From Datong: Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple Day Tour

Datong’s rich cultural heritage shines through in the ancient Yungang Grottoes and the awe-inspiring Hanging Temple. This captivating day tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy China’s profound history and architectural marvels. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and all-inclusive pricing, it’s a seamless way to discover these remarkable sites. What secrets and stories will unfold as you step into the past?

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Datong exploring the UNESCO-listed Yungang Grottoes and the gravity-defying Hanging Temple.
• Private hotel pickup, bottled water, private driver guide, and entrance fees included in the tour price.
• Tour duration is approximately 8 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing, as the tour involves extensive walking and climbing.
• The tour may not be suitable for those with physical limitations, a fear of heights, or vertigo.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

This day tour from Datong offers an opportunity to explore two of China’s renowned cultural heritage sites – the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple.

The tour is priced from $311.42 per person and lasts 8 hours. It includes private hotel pickup, bottled water, a private driver guide, and entrance fees.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Pickup from locations outside Datong may incur an additional fee.

The tour features a live English and Chinese-speaking guide, and travelers are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, bring warm clothing, and prepare for the possibility of vertigo.

Yungang Grottoes

The Yungang Grottoes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 16 kilometers west of Datong at the southern foot of Wuzhou Mountain.

The Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are situated 16 kilometers west of Datong at the southern foot of Wuzhou Mountain.

They feature 45 caves with approximately 51,000 statues and 254 niches.

Recognized as a Key Cultural Relic by the Chinese State Council in 1961, the Grottoes were proclaimed a National AAAAA-grade Tourism Attraction in 2007.

An expansion project in 2010 further enhanced the site’s status as a prominent tourist destination.

Carved between the 5th and 6th centuries, the Yungang Grottoes showcase the peak of Buddhist cave art in northern China.

Hanging Temple

Built on the side of Cuiping Peak of Hengshan Mountain, the Hanging Temple dates back 1,400 years to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534).

Constructed mainly of wood, the temple features over 40 halls and more than 80 sculptures. Renowned for its gravity-defying architecture and unique construction, the Hanging Temple is recognized among the World’s Top 10 Most Dangerous Architectures by Time Magazine.

Visitors can explore the temple’s intricate design and marvel at its precarious placement on the mountainside. The Hanging Temple is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of its ancient builders.

Datong City Walls

Datong’s city walls were built during the Hongwu Period of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) by General Xu Da.

The walls utilize remnants from previous dynasties, including the Northern Wei, Tang, Liao, and Yuan.

Covering an area of 3.28 square kilometers, the walls have four sides.

Evening visits offer a romantic scene, with the illuminated towers casting a warm glow.

Illuminated towers cast a warm glow, creating a romantic scene during evening visits to Datong’s historic city walls.

• Remnants from previous dynasties (Northern Wei, Tang, Liao, Yuan)

• Covers an area of 3.28 square kilometers with four sides

• Illuminated towers create a romantic evening scene

More Great Tours Nearby

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes private hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, a private driver guide, and entrance fees for the Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple. However, accommodation, personal consumption, optional gratuities, meals, and airport pickup/drop-off are not included. For a smooth and enjoyable experience, visitors are recommended to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a camera, water, snacks, and sunscreen. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, those afraid of heights, or individuals with vertigo.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Private hotel pickup and drop-off | Accommodation |

| Bottled water | Personal consumption |

| Private driver guide | Optional gratuities |

| Entrance fees (Yungang, Hanging Temple) | Meals |

| | Airport pickup/drop-off |

Tour Recommendations

For a smooth and enjoyable experience, visitors are recommended to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera.

The terrain at the Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple can be uneven, and the weather can be cool, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Plus, a water bottle, snacks, and sunscreen are essential to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. These items will ensure visitors can fully explore the sites and capture memorable moments during the day tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, those afraid of heights, or individuals with vertigo.

Directions and Transportation

Getting to the Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple from Datong is straightforward.

The Yungang Grottoes are located 16 km west of Datong, at the southern foot of Wuzhou Mountain. The Hanging Temple is situated on the side of Cuiping Peak in Hengshan Mountain.

The Yungang Grottoes are situated 16 km west of Datong, at the southern foot of Wuzhou Mountain. The Hanging Temple rests on the side of Cuiping Peak in Hengshan Mountain.

This private tour includes pickup from your Datong hotel. An additional fee may apply for airport pickup.

The tour uses a private vehicle and driver, making the transportation convenient and hassle-free.

Throughout the day, you’ll have a private English and Chinese-speaking guide to provide commentary and ensure a smooth experience.

Suitability and Safety Considerations

While the Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple offer fascinating cultural and architectural experiences, this tour may not be suitable for all visitors.

Certain considerations include:

• The Hanging Temple’s precarious location and narrow walkways may not be suitable for those afraid of heights or prone to vertigo.

• The tour may be physically challenging for some, involving extensive walking and climbing.

• Wheelchair users may face accessibility issues, as the tour lacks specialized accommodations.

It’s essential for prospective participants to assess their physical capabilities and comfort levels before booking this day tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Sites Independently Instead of a Tour?

Yes, visitors can explore the Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple independently without a tour. However, a guided tour may provide more context and insights into these iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

There are no special discounts or offers mentioned for this tour. However, you can explore the sites independently if you prefer, though the convenience of a private tour with a guide may be worth the cost.

Can the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian or Special Dietary Requirements?

The tour can accommodate vegetarian or special dietary requirements with advance notice. Clients should inform the tour provider of any dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure proper arrangements are made.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Include Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional sites like the Datong City Walls. Guests can discuss their interests with the tour provider to customize the itinerary and duration to meet their needs.

Can I Book the Tour in Advance for a Specific Date and Time?

Yes, you can book the tour in advance for a specific date and time. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and allows you to reserve your spot and pay later.

The Sum Up

This day tour from Datong offers a chance to explore two of China’s remarkable historical sites. Visitors can marvel at the stunning Buddhist cave art of the Yungang Grottoes and the architectural wonder of the Hanging Temple, all while learning about the region’s rich cultural heritage. With private transportation and knowledgeable guides, the tour provides a hassle-free and memorable experience for those interested in ancient Chinese architecture and traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: