Datong Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Shanxi region in China, Datong is a city that exudes a rich cultural heritage and captivating history. Known as the "City of the Coal," Datong offers visitors a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern developments.

One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These ancient Buddhist caves dating back to the 5th century are a testament to the artistic prowess of the time. Carved out of the sandstone cliffs, the grottoes house over 51,000 statues, ranging from small figures to monumental statues, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and devotion of the artisans.

For those seeking a glimpse into China's imperial history, the Hanging Temple is a must-visit attraction. Perched precariously on the side of a cliff, this architectural wonder is an engineering marvel. Built over 1,400 years ago, the temple is an amalgamation of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, making it a unique religious site that showcases the religious diversity of ancient China.

No trip to Datong would be complete without exploring the city's ancient city walls. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, these walls were once a formidable defense system and now offer panoramic views of the city. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the walls and admire the surrounding landscape, providing a glimpse into the city's past.

For those interested in more recent history, a visit to the Datong Nine Dragon Screen is a must. This magnificent screen, constructed during the Ming Dynasty, is one of the three largest and oldest glazed screens in China. Adorned with intricate and colorful ceramic dragons, this architectural masterpiece is a testament to the artistic achievements of the time.

To experience Datong's modern side, head to the bustling Huayan Shopping Street. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the city, browsing through an array of shops, sampling local delicacies, and witnessing the locals going about their daily lives.

Local name: 大同市 Population: 1.05 mil.Area: 5448.88 mi²Elevation: 3445 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 40°5'24"N, 113°17'24"E

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ShanxiChina

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Datong Top Attractions

Datong Attractions - What to See and Explore

Datong offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Yungang Grottoes, Shanhua Temple, Datong Prince's Palace, Datong Mass Grave Memorial. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Buddha statues hewn out of the rock
Yungang Grottoes
Nestled in the rugged landscape of Shanxi Province, the Yungang Grottoes stand as a monumental testament to ancient Chinese Buddhist art. Carved into the side of a sandstone cliff near the city of Datong, these exquisite caves date back to the 5th and 6th centuries...
Buddhist architecture • Temple
Shanhua Temple
Shanhua Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Datong, Shanxi Province, China. The temple was first founded during the early 8th century of the Tang Dynasty, but its earliest surviving building dates from the 11th century.
Palace
Datong Prince's Palace
Datong Prince's Palace, also known as the Residence of Prince Dai, is a former Ming Dynasty palace in Datong, China. The palace was built in the 14th century for prince Zhu Gui, prince of Dai, the thirteenth son of Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

Museum
Datong Mass Grave Memorial
The Datong Mass Grave Memorial is a mass grave from the time of Second Sino-Japanese War. It is located in a former coal mine in the city of Datong in the province of Shanxi.
Museum
Datong Museum
Datong City Museum, the only specialized institution in Datong City, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China, which collects, displays, researches and keeps as one, was founded in 1959 and is the second largest museum in Shanxi Province with a...
40°4'51"N • 113°16'34"E
Chengqu
Pingcheng District, formerly known as Chengqu or Cheng District is a district of Datong, Shanxi, China. As of 2002, it had a population of 560,000 living in an area of 46.129 km2.
40°2'4"N • 113°10'5"E
Kuangqu
Kuangqu was a district of Datong, Shanxi province, China. As of 2002, it has a population of 430,000 residing in an area of 62 km². The district is made up of 28 subdistricts.
Neighbourhood
Xihuayuan Subdistrict
Xihuayuan Subdistrict is a subdistrict in Yungang District, Datong, Shanxi, China. As of 2018, it has 5 residential communities under its administration.
40°0'13"N • 113°8'24"E
Nanjiao District
Yungang District formerly, Nanjiao District is a district of the city of Datong, Shanxi province, China. In February 2018 all of Datong Mining District and parts of Datong Cheng District merged with Nanjiao District to form the new Yungang District.