[2025 Datong Attraction] Travel Guide for Datong Ancient City (Updated Jan)

Datong, a city in northern Shanxi Province, is like a shining pearl with its unique charm. The long river of history has left a deep mark here. As one of the nine ancient capitals of China, Datong has a history of thousands of years. In the ancient Northern Wei Dynasty, it was the political, economic, and cultural center of the north. Today, as a city that combines ancient and modern elements, Datong is rich in tourism resources and is popular with tourists. This winter, I came to Datong, Shanxi Province. Traveling to Datong in winter and avoiding the peak season, I not only experienced the ice and snow sports culture of Datong and enjoyed skiing and skating, but also easily visited cultural attractions such as the ancient city and grottoes. There were not many tourists at the attractions during the off-season, so I could visit and take photos more freely. Here is a four-day, three-night travel guide for you. Travel Route Huayan Temple - Bell Tower - Sipailou - Drum Tower - Nine-Dragon Wall - Chunyang Palace - Shanhua Temple - Fuwen Temple - Guandi Temple - Nine-Dragon Wall - Fahua Temple - Climb the city wall to watch the sunset - Night tour of Datong Ancient City Accommodation Recommendation: I highly recommend this homestay, which is located around the attractions, so you can travel efficiently without taking detours! If you want to join a group tour, it is also very close. In general, it is convenient to go anywhere! It only cost the four of us a little over 100 yuan. Who would believe it! I will definitely come back next time! This homestay is really cheap, but the room is really big. I really don't like rooms that look cramped and crowded, which makes me feel suffocated! The mattress is super comfortable. I asked the owner and found out that it is a 3D silk mattress. 🛏️ It's so cheap and of such high quality that I was moved to tears. The owner is really conscientious! The room is very clean and equipped with a smart door lock, which is a blessing for forgetful people like us. The high-definition projector is great. After traveling, I lay on the bed, ordered takeout, and watched a movie. It was so wonderful! Food Sliced noodles, assorted copper hot pot, cold noodles, lamb offal, oil cake, iron pot cake, Baihua Shaomai...

Day 1: Hanging Temple - Mount Heng - Yingxian Wooden Pagoda - Datong Ancient City. If you have the same itinerary, we recommend carpooling for convenience. 1. The Hanging Temple was built in the late Northern Wei Dynasty, more than 1,500 years ago. The entire temple is suspended on a cliff, which is very impressive. You don't have to worry about crowds in the off-season. 2. The scenery of Mount Heng is quite ordinary. It takes about two and a half hours to go up and down. Just take a quick look. 3. If you only have time to visit one place during your two-day trip, we recommend the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. It is a rare cultural relic and a typical example of wooden architecture in the world. Day 2: Datong Ancient City City Walk - Datong Museum Huayan Temple - Drum Tower - Sipailou - Daiwang Mansion - Nine-Dragon Wall - Fahua Temple - Guandi Temple - Shanhua Temple - Chunyang Palace - Drum Tower. The attractions are very close to each other. You can visit Huayan Temple and take a quick look at the others. We highly recommend the Garden Hotel. The service is excellent. The Chinese restaurant and breakfast buffet are amazing. The braised pork, garlic chicken wings, shumai, cold cake, walnut pie, lamb offal noodles, and knife-cut noodles are all delicious. The price is very reasonable. The hotel is located in the ancient city, which is very convenient.

