Breakfast → Yungang Grottoes → Lunch → Datong Museum → Datong Art Museum → Ancient City Night Market & City Wall Cycling → Dinner
If you are not staying in the old town but still want to experience an authentic Datong local breakfast, you can arrive in the old town before 7:00 AM. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy breakfast. Of course, having breakfast directly at your hotel can save you time and is also a good option. People from Shanxi have a great love for vinegar. Feel free to add a bit to your noodles, steamed dumplings, or regular dumplings to try it out. For breakfast in the old town, we have three options for you.
After enjoying a breakfast rich in Shanxi’s unique flavors, let’s set out for this land of Buddhism, known as the "Millennium Realm of the Divine, with Heavenly Buddhas Everywhere." The quickest way to reach the Yungang Grottoes is by taxi, which takes only about 30 minutes. For a more cost-effective option, you can take the bus. The fare is just 1 yuan, and the journey takes approximately one hour.
⏰Operating Hours: 9:00-18:00 💰Ticket Price: ¥120 in high season, ¥100 in low season. 📷Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours You can book tickets via the “Yungang Grottoes Official” WeChat account or scan a code at the entrance. Visitor Tips Free luggage storage is available at the Visitor Center. Skip the boat; if you’re in a hurry, take the ferry for ¥15. Explore the Yungang Grottoes： The Yungang Grottoes have been standing for over 1,500 years since their initial construction, ranking alongside India’s Ajanta Caves and Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Caves as one of the world’s three greatest stone carving art treasures. Stretching about 1 kilometer in length, the site currently houses 45 main grottoes, 252 cave niches of various sizes, and over 59,000 stone statues, offering ample opportunity to admire these exquisite religious artworks dating back millennia. The Yungang Grottoes, along with the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang and the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, are collectively known as the "Three Major Grottoes of China." They are also recognized alongside the Ajanta Caves in India and the Bamiyan Caves in Afghanistan as one of the world's three greatest repositories of stone carving art. The statues and carvings at Yungang represent the pinnacle of Buddhist art from the 5th to 6th centuries AD and are hailed as the "soul of Eastern stone carving art." With their magnificent royal style and the fusion of diverse cultures, the Yungang Grottoes stand as a milestone in the dialogue between Chinese civilization and world civilizations. The highly anticipated Chinese AAA game "Black Myth: Wukong," set to be released in 2024, draws inspiration from the layout, artistic style, and the profound, solemn, and sacred atmosphere of the Yungang Grottoes' Buddhist statues. The creation of the Yungang Grottoes is closely intertwined with the rise and fall of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534 AD). As the first minority regime to unify northern China, the Northern Wei chose Buddhism as a spiritual bond to consolidate their rule and bridge the gap between the Hu (nomadic tribes) and Han (ethnic Chinese) cultures after establishing their capital in Pingcheng (modern-day Datong). Following Emperor Wencheng's restoration of Buddhism, the eminent monk Tan Yao oversaw the excavation of the "Five Caves of Tan Yao," symbolizing the five emperors of the Northern Wei, in the early years of the Heiping era (460 AD). This marked the official commencement of the Yungang Grottoes' construction, a project that spanned nearly 70 years and continued even after Emperor Xiaowen moved the capital to Luoyang in 494 AD, becoming a national project that concentrated the dynasty's artistic and financial resources. The Yungang Grottoes are an epic of ethnic integration, bringing together Xianbei nobility, Han aristocrats, Western Region artisans, and Sogdian merchants. For instance, the "Music Cave" (Cave 12) features carvings of 28 different musical instruments, including the Xianbei horn, the Kucha five-stringed instrument, and the Persian vertical harp, creating a living archive of "Silk Road music and dance." This made the grottoes a hub for the transmission of technology, art, and ideas along the Silk Road. The artistic styles of the statues spread eastward to Korea and Japan and westward to Central Asia's Gandhara art. For example, the "Thousand Buddha Robe" in Cave 18 incorporates the Indian Mathura style, while the Ionic columns in Cave 10 reflect the collision of Eurasian civilizations. This cross-civilizational genetic recombination made Yungang the "womb of East Asian Buddhist art," showcasing the inclusiveness of Chinese civilization's principle of "harmony without uniformity." You can refer to this map for the overall route. Apart from the Yungang Grottoes themselves, there is no need to visit other places. We will proceed from east to west, exploring this architectural marvel in the order of caves 1 to 45. For your convenience, we have adopted a vertical layout for the guide, so please rotate your phone to view it. The Earliest Caves Caves 16-20, known as the "Five Caves of Tan Yao." The statues here are notable primarily for their size and the fact that they are recognizable as Buddha figures. However, they lack distinctive features, appearing to be carved according to standard models or images, with expressionless eyes, smiles that convey no meaning, and an absence of solemnity. Nonetheless, their historical value cannot be measured solely by their artistic merit. The Middle Period Caves Caves 5-13 and caves 1, 2, and 3 (listed in the order of their excavation). Caves 1 and 2, 5 and 6, 7 and 8, and 9 and 10 are all pairs of caves, while caves 11, 12, and 13 form a group. Cave 3 was also intended to be a pair but was left incomplete due to Emperor Xiaowen's sudden relocation of the capital to Luoyang. The statues from the middle period were primarily commissioned by the royal court, showcasing grand and magnificent craftsmanship. The Buddhist world is perfectly represented in caves 5-13. The Later Period Caves These were carved by the common people. Their main characteristics include adaptability to the terrain, smaller scale, and a more casual style. However, this also means they are imbued with a great deal of human sentiment, reflecting the feelings and aspirations of the people at that time. How to Appreciate the Grottoes Upon entering the Great Buddha Cave, the multitude of statues may seem overwhelming. Scholars have mapped out the architectural layout of the caves, making the spatial order of the Buddhist "family" clear at a glance. By observing the height of the statues, you can identify the hierarchy: the main Buddha is the "leading role," the two attendant Buddhas are the "first supporting roles," the attendant Bodhisattvas are the "second supporting roles," the ten disciples behind them are the "third supporting roles," the Buddhas in the small niches further away are the "fourth supporting roles," and the vast number of "extras" are the thousand Buddhas. Caves marked with a ☆ are particularly worth visiting. Now, let's begin our journey for today.
After exploring the grottoes and feasting your eyes on the magnificent sights, your stomach might start to protest. So, let's head to our lunch spot right away. If you're very hungry, we recommend taking a taxi, which will get you to the lunch location in about 40 minutes. If you can handle a 1 hour and 40-minute journey, taking the bus is a great option and costs only 1-2 yuan. For those who are extremely hungry, we have some food recommendations near the terminus of Bus Route 3. You can enjoy a meal there before heading to our next stop - the Datong Museum.
The following food options are all located near the terminus of Bus Route 3 at Gongjiaosigongsi Station and are within walking distance.
A perfect afternoon should begin with a delicious lunch. Datong's cuisine is known for its high energy and nutritional value, with bold flavors that reflect the rich cultural fusion of nomadic and agrarian traditions.
After your meal, a short 2-km walk or bike ride can take you to the Datong Museum. Taxis are also readily available.
💰Ticket Price: Free ⏰Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:00 p.m.). Foreign guests can enter by presenting their passport. 📷Recommended visit duration: 2 hours Although Datong is a small city, it boasts a national first-class museum. The main building of the Datong Museum was designed by renowned Chinese architect Cui Kai. Its exterior features a spiraling "double S" curve, symbolizing the layered mountains of the Datong volcanic group and the Yungang Grottoes, while also resembling a soaring dragon, echoing Datong's nickname "Dragon City." The interior follows a spiraling visitor flow from the basement to the third floor, representing the historical progression of Datong from ancient times to the modern era. The Datong Museum centers on the themes of "ethnic integration and regional culture," using artifacts, architecture, and exhibition design to interpret Datong's historical roles as the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty, a secondary capital during the Liao and Jin Dynasties, and a significant town during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The museum houses over 170,000 artifacts, spanning 31 categories including pottery, porcelain, bronzes, and calligraphy and paintings, with more than 3,000 precious items. If you arrive around 9:30/10:00 a.m. or 2:30/3:00 p.m. and see a crowd in the lobby, they’re waiting for the free guided tour (currently only in Chinese). There is a restaurant on the basement level, and the museum provides self-service water dispensers for visitors.Nearby, you’ll also find the Datong Art Museum and a theater. Recommended route: 1st Floor 1. Dinosaurs around Datong – fossil treasures unearthed in Datong. 2. Kingdom Dai: Ups and Downs – exhibits showcasing Datong’s civilization from prehistoric to Qin and Han eras. 2nd Floor 1. Pingcheng, Capital in the Northern Wei Dynasty - Core Exhibitions(Halls 1 and 2), home to many of the museum’s most treasured pieces. 3rd Floor 1. Buddhist Artifacts – a collection of exquisite, elegant Buddhist relics. 2. Western Capital of Liao and Jin Dynasties – artifacts from the second golden era of Datong, featuring treasures like Huayan Monastery’s glazed tiles and Curved Temple gold ornaments. 3. Military Town of the Ming and Qing Dynasties – highlighting Datong’s historical role as a strategic border town.
