Datong, in Shanxi province, was once the capital of the Northern Wei dynasty, and the Yungang Grottoes outside the city hold some of the finest early Buddhist rock carving in China. Over 250 caves and thousands of statues were cut into the sandstone cliff in the fifth century, including colossal seated Buddhas whose faces still show the cultural exchange along the Silk Road. The Hanging Temple, clinging to a cliff face on wooden stilts, is another extraordinary sight and one of the most unusual buildings in China. With the high-speed train, both can be reached from Beijing in a long but very doable day. The tour includes a guide and transfers, which makes the trip much easier than navigating by yourself. It is a good choice for travellers who have seen the main Beijing sights and want another world-class cultural site with few foreign visitors.
How to visit
The day starts with an early train from Beijing, a ride of about two hours or somewhat more depending on the service, followed by road transfers to the sites. Book a dated tour, bring your passport for the train and confirm the meeting time at the station. The day ends with a train back in the evening, so expect to return late.
What to expect
The grottoes are the main event, with the large central Buddhas in the early caves and the more delicate, refined carving in the later ones. Many caves are open to walk in front of, and a guide explains the figures and the Northern Wei context. The Hanging Temple, built into the cliff face, is usually visited from a safe path, and some tours limit climbing numbers for safety. Check what is included in your itinerary, and do not assume interior access.
Making the most of it
Wear comfortable shoes, bring layers because it is cooler and windier than Beijing, and carry snacks. The trip is intensive, and some visitors prefer a two-day option with an overnight in Datong. Spring and autumn are the best seasons. Photography rules vary inside the caves, so follow the guide's advice.
Planning notes
Datong is a city of walls, temples and coal, and it rewards a little extra time. The Yungang Grottoes were carved under imperial patronage from the Northern Wei dynasty, and their style shows influences from Central Asia and India that blended with Chinese traditions. Look for the tall Buddhas of Caves 5 and 6, and for the intricate carvings of musicians and flying figures.
The Hanging Temple, dating back more than 1,400 years, uses wooden beams set in the cliff to support its halls, and viewing is often from the valley floor. Weather can change quickly in the north, so bring a windproof layer.
On the train, keep your passport handy for the station checks. If you want a more relaxed trip, ask about two-day versions that include the old city walls or other sites in the region. Keep a small day bag with water, snacks and a power bank, and charge your phone the night before, since the day is long and you will want it for photographs and train tickets. Early starts are rewarded with soft morning light on the cliff carvings, and the group is usually small enough that you can ask questions as you walk.
What to expect
The experience
A guided day trip by high-speed train from Beijing to Datong for the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple.
Best time
Spring or autumn, on a clear day.
How long
A full day, around twelve hours door to door.
Tips
Bring your passport for the train, wear layers and be ready for a long day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Culture lovers who want a second great site beyond Beijing itself.
- Families
- A long day better suited to older children and teenagers.
- Couples
- A memorable day for couples interested in art and history.
- Pair with
- A Beijing city day on the day before or after.
- Time needed
- A full day, returning in the evening.
Good questions
Why go to the Yungang Grottoes?+
They hold some of the earliest and greatest Buddhist rock carvings in China, including colossal Buddhas from the fifth century.
How long is the train?+
Roughly two hours each way, depending on the service.
What is the Hanging Temple?+
It is a temple built on stilts into a cliff face, famous for its position and construction.
Do I need my passport?+
Yes, for the train. Bring it with you.
Is one day enough?+
It covers the main sights, though it is a long, full day.