Here is a travel guide to Datong Ancient City: Attractions - Huayan Temple: The royal temple of the Liao Dynasty, with high artistic value in architecture, colored sculptures, paintings, etc. The murals in the Mahavira Hall and the glazed roof ridge beasts are the highlights. Tickets are CNY 50, half price for students. - Nine-Dragon Wall: The earliest, largest, and most exquisite five-color glazed screen wall, which is the screen wall in front of the Prince's Mansion, is open to the public for free. - Sipailou: The city center of the old city, witnessing the rise and fall of the ancient city, is open to the public for free. - Drum Tower: A landmark building of the ancient city, you can overlook the panoramic view of the ancient city from the tower, which is open to the public for free. - Chunyang Palace: The only existing Quanzhen Taoist temple in Datong, with exquisite architecture and a strong cultural atmosphere. - Shanhua Temple: A building of the Liao and Jin Dynasties, with vivid statues of the Four Heavenly Kings at the mountain gate, and a clear distinction between the main and secondary buildings, is open to the public for free. - Ancient City Wall: You can feel the vicissitudes of history of the ancient city when you climb it. The west and north city walls are free to climb. Tour routes - One-day tour route A: Arrive at the ancient city wall at around 7 am, and stroll along the wall to feel the historical atmosphere in the morning light; visit Huayan Temple and Nine-Dragon Wall in the morning; taste Datong knife-cut noodles, lamb offal, and other local delicacies at noon; visit Shanhua Temple and Drum Tower in the afternoon; and visit the night market of the ancient city in the evening. - One-day tour route B: Liang Sicheng Memorial Hall → Fahua Temple → Taiping Tower → Nine-Dragon Wall → Sipailou → Drum Tower → Huayan Temple → Climb the ancient city wall to enjoy the sunset. - In-depth tour route: Two days, you can visit according to route B on the first day, and visit the Prince's Mansion, Confucian Temple, Emperor Temple, Guandi Temple, and other attractions on the second day. You can go to the bar street to experience the nightlife of the ancient city in the evening. Food recommendations - Zini 369 Coarse Grain Season: Signature eggplant, cold mixed daylily, and shallot oil-poured oat noodles are worth a try. - Longjuxiang Shaomai Restaurant: Authentic lamb shaomai. - Xijindao Knife-Cut Noodles: Chewy noodles with rich and fragrant minced meat. - Shunyi Cold Noodles: Opposite Guandi Temple on East Drum Tower Street, with chewy and delicious rice noodles. Accommodation options - Datong Jinshi Homestay: Located at the entrance of the Ancient Culture Street on Jiaochang Street in the center of Old Datong, 300 meters from the city wall and only 500 meters from Huayan Temple, with convenient transportation. - Datong Yunzhong Yizhan: A Chinese garden art courtyard with a beautiful environment. - Northern Wei Yunqi: Breakfast and afternoon tea are carefully prepared, and the rooms are spacious and bright. Transportation guide The attractions in the ancient city are relatively concentrated, and you can easily visit them on foot. Some attractions in Datong City can be reached directly by bus, and you can also choose to travel by taxi or online car-hailing.

A trip to Datong is something that photos cannot capture! Shanxi is truly a place to see cultural relics above ground. DAY 1: 🌟 First stop: Yungang Grottoes (p1, 4-13) Time: 4 hours ↔️ 🎫: CNY 120 🚗: CNY 30 for a one-way ride ↔️ CNY 15 for a round-trip ride in the scenic area. I recommend buying a ticket! The ride to the scenic area takes only 3 to 4 minutes, but the return trip is very long. This is a must-see in Datong‼️ A World Heritage Site‼️ Be sure to watch the documentary "A Thousand Years of Yungang" before you go. There is a theater on the left side of the entrance that shows a film about Yungang (p11). You can take a break and cool off there. About stamps: This is the first time I've seen so many free stamps. Almost every cultural and creative store has them! Be sure to bring a notebook📒 🌟 Second stop: Datong Ancient City (p2-3) 🎫: 🈚️ No matter what time you finish visiting the Yungang Grottoes, this is a great place to visit next (the Nine-Dragon Screen and Daiwang Mansion are nearby). Datong Ancient City is bigger than I imagined. I went there late and thought it was beautiful at night (locals say it feels different during the day). DAY 2: Hanging Temple - Yuanjue Temple - Yong'an Zen Temple - Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (p14-18) ❗️Yuanjue Temple and Yong'an Zen Temple are only one street apart. They are located between the Hanging Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, so you can visit them on the way. 🎫: Hanging Temple (CNY 100 to climb, CNY 15 to view from below, tickets to climb are hard to get) Yuanjue Temple (CNY 0) Yong'an Zen Temple (CNY 20) Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (CNY 50) 🚗: Be sure to plan your transportation in advance! The distances are very far, and it is not easy to get a ride. Transportation is also inconvenient. I thought they were similar temples, but each one has its own characteristics. I recommend doing your research on each one, so I won't go into detail. ☁️: Be sure to bring an umbrella! It's not hot at all in the summer when you use an umbrella. It gets dark very late, after 8:00 pm, and it gets a little chilly at night. 🍝: A local driver said that Datong people are very picky about food, and bad restaurants don't last long. So I just ate whatever I wanted, and it was all delicious. Shanxi has a lasting impact. It took me several days to digest the experience after I got home. Shanxi is an overlooked treasure trove of tourism. Datong Ancient City

