Just got back from Datong, let me tell you the truth!

Datong is so much fun. It's perfect to come in May. The weather is not cold or hot, and everything is vibrant 🌿. Save this guide and let it take you around Datong~ 1. Pre-trip preparation - Documents: ID card, student ID (for discounts), etc. - Clothing: The temperature in Datong gradually rises in May, but the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so it is recommended to bring long-sleeved coats, T-shirts, jeans, etc. - Other: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, comfortable sneakers (essential for walking), and a power bank. 2. Transportation Guide - External transportation: You can choose to take a train or high-speed train to Datong. Datong Station is close to the ancient city and has convenient transportation. Some people also choose to fly to Datong Yungang Airport, and then take an airport bus or taxi to the city. - City transportation: - Bus: The routes have wide coverage, and the fare is CNY 1–2. You can download the "UnionPay" APP to get discounts on buses. - Taxi/ride-hailing: The starting price is CNY 7, and then CNY 1.6 per kilometer. It is convenient to travel, but there may be traffic jams during the peak tourist season. - Shared bicycles/electric bicycles: They can be seen everywhere in the city. They are super convenient for short trips and you can stop at any time to enjoy the scenery along the way. 3. Accommodation recommendations - Near Datong Ancient City: Convenient transportation, rich surrounding food, and you can also enjoy the night view of the ancient city at night, such as the B&Bs near Huayan Temple, which are full of ancient charm. - Near Hongqi Street: Complete supporting facilities and moderate prices, such as Lavande Hotel, with a comfortable environment and good service. 4. Travel route Day 1: In-depth tour of Datong Ancient City - Morning: Depart from your place of residence and walk to Datong Ancient City Wall. Rent a bicycle and ride along the 15 km city wall to feel the grandeur of the ancient city and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the moat. - Noon: Taste Datong's special knife-cut noodles in the ancient city. Renji Qizhong Knife-cut Noodles are recommended. The noodles are smooth and chewy, and the gravy is rich. - Afternoon: Go to Huayan Temple to admire the unique style of Liao and Jin architecture. The murals and statues in the Bojiajiaozang Hall should not be missed; then go to Shanhua Temple to see the super cute Four Heavenly Kings and the exquisite Liao and Jin statues. - Evening: Start a food tour in Gulou Night Market, taste special snacks such as rabbit head, yellow rice cold cake, and mutton offal, and feel the atmosphere of Datong. Day 2: Yungang Grottoes Exploration - Morning: Take bus No. 3 directly to Yungang Grottoes. It is recommended to hire a guide (or rent a guide) to learn more about the history and culture of the grottoes. Focus on visiting the open-air Buddha in Cave 20 and the relief art in Cave 6. - Noon: Dine near the Yungang Grottoes Scenic Area. There are many restaurants offering local home-cooked dishes. - Afternoon: Continue to visit Yungang Grottoes, and you can also visit Yungang Bookstore to select some meaningful cultural and creative products. - Evening: Return to the city and go to Dongxin Square to stroll around. There are many Jinbei specialties that can be purchased here. Day 3: Natural Wonders Tour - Morning: Go to Datong Volcano Group Geopark, climb the crater, feel the volcanic landform up close, and participate in activities such as geological rubbing. - Noon: Taste farm dishes at a farmhouse near the volcano group and experience the rural flavor. - Afternoon: Go to Datong Earth Forest to admire the unique wind erosion landform. Taking pictures at sunset is super beautiful, with changing light and shadow, like a dream world. Day 4: Historical and Cultural Exploration - Morning: Visit Datong Museum, which has many Northern Wei cultural relics, such as lacquer paintings, screens, and stone-carved coffins, to learn about the historical changes of Datong. - Noon: Have lunch near the museum and take a break. - Afternoon: Come to the Nine Dragon Wall to admire the masterpiece of Ming Dynasty glazed art. The nine dragons on the wall are lifelike; then go to Gulou East Street, stroll around the century-old shops, feel the charm of the old city, and experience knife-cut noodle making. Day 5: Hanging Temple and Hengshan Mountain Tour - Morning: Go to the Hanging Temple. This architectural miracle hangs on the cliffs and is very shocking. If you want to climb it, you need to buy tickets in advance and pay attention to safety. - Noon: Taste Hunyuan Jelly in Hunyuan County, which is clear but not greasy, spicy but not astringent, and can be called "the best in Beiyue". - Afternoon: Go to Hengshan Mountain. You can choose to take a cable car to the top, or you can hike to the mountain to enjoy the beautiful scenery and feel the majesty of Beiyue. You can overlook the magnificent mountains and rivers from the top of the mountain. 5. Food recommendations - Knife-cut noodles: A must-eat in Datong. The noodles are thick in the middle and thin on both sides, shaped like willow leaves, and are smooth on the outside and strong on the inside. - Mutton offal: Mutton offal with vermicelli, rich soup and mellow taste. Zheng Shifu's Mutton Offal Noodles are very good. - Hunyuan Jelly: Crystal clear jelly, with chili oil, vinegar and other seasonings, refreshing and delicious. - Naked oats: There are many ways to make it, such as naked oat nests, naked oat fish, etc. They taste strong and delicious with special gravy. - Shaomai: Longjuxiang Shaomai's Baihua Shaomai has a beautiful shape, thin skin and large filling, and tastes delicious. 6. Precautions - There are many tourists in popular attractions such as Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple. Try to book tickets in advance and avoid peak tourist seasons. - The ultraviolet rays in Datong are strong in May, so take sun protection measures. - Some scenic spots are far from the city. Plan your transportation and time before traveling to avoid delaying your trip. - When tasting local food, pay attention to food hygiene and choose regular restaurants. 💕 Follow this guide to ensure you can deeply appreciate the charm of Datong and gain wonderful travel memories. Invite your friends to set off~