💰Ticket Price: Free. Reservations can be made via "Alipay." Foreign visitors can make on-site reservations with their passports. ⏰Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00-17:00 📷Recommended visit duration: 30 minutes - 1 hour After exploring the museum, if you have more time, you can return to your hotel for a short rest or head to the nearby art gallery, which is just a five-minute walk from the Datong Museum. This spot is perfect for checking in, shopping, and taking photos. The Datong Art Museum redefines the art space of Northwest China with steel and light. It is not a cold exhibition box but a breathing, color-changing underground art castle. Imagine four interlocking pyramids rising from the ground, with the tallest peak reaching 12 stories high (36 meters). The secret lies beneath your feet—the entire museum is actually "growing upside down"! The exhibition halls are all underground, with only these cool steel-structured spires visible above ground. Picture the Louvre's glass pyramid painted in earth tones, inverted into the Loess Plateau, and interlocked like building blocks—that's the magical feel of the Datong Art Museum. The spires' sharp edges mimic the Datong volcano group, resembling solidified lava from a distance. The arrangement of bricks on the exterior walls draws inspiration from the carved folds of the Buddha's robes in the Yungang Grottoes. Rainwater collected on the roof transforms into an "indoor waterfall," flowing from the pyramid's peak to the entrance pool, like a glowing crystal necklace. The museum houses six independent exhibition halls, ranging from 500 to 6,800 square meters, capable of hosting eight exhibitions simultaneously. The children's gallery features AR interactive installations, allowing kids to "graffiti" on the walls with virtual brushes. The main exhibition hall is half the size of a football field and can accommodate a sculpture five stories high. In 2023, it showcased the 25-meter-long "Northern Wei Imperial Procession," with over 800 figures taller than real people. The monthly "Shanxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Flash Exhibition" might have you learning paper-cutting from a grandma or watching a dough figurine master craft Marvel heroes from dough. Taking photos here offers a unique aesthetic, as shown in the reference image below. The gray figures are life-sized models for scale. The roof is made of 4mm thick weathering steel, which is not only frost-resistant and corrosion-resistant but also naturally oxidizes over time, changing color from orange-red to dark brown, as if the building is "growing."
From the Datong Art Museum to Qingyuan Gate, you have two options: taking a taxi or using public transportation. We recommend taking a taxi as it is more time-efficient and convenient, taking only about 20 minutes. In contrast, the bus ride takes 50-60 minutes and requires over 1 kilometer of walking.
📷Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours Let’s begin with a cab ride to Datong’s ancient city wall. As the sun sets, head to the north gate of Qingyuan, where the Northern Wei breeze and Huayan Temple's quiet majesty under the evening light provide the perfect backdrop for photos. You can explore the wall or return the same way after taking photos. The wall spans 7 km, and the northern and western sections are free to explore by tourist cart or rented bikes, though only the northern half is accessible for biking. Rentals: Single bike, 90 minutes for ¥40; tandem, ¥70; family bike for three, ¥100; larger bike for 4-6 people, ¥160. Experiencing the sunset from the wall offers a captivating view of Datong's heritage. Best Viewing Spots: South Gate - Yongtai Gate: From here, you can overlook Shanhua Temple, offering a stunning panoramic view of this historic site. West Gate - Qingyuan Gate: This spot provides a vantage point to overlook Huayan Temple and offers a distant view of the Bell Tower, making it an excellent location for capturing the essence of Datong's ancient architecture. Afterward, we’ll descend and head to the next stop.
As dusk falls, the humble ancient city transforms like Cinderella into a dazzling spectacle of lights and grandeur. Let's step into this enchanting blend of antiquity and modernity and experience its unique charm. Tonight's journey is a delightful combination of strolling and tasting. If you feel hungry, you can head straight to the dinner spots we've highlighted. Alternatively, you might want to try some breakfast places you missed this morning. Besides, we've also recommended a few excellent snack spots. If you have the time, we highly suggest purchasing the complete Datong tour. In these tours, we introduce over a dozen highly recommended eateries within the ancient city, significantly expanding your culinary options.
