The enchanting charm of Datong in 3 days

#summerbreak We decided to take a long weekend trip somewhere not too far from Beijing and landed on Datong. Located in the northern part of China's Shanxi province, and only 2h30 from Beijing via high speed train, the ancient city of Datong offers a splendid glimpse into the country's rich history, incredible architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty. In this post I’ll walk you through our 3-day journey, highlighting the must-visit attractions and historical landmarks that make Datong an unforgettable travel destination. Day 1: We arrived in the afternoon and made our way to the Datong Grandmother Bridge Yunxi Health Hotel. The hotel was affordable and offered us a very comfortable stay. The hotel has a fantastic spa which served as a proper treat after all the walking we endured! We explored the old city area on foot. Datong has/is undergoing a massive tourist revamp and the city was absolutely buzzing! We found a little BBQ spot where we enjoyed an ice cold beer and some delicious BBQ. Day 2: In the morning, we left for the awe-inspiring Yungang Grottoes , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marveled at the thousands of ancient Buddhist statues carved into the cliffs. Side note-You can purchase food, drinks and souvenirs at the grottoes. In the afternoon we visited the old city area where history comes alive amongst the ancient wooden houses, traditional courtyard gardens, and serene temples. It was so much fun to wander through the narrow alleys, discovering hidden gems. We made sure to explore the drum tower and Nine Dragon Screen. Day 3: We made our way to the Hanging Temple, perched precariously on the side of a cliff. This architectural wonder dates back over 1,500 years. Be sure to check the WeChat mini program well in advance for reservations! We then embarked on a memorable adventure to Hengshan Mountain, one of the Five Great Mountains of China, and enjoyed a scenic cable car ride to the top, where a stunning landscape of panoramic views and serene Buddhist temples awaited us. That night we walked along the towering fortifications of the ancient Datong City Wall, which dates back to the Ming dynasty, and explored the alley ways and festivities on offer. Datong really is worth the visit!!! #datong #trips #temples #chinatravel #summervacation #china