In the long river of time, Datong, the pearl of the northern frontier, is like a vast history book, with every page engraved with the vicissitudes and glories of history. In the Northern Wei Dynasty, Pingcheng was a place of great importance. The neighing of Xianbei horses and the dust raised by their hooves witnessed the rise of the dynasty. In the Yungang Grottoes, the Great Buddha looks down with compassion, and the marks left by craftsmen's chisels are a devout depiction of faith. Each statue embodies the spirit and courage of that era. Walking into Datong Ancient City, the towering city walls and mottled bricks and stones seem to tell the story of the past. The arrow towers and corner towers, like loyal guards, have weathered the storms and protected the memories of time. Inside the city, the ancient streets crisscross, and the courtyards are scattered. The legendary stories of Shanxi merchants are still being told in the carved beams and painted rafters. The history of Datong is the echo of the morning bell and evening drum of Huayan Temple, and the pause of time in front of the Nine-Dragon Wall. It carries the integration and change of the nation. As time goes by, the profound historical heritage always shines brightly, attracting people to explore.

🚘Carpool tour, CNY 90 per person👉Datong Ancient City🔜Hengshan Hanging Temple🔜Yongan Temple/Yuanjue Temple🔜Yingxian Wooden Pagoda/Jingtu Temple🔜Datong Hotel Pickup and Drop-off ✅️Depart at 7 am, return to the ancient city at around 6 pm ✅️Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, a high-rise building on flat ground, and the hanging building on the cliff, it is really worth the trip ✅️If you didn't buy the ticket to the Hanging Temple and don't want to queue, you don't need to buy the ticket, just look outside ✅️You can try the local specialty Hunyuan jelly, there are also many delicious foods in Hengshan Food Plaza ✅️There are many ancient buildings near Yuanjue Temple and Yongan Temple, if you don't like climbing, you can see the ancient buildings ✅After visiting Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, go out from the east gate, walk a few hundred meters to Jingtu Temple, the caisson is really exquisite

Linfen, Xinzhou, and Datong: A 6-day travel guide! A route that combines history and natural scenery, definitely worth a visit. Don't miss it! . 🌟Route Overview: DAY 1: Guangzhou✈️Linfen Depart from Guangzhou and fly directly to Linfen to start your Shanxi trip. DAY 2: Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area - Xiaoxitian Explore the spectacular Hukou Waterfall and feel its grandeur. Then visit Xiaoxitian to appreciate the beauty of ancient Buddhist architecture. DAY 3: Mount Wutai Climb Mount Wutai, a famous Buddhist mountain, to experience its profound cultural heritage and tranquil mountain scenery. DAY 4: Hanging Temple - Yungang Grottoes - Datong Ancient City - Nine-Dragon Screen Visit the thrilling Hanging Temple and the artistic treasures of the Yungang Grottoes. Stroll through Datong Ancient City to feel its historical vicissitudes. Finally, admire the exquisite Nine-Dragon Screen. DAY 5: Yingxian Wooden Pagoda - Yanmen Pass - Xinzhou Ancient City Visit the ancient legend of Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and the majestic Yanmen Pass. Enjoy a night tour of Xinzhou Ancient City to savor its night scenery and charm. DAY 6: Qiao Family Courtyard - Shanxi Museum - Taiyuan Ancient County Scenic Area Visit the Shanxi merchant culture of Qiao Family Courtyard and the treasures of Shanxi Museum. End your trip at Taiyuan Ancient County Scenic Area to feel the prosperity of the ancient city and the accumulation of history. . Travel Preparation: 🧳 Going to Linfen, Xinzhou, and Datong? Don't forget to bring these essentials! 👚 Clothing: The temperature in November is moderate. Wear light long sleeves during the day and bring a jacket for the night. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for long walks. 🎒 Accessories: Bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Don't forget your charger and data cable. Bring a camera to capture beautiful moments. 💳 Documents: ID card, student ID, and other discount cards, as well as cash and bank cards, just in case. 🍪 Food: Bring some snacks and water to replenish your energy. There are also many local delicacies to try and buy. 🧴 Daily Necessities: Sunscreen is a must. Bring toiletries according to your needs. Travel-size toiletries are recommended. 💊 Emergency Supplies: Band-aids, motion sickness medicine, etc., just in case, to ensure a smooth trip. 🎉 Others: Depending on the activities, you may need to bring a light first aid kit. Pay attention to the weather forecast for outdoor activities. . 🌟Don't forget to like and follow us to unlock more travel tips for Linfen, Xinzhou, and Datong, and make your trip more exciting!🌟

