Special Forces Big Trip Record

Main itinerary (Xiamen - Datong): 1. Transportation 1. The entire trip lasts 3 days and 2 nights, with the main flight route being Xiamen - Shanghai (transfer) - Datong - Shanghai (transfer) - Xiamen. For the outbound trip, it is recommended to take the 16:55 Shanghai Hongqiao - Datong Yungang flight. The return trip requires selection. 2. During the weekend two-day itinerary in Datong, transportation methods include chartered car (Day 1: Hanging Temple, Yong'an Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda), taxi (Day 2: Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, and travel within the ancient city), and walking. Shared bikes are scarce and the weather is quite cold, so biking is not recommended. 2. Detailed 3-day 2-night schedule Day 1: Arrive on a late flight, head to the homestay (taxi, walking) After arrival, take a taxi to the homestay (about 30-35 minutes from Yungang Airport to Datong Ancient City), drop off luggage, then go to Longjuxiang for dinner. After dinner, you can take a walk in the ancient city. Day 2: Hanging Temple, Yong'an Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (chartered car) Chartered car was booked in advance. Depart at 8:30 AM according to the route. First visited the Hanging Temple (arrived at the shuttle bus around 10:20, started queuing to climb at 10:39, began climbing around 11:40). After the Hanging Temple, went to eat Xiaoxifu Liangfen near Yong'an Temple. After eating liangfen, a short walk leads to Yong'an Temple (large temple) and Yuanjue Temple (small temple). The murals in Yong'an Temple must be seen, especially the flaming Vajra King riding a blue lion (the eyes change color). Yuanjue Temple is very small; if pressed for time, you can just look outside and listen to the wind chimes. From Yong'an Temple, it takes about half an hour on the highway to reach Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. Because more time was spent at Yong'an Temple than expected, the highway was chosen to rush to the pagoda before the closing time (off-season ticket checking stops around 4:30 PM). Exiting the east gate of Yingxian Wooden Pagoda leads to the road to Jingtusi Temple. Walking straight ahead, you will see the visitor center, and Jingtusi Temple is on the left. Day 3: Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple (taxi, walking) Take a taxi directly from the city to Yungang Grottoes, about 20-25 minutes. After visiting, you can buy a shuttle bus ticket to the exit. There is a post office at the exit where you can buy postcards and get the grotto stamp. Take a taxi back to the city for a meal. Huayan Temple can be reached by walking directly. From Huayan Temple, walk about one kilometer to Shanhua Temple. 3. Ticket reservation and attraction opening hours Check the ticket reservation times for each place in advance. Except for Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the attractions mentioned in this article generally require booking 7 days in advance. During the off-season, there is no need to rush for tickets. ⚠️ Pay attention to the opening hours of each attraction!!! 4. Food in Datong Mainly ate at several highly recommended places: 1. Longjuxiang (recommended: knife-cut noodles, shumai, fried pork, and the milk skin is a personal favorite and also recommended) 2. Xiaoxifu Liangfen (liangfen, big knife beef) 3. Xijindao (minced meat noodles) 4. Zini 369 Whole Grain Season (traditional sweet and sour pork, boiled meat) ⚠️ Portions are relatively large for people from the south. Two girls basically never finished the meals throughout the trip, so order accordingly. ⚠️ Be sure to add vinegar! It really tastes great! ⚠️ Xijindao has multiple branches; you need to get a number offline. If there is a queue, you can choose another time or another branch. It is very cold outdoors in winter, so keep warm.