rays, so sun protection is advised). - **Afternoon** - **Explore the Datong Ancient City Wall** (free entry, rent a bike to ride along the wall and enjoy panoramic views of the ancient city). - **Huayan Temple** (a masterpiece of Liao and Jin Dynasty architecture; focus on the Mahavira Hall and the "Eastern Venus" in the Sutra Library Hall). - **Evening** - Try Datong specialties: knife-shaved noodles, lamb offal soup, shaomai (steamed dumplings), and millet rice cake. - Night stroll at the **Datong Ancient City Lantern Festival** (during holidays, the ancient city hosts light shows and folk performances). --- **📅 Day 2: Explore the Hanging Temple + Hike Mount Heng** - **Morning** - **Hanging Temple** (arrive before 7:30 AM to avoid crowds; entrance fee ¥125, additional ¥100 to climb the temple). - **Photography tips**: - Use a wide-angle lens (e.g., 16-35mm) for full shots. - Drones require prior approval (flight restrictions apply; use designated areas). - **Afternoon** - **Mount Heng (Northern Peak)** (next to the Hanging Temple; entrance fee ¥45, one-way cable car ¥70). - Recommended route: - Take the cable car up → Hengzong Hall → Huixian Temple → Tianfeng Peak (summit at 2,016 meters). - Hike down (about 2 hours) and admire cliff carvings along the way. - **Evening** - Return to Hunyuan County and stay at a Mount Heng foothills homestay (e.g., "Hunyuan Zhou Shu Post House"). - Dinner recommendation: Hunyuan cold jelly noodles and Mount Heng astragalus stewed lamb. --- **📅 Day 3: Yingxian Wooden Pagoda + Pure Land Temple** - **Morning** - Visit **Yingxian Wooden Pagoda** (one of the world's three great wooden pagodas; entrance fee ¥50). - Highlights: - Mortise-and-tenon structure (no nails used). - Statue of Sakyamuni and murals inside (no photography allowed). - **Afternoon** - **Pure Land Temple** (near the Wooden Pagoda; a hidden gem with exquisite caisson ceilings, known as "Shanxi's most beautiful ceiling"). - Drive back to Datong (about 1.5 hours). - **Evening** - Free time; recommend exploring **Datong Drum Tower East Street** night market. --- **📅 Day 4: Yungang Grottoes Day Trip** - **All day** - **Yungang Grottoes** (entrance fee ¥120; hire a guide or rent an audio guide). - Key caves: - Cave 20 (outdoor giant Buddha, the symbol of Yungang). - Caves 5-6 (Northern Wei royal caves with well-preserved colors). - Cave 12 "Music Cave" (exquisite carvings of flying apsaras and musicians). - **Evening** - Visit the **Yungang Grottoes Museum** (free; learn about the carving history). - Return to the city; dinner recommendation: **Fenglintai** (try the hundred-flower shaomai and fried pork slices). --- **📅 Day 5: Datong Volcano Group + Earth Forest** - **Morning** - **Datong Volcano Group** (free; recommend Jinshan and Langwo Mountain for drone shots). - **Afternoon** - **Datong Earth Forest** (entrance fee ¥60; best photography light at dusk). - **Evening** - Return to the city and relax at **Datong Hot Springs** (e.g., Tangtou Hot Springs). --- **📅 Day 6: Yanmen Pass Frontier Culture** - **All day** - **Yanmen Pass** ("China's First Pass"; entrance fee ¥90). - Recommended route: - Moon Tower → Ancient Pass Road → Zhenbian Temple → Tianxian Gate. - Try horseback riding or Hanfu photo shoots (rental services available). - **Evening** - Return to Datong and try **copper hotpot** (recommend "Laoyemiao Flavor Restaurant"). --- **📅 Day 7: Cultural Wrap-Up Before Departure** - **Morning** - **Shanhua Temple** (free; Tang Dynasty architecture, quiet and less crowded). - **Nine-Dragon Screen** (China's largest glazed dragon screen; free). - **Afternoon** - Depart according to your flight/train schedule; souvenirs to bring home: - Datong copperware, Guangling paper cuttings, Mount Heng astragalus. --- **⚠️ Travel Tips** 1. **Transportation**: - Attractions are spread out; consider hiring a car (¥400-600/day) or renting one. - Shuttle buses run between the Hanging Temple and Mount Heng (¥10/person). 2. **Accommodation**: - Stay in Datong city (convenient for night activities) or Hunyuan County (close to the Hanging Temple). 3. **Notes**: - The Hanging Temple has visitor limits; arrive early or book in advance. - Wear anti-slip shoes and bring enough water for Mount Heng hikes. --- **📸 Photography Gear Suggestions** - Essentials: wide-angle lens, tripod (for Earth Forest star shots), polarizing filter (to reduce glare). - Outfit tips for Hanging Temple photos: red or white clothing contrasts well with the mountain. --- This guide balances nature, history, and food, allowing you to experience both the thrill of the Hanging Temple and the cultural depth of Datong. If you'd like to adjust the pace (e.g., add family-friendly activities or reduce hiking), let me know!