My biggest surprise on this year's National Day road trip was Datong, Shanxi Province. 1. The most impressive site is the Yungang Grottoes (Image 9), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the first royal-authorized (Northern Wei) grotto in China and one of the three major grottoes in China (along with the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang and the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang). You can watch the documentary "A Millennium of Yungang" in advance to learn about the history of the Yungang Grottoes. The most worthwhile caves to visit are: Cave 3: The Three Western Saints - the largest cave in Yungang Cave 5: The Three Buddhas - the largest Buddha statue in Yungang Cave 7: The Six Beauties of Yungang Cave 12: The Music Cave Cave 17: The Cross-legged Maitreya Bodhisattva (Image 10) Cave 18: The Buddha in a Thousand Buddha Robe Cave 19: The Internet-famous Clapping Buddha (Image 4) Cave 20: The Internet-famous Open-air Buddha (Image 3) 2. Another must-see is the Hanging Temple (Image 14). It is as famous as the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy and has stood on a cliff for 1,500 years. It is one of the earliest and best-preserved wooden cliffside buildings in China. The Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai praised it as "spectacular," and the Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake marveled at it as a "great spectacle of the world." It is also the only remaining temple in China that combines Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Tickets to climb the temple during the National Day holiday are hard to come by. We bought tickets to enter the park and viewed it from a distance, which was still worth the visit. 3. Datong Ancient City (Image 17) Built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, it was also known as Pingcheng and was a famous military town in ancient China. It held a significant position in the northern frontier and was known as the "majestic town" and the "northern key." It has a layout of "four main streets, eight alleys, and seventy-two continuous lanes." Must-see attractions in Datong Ancient City: 1. Huayan Temple Built in the eighth year of the Liao Dynasty (1062), it is one of the earliest and best-preserved Liao and Jin temple complexes in China and one of the three remaining Liao Dynasty temples in China. Its architectural style is unique. Highlights: The mural art in the Puguangming Hall The Mahavira Hall and the Chiwen (Image 16) on the roof of the Mahavira Hall The Baogajiao Zang Hall The Heavenly Palace Pavilion The Eastern Venus The Huayan Pagoda 2. The largest Nine-Dragon Screen (Image 18) It is the largest and earliest Nine-Dragon Screen in China. 3. Daiwang Mansion, located next to the Nine-Dragon Screen. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to visit it this time. 4. The most interesting thing in the ancient city is riding a bicycle on the city wall. It is recommended to go up from the west or north city walls, which are free, namely Qingyuan Gate and Wuding Gate.

Day 1 1. Yungang Grottoes Recommended reason: A world cultural heritage site and a treasure of Buddhist art, it is famous for its exquisite carving art. Opening hours: 09:00–17:00 (subject to the announcement of the scenic area) Ticket price: About CNY 120/person (an additional ticket of CNY 30 is required for Yungang Museum) Note: Not all places allow photography. To protect cultural heritage, please consciously abide by relevant regulations. 2. Huayan Temple Recommended reason: One of the landmark buildings of Datong Ancient City, the temple preserves exquisite murals and Buddha statues. Opening hours: Depending on the specific season, generally 08:00–17:30 3. Datong Ancient City Wall Recommended reason: Feel the vicissitudes of the ancient city and enjoy the beautiful night view at night. Opening hours: Open all day Ticket price: Free (a sightseeing bus requires a fee) 4. Drum Tower Night Market Recommended reason: Taste local food in Datong and experience the nightlife of the ancient city. Day 2 1. Hanging Temple Recommended reason: A temple built on a cliff, with ingenious architecture and spectacular scenery. Opening hours: 08:00–17:00 (subject to the announcement of the scenic area) Ticket price: About CNY 15/person (an additional CNY 100 is required to reach the top) 2. Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Recommended reason: One of the three wonders of the world, a model of wooden architecture, showing the wisdom of ancient craftsmen. Opening hours: 08:00–17:30 4. Self-driving route Depart from Beijing, drive west along G6 Beijing-Tibet Expressway, pass through Zhangjiakou, Xuanhua, and other places, and arrive in Datong. The whole journey is about 350 kilometers, and the driving time is about 4–5 hours (the specific time depends on the road conditions).