When in Shanxi, you must try the local specialties of bean flour noodles and lamb offal. Of course, if there are any breakfast items you wish to try, you can also enjoy them in the evening. After all, knife-cut noodles and shaomai are great at any time of the day. Now, let's head to tonight's dinner.
As the night deepens and the lights gradually dim, this wonderful day is drawing to a close. Standing beneath the softly glowing ancient city walls, you might find yourself reflecting on the simple wrinkles on the face of the breakfast vendor, the solemn and mysterious smiles of the Buddhas in the grottoes, the amusing "eye-catching bags" in the museum, or the awe-inspiring dome of the art gallery. Everything you experienced today can be seen as the sparks that flew from the chisels of the craftsmen who carved the Yungang Grottoes. These sparks, born from humanity's yearning for beauty, have never been extinguished. They have traveled through the long span of 1500 years, igniting enduring flames of warmth in the vast wilderness of human civilization. These flames attract people from afar, who come with curiosity and hope, sit by the fire, and listen to those distant stories. And these stories will transform into the words shared in your social media posts, the highly liked photos on your social networks, the topics of discussion at gatherings with friends, and the sources of inspiration for your creative endeavors... In this way, we too are adding new annotations to the epic of this city, passing on the seeds of a new civilization in our own unique ways. As long as the pursuit of beauty remains in the hearts of people, civilization will continue to be passed down. Good night. Oh, and if you enjoyed today's itinerary, please don't hesitate to leave us a positive review. It would greatly help other travelers considering a trip to China. Of course, if there was anything that did not meet your expectations, please let us know promptly. Your feedback will help us continually improve our services. Thank you very much.
1. Please wear comfortable shoes, as we will be walking quite a bit today.
2. Try to carry a power bank to ensure your phone stays charged.
3. Please do not carry too many items, especially avoid knives and fragile items.
4. Bring a coat or sun protection clothing if needed. In autumn and winter, it is important to keep warm when visiting Yungang Grottoes.
5. The quickest way to get to Yungang Grottoes is by taxi, which takes only about half an hour. A more cost-effective way is to take the bus, which takes about 1 hour, so it is best to set off around 8:00 AM, as Yungang Grottoes requires 3-4 hours for visiting.
6. Remember to bring your passport.
7. If you prefer cost-effective accommodation options, it is recommended to stay near Yunzhong Road, Yingbin Street, or Caotang City Street. There are more unique guesthouses in the ancient city, though they are relatively expensive and not very convenient for transportation, but they have a lot of character.
8. Remember to bring your passport.
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★ 4.8 / 5 · 11 reviews from app travelers
The kids were ready for grumbling at a museum day, but Yungang silenced them. The giant Buddha statues cut into the cliff, 1,500 years old, are overwhelming. The Datong Museum put it all in context, and the night market in the ancient city was a fun, tasty end. A full and rewarding day.
Yungang deserves its fame — cave 5's colossal Buddha, the flying apsaras, the cross-cultural details everywhere. Four stars because the Datong Museum visit felt rushed (we could have spent double the time), and the grottoes were busier than expected with tour groups. Still, if you see one grotto complex in China, make it this one.
The Yungang Grottoes are world-class — cave after cave of colossal Buddhas, and the cross-cultural details our guide pointed out stayed with me all day. Datong Museum afterwards fills in the Northern Wei story. The ancient city walls at night are a lovely finish. Deeply satisfying.
Vor 1500 Jahren arbeiteten Steinmetze aus Gansu, Eisenmeißel aus Xinjiang und Blattgold-Handwerker aus Usbekistan an derselben Sandsteinwand – dieser Kulturaustausch über Regionen ist lebendiger als jedes Lehrbuch. Die Sehenswürdigkeiten jeder Höhle wurden klar erklärt; allein hätte man diese Details nie erkannt.
Datong was such a cool winter detour. The Yungang Grottoes were genuinely mind-blowing—massive Buddhist carvings with details that don’t feel real until you’re standing there. Pairing that with the Datong Museum and the art museum helped me understand the Northern Wei context instead of just taking photos. At night, the old city night market was pure happiness for a food-lover—warm bowls, grilled stuff, and that busy local energy that makes winter feel cozy instead of cold. I liked how this tour stacked “wow history” and “real street life” in one day.
Yungang Grottoes was a “United Nations” construction site 1,500 years ago: Gansu stonemasons, Xinjiang iron chisels, Uzbek gold-leaf artists working side by side. As a history teacher, I’ve told this story to students for ten years — seeing it once beat all of that. Every cave’s key points were laid out in advance, no scrambling with books on site.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour