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Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Datong [2025]
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Yungang Grottoes
4.8
/5
29530 reviews
8.9
From £12.60
Based on 995 reviews
14.3 km from downtown
Phone +8603527992666
Address: No. 1, Yungang Town, Yungang District, Datong City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Stroll through the grottoes and explore Forty Caves
59,000+ stone sculptures inside caves
Saved by 736 users22941 positive reviews
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The Yungang Grottoes are truly breathtaking! Each Buddha statue is incredibly lifelike, as if speaking to you from across millennia. The carvings within the grottoes are exquisitely crafted, with breathtaking detail. Wandering through them, you'll feel the weight of history and appreciate the wisdom and ingenuity of ancient artisans. Simple praise is insufficient; the beauty here is worth savoring for a lifetime. Highly recommended to anyone who loves history and art!
I marveled at the skill of the ancient artists; such stunning creations exemplify the grandeur of an ancient power. I requested a guide, but it was rather rushed. Perhaps it was the sheer volume of content or the rapid pace of instruction, but I felt rushed and my understanding fragmented. Three hours was simply not enough to fully appreciate the artistic beauty of the grottoes. The colorful paintings on the murals and the diverse forms of the Buddha statues all exemplify the artistry of the era.
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Xuankong Temple
4.7
/5
9437 reviews
8.4
From £1.58
Based on 793 reviews
58.1 km from downtown
Phone +8603528333081
Address: At the foot of Hengshan Mountain in the southeastern suburb of Wuyuan County, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
Highlights:
Admire Exquisite Wood Carved Murals Along the Plank Road
Cliffside's breathtaking architecture
Saved by 665 users7059 positive reviews
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1. The Hanging Temple of Hengshan Mountain. The entire temple clings to the cliffs of Hengshan Mountain, supported by only a single pillar. It's incredibly precarious, seemingly ready to collapse at any moment, a truly daunting sight.
2. The Hanging Temple at the foot of Hengshan Mountain is a breathtakingly ingenious structure. This massive temple seems to soar into the air, leaving you in awe of the ingenuity of the craftsmen thousands of years ago.
3. I wonder how the builders of the Hanging Temple managed to transport the stones and wood up the mountain.
4. The Hanging Temple of Hengshan Mountain, the Northern Peak, is truly a rare sight.
1. The Hanging Temple of Hengshan Mountain. The entire temple clings to the cliffs of Hengshan Mountain, supported by only a single pillar. It's incredibly precarious, seemingly ready to collapse at any moment, a truly daunting sight.
2. The Hanging Temple at the foot of Hengshan Mountain is a breathtakingly ingenious structure. This massive temple seems to soar into the air, leaving you in awe of the ingenuity of the craftsmen thousands of years ago.
3. I wonder how the builders of the Hanging Temple managed to transport the stones and wood up the mountain.
4. The Hanging Temple of Hengshan Mountain, the Northern Peak, is truly a rare sight.
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Heng Shan Mountain
4.5
/5
4533 reviews
7.5
From £4.73
Based on 41 reviews
58.6 km from downtown
Phone +8603528333077
Address: At the foot of Hengshan Mountain in the southeastern suburb of Wuyuan County, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Datong
Highlights:
360° views of nature
Hanging Temple: ancient wooden architecture
Saved by 107 users2838 positive reviews
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Located in Hunyuan County, Datong, Shanxi Province, Hengshan Mountain is one of China's Five Sacred Mountains, attracting visitors with its steep terrain, long history, and rich culture. Hengshan Mountain is not only beautiful but also a sacred site for Taoism and Buddhism, boasting cultural treasures such as the Hanging Temple. Visitors can savor local delicacies, admire the beauty of the four seasons, and experience its rich cultural heritage. The Hengshan Tourist Scenic Area is a comprehensive destination that combines natural scenery, history, culture, and tourism and leisure.
The journey from Hengshan Mountain to the Hanging Temple is the final stop on the Five Great Mountains! Even with the cable car, the 2,016-meter climb is quite challenging. There's only a check-in plaque at the top! The winds at the top are so strong they can blow you away.
No.
4
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Datong Ancient City
4.7
/5
223 reviews
7.3
From £4.10
Ancient City Tourist Cultural Area | 1.9 km from downtown
Phone +8603527699269
Address: 山西省大同市平城区御河西路
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 day
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Datong
Highlights:
Unique blend of ancient & modern
Ancient & modern city vibe
Saved by 153 users202 positive reviews
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The ancient city of Datong is filled with the hustle and bustle of life, and its ancient buildings bear the marks of the times. Shanhua Temple, Huayan Temple, Fahua Temple, the Nine Dragon Screen...all showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
This was my first time experiencing this kind of parade-style performance, and it was quite novel.
The show was excellent, with many well-crafted scenes and character introductions, and the storytelling was strong.
The entire show lasted about 80 minutes, and only the last scene was available for sitting; the rest of the show was standing. So, if you've been visiting all day and come to see it in the evening, it might be a bit tiring.
The show was quite impressive overall, but when it was crowded, it did get a bit crowded within each scene, with people crammed close together.
No.
5
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Datong Museum
4.4
/5
605 reviews
6.8
Datong South Railway Station/Fantawild Adventure | 5.7 km from downtown
Phone +8603522303518
Address: No. 506 Taihe Road, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
No. 2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Datong
Highlights:
Dinosaurs' habitat recreated & displayed
Artifacts showcase ancient Chinese history
452 positive reviews10K views in last month
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I'm absolutely blown away by the Datong Museum! First, you can see many of the exhibits up close. Second, stamp admission is free. Third, the collection is so rich, and there are high-quality special and temporary exhibitions. I'd walk all the way to see them all! You can visit in the order of Northern Wei Pingcheng, Liao and Jin's secondary capital, and Ming and Qing Dynasty's important city. The first floor houses dinosaur fossils, and the basement is currently only open to the restaurant. Coming to Datong is like stepping into a Buddhist world, with a dazzling array of Buddha statues. From the exquisitely carved roof tiles and tubular tiles to the magnificent jewelry and exquisite and intricate household items, it's as if you've glimpsed the prosperity of the Northern Wei capital.
The Datong Museum is incredibly popular. Appointments must be made at midnight, and entry is divided into time slots. Even then, there were lines stretching over a hundred meters.
After a twenty-minute wait for entry, we headed straight to the second-floor Northern Wei exhibition hall, the highlight of the event. Datong, formerly known as Pingcheng, served as the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty for 97 years. Through the development and management of six emperors and seven generations, it became a metropolis with a population exceeding one million, bustling with merchants and envoys, and a vibrant mix of Han and Western cultures.
The exhibits naturally reflect this, with many artifacts incorporating Western influences. For example, the striking blue glass vase is a representative example of local production using blown glass techniques introduced along the Silk Road. The exquisiteness of the golden flying headdress is so stunning that it's hard to believe it reflects craftsmanship and aesthetics dating back seven hundred years.
It's truly unique and well worth the visit.
No.
6
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Datong Fantawild Adventure
4.7
/5
6776 reviews
6.5
From £16.69
Datong South Railway Station/Fantawild Adventure | 6.2 km from downtown
Phone +864001660006
Address: No. 3666, South Ring Road, Pingcheng District, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No. 2 of Night Attractions in Datong
Highlights:
Dinosaur Age Adventure Rapids
Hua Xia Five Thousand Years Theme Area Experience
5286 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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While it was freezing cold outside, the singing and dancing at Fantawild was ablaze with excitement. During the Spring Festival, discounted tickets were available, but outdoor attractions were closed, so only indoor ones were available. The attractions had a schedule, but due to time conflicts and locational issues, I wasn't able to experience all of them in one day. The festive atmosphere was there, and the joy of entertainment was there.
It was fun! I went on a weekday so there were probably fewer people. Over the Limit wasn't as exciting as I'd hoped. I only saw the beautiful scenery of my country once, but I didn't feel it was worth buying the express ticket. The express ticket for the Nikola roller coaster was a great value! That one gives you two laps, which is great! The light show at night was a bit rubbish, like a ghost scattering flowers in the sky.
No.
