Yungang Caves or Grottos, China

Getty Images/Flickr RM

Datong

Datong (大同, Dàtóng) today is fascinating, and charming to boot. Come nighttime, the old-town sensations – with red lanterns swinging in the breeze and wind chimes tinkling on the illuminated city walls – evoke Datong's past glories as an ancient capital. No matter that most of this has been recreated from scratch: an estimated ¥50 billion has been ploughed into a colossal renovation of the old quarter. The city wall has been rebuilt in its entirety, enclosing a retinue of renovated (or newly built) sights. But it's beyond the wall where Datong really comes into its own. The town is the gateway to the awe-inspiring Yungang Caves, one of China’s most outstanding Buddhist treasures, as well as a launchpad to the photogenic Hanging Monastery, the world’s oldest wooden pagoda, crumbling earthen sections of the Great Wall and onward trips to sacred Wutai Shan.


Attractions

Must-see attractions

Articles

Latest stories from Datong

Colourful Buddhas and animal motifs adorn the grottoes at Yungang © Mark Brandon / Shutterstock

Art

China’s Buddhist caves: the enduring art of the Silk Road

Mar 22, 2019 • 8 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Datong

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Datong with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.