7
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Datong Clay Forest
4.3
/5
843 reviews
6.4
From £5.04
20.3 km from downtown
Phone +8615525239807
Address: Duzhuang Village, Duzhuang Township, Datong County, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Stunning sunrise & sunset views
Near Hanging Temple & Yungang Caves
615 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The Datong Earth Forest is one of the three largest earth forests in China. Those interested in these geological formations should visit, as there aren't many such sights. The 50 yuan entrance fee is too expensive and not very cost-effective. Tourist attractions in Shanxi generally charge high fees.
A seriously underestimated scenic spot, the geology is very strange, marvel at the wonders of nature, maybe the locals don't see much, but for me, a southerner, it's too shocking. Many outsiders come here specifically to check in and take pictures, especially in the morning and dusk, the photos are particularly good. This time I came at a bad time, and I didn't want to wait until dusk. You can take a look at the photos taken when it's not the most beautiful. I recommend everyone to go, but be sure to be lenient when visiting. The ecology of the entire scenic area is very fragile. Thank you
No.
8
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Jinhuagong National Mine Park
4.6
/5
396 reviews
6.1
14.1 km from downtown
Phone +8603527086666
Address: Jinhua Palace, South Suburb of Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Admire the unique patterns of coalified petrified wood
Underground Exploration Tour: Experience Industrial Culture
323 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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It has great scientific educational significance. It is recommended for children to visit. It is just opposite the Yungang Grottoes. It is recommended to buy tickets for underground visits in advance. If you buy tickets online, don't forget to get the waiting code from the machine on site. Don't be late. The team goes down the well. The wind is cold underground, so bring more coats.
The exploration trip was novel and shocking. Although I rented a mobile phone, the pixel was relatively low and the noise was high. It might be clearer than taking photos and videos. The shooting effect was not ideal. I don’t think it is necessary to rent a mobile phone specifically. Taking photos actually interfered with listening to the explanation. The overall experience is rare. Missing work is hard and dangerous. I hope it will be safe. I took a picture of a rainbow today.
No.
9
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Yong'an Temple
4.8
/5
144 reviews
6.1
Based on 4 reviews
53.5 km from downtown
Phone +8603528322142
Address: North Lane, Gulou, Hunyuan County, Shanxi 037400
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Admire Yuan Dynasty Murals in Chuan Fa Zheng Zong Hall
Jin Dynasty ancient temple has seen historical changes
139 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The main attraction of Yong'an Temple is the water and land murals, which depict elements of heaven, earth, and the human world, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. The Five Sacred Mountains, the heroic women, the sages, the holy monks, the hellfire, and the Ten Great Vidyarajas are all depicted in the main hall. The most classic one is the "Face-tearing Vidyaraja", which tears off its terrifying face to reveal its compassionate true face.
Only the main hall has preserved its architecture and murals. The murals are particularly wonderful and completely worth the price of admission. In addition to the murals, there are also exquisite and beautiful caissons. There is also a small building in the backyard that you can see.
No.
10
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Datong Volcanic Group
4.3
/5
108 reviews
5.4
30.1 km from downtown
Phone +8603528013338
Address: Yunshan District, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Rare volcanic heritage site
Volcano cones densely at 3600 ft
31% positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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It's a good volcano park. I encountered the shortest shuttle bus, and the return time was just one minute. But I still recommend taking the shuttle bus. After all, the park is free, and it still costs a lot of money to maintain such a large park. 🙈🙈🙈
It is recommended to go up the mountain from the left road. While you are in good physical condition, walk the uphill road first, and the rest is "downhill"?
Langwo Mountain: It has the deepest crater among the Datong volcanic group. It is also the only volcano with a wooden plank road. Walking along the plank road, you can enjoy a full view of the crater and surrounding landforms.
Jinshan: The mountain is reddish-brown lava in the shape of slag. The slopes are cut by radioactive valleys. The top of the mountain has a wide view and you can see other volcanoes in the distance.
Heishan: It is 1,429.9 meters above sea level. There is a Ming Dynasty beacon tower on the top of the mountain. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can have a panoramic view of the surrounding volcanic group and the Sanggan River Valley.
Haotian Mountain: The crater is 500 meters in diameter and is the largest crater in the Datong volcanic group. The Haotian Temple on the top of the mountain adds a cultural touch to it.
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