Datong is one of China's nine ancient capitals, having been a fortress during the Han dynasty, the capital of the Northern Wei dynasty, an auxiliary capital during the Liao and Jin dynasties, and a major city during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Datong Ancient City Protection Zone is a precious historical and cultural heritage site, and there are many ancient buildings and museums worth visiting in the ancient city, including Huayan Temple, Fahua Temple (Figures 5–9), Shanhua Temple (Figures 10–13), the Nine-Dragon Screen (Figure 14), the Five-Dragon Screen from the Qing dynasty (Figure 15), the Five-Dragon Screen from the Ming dynasty (Figure 20), and the Liang Sicheng Memorial Hall (Figures 1–4).

This Datong hotel is really nest level! The location is great, right on the edge of the ancient city and only a 3-minute walk to Beicheng. You can also visit the museum easily, which is so worry-free~ 1. The location is very good. It takes about ten minutes to walk to Huayan Temple, Nine Dragon Wall and other attractions. The moment you enter the room, you feel that the decoration taste of the entire room is not inferior to that of a five-star hotel🏨, and it adds the warmth of home🏠 2. The environment is also great! The public space is decorated in a very stylish way, decorated with flowers and trees🌹, where you can drink tea🍵, read books📖, and interact with the small fish swimming around🐟. Children can also write diaries📔~ 3. Breakfast is also a highlight! Rich varieties, their shaved noodles 🍝 are so delicious! No matter how late you arrive at the store, you are welcomed warmly and there is no cold feeling❄️~.

| Shanxi Datong Mu Qingchen Homestay. Shanxi Datong Mu Qingchen Phase II Homestay. Located in the ancient city of Datong, Mu Qingchen aims to create a real, warm, and comfortable living scene, creating a secret and peaceful spiritual sanctuary for travelers. It is hoped that it can go beyond a short stay and leave travelers with an experience of a different ancient city. This is the origin of the design of Mu Qingchen. Mu Qingchen Phase II continues the design concept of Phase I, using the plasticity of some building spaces in Phase II to transform the space, further strengthening the atmosphere and texture of the space, and aiming to create a leisurely environment that is isolated from the hustle and bustle and integrated with the temperament of the ancient city. The design begins with a small courtyard on the basement floor, which is enclosed with glass and steel structures to form an indoor space that can be isolated from the wind, frost, rain, and snow, but still see the sun and moon. With this as the core, other functional areas are arranged in sequence, producing sequences, proportions, rhythms, and priorities of different spaces. The courtyard is adjacent to the guest rooms on both sides and connected to the public leisure area at the front, forming a secret little world. The morning light shines through the glass, and the warm sunlight is projected on the flowers and plants, making people feel relaxed and happy. During the day, the courtyard is full of vitality. Guests sit on the lounge chairs and chat or quietly enjoy a cup of tea. The small fish in the pool swim leisurely, adding a touch of life to the quiet space. How light enters every inch of space has been carefully considered, and light and structure complement each other. The twists and turns of the space, the ups and downs, and every place will have unexpected light and shadow.

😭|||I've been to Datong 4 times, and this affordable homestay is worth crying over. 😭😭 ✔ Great location ✔ Thoughtful service ✔ Amazing design If you're planning to visit Datong soon, don't miss this place! . 1⃣ The location is quiet and convenient for travel. It's nice to sit in the courtyard and enjoy the breeze at night. They offer coffee, fruit, snacks, and drinks, which makes for a relaxing experience. The homestay also helped us find a great driver. . 2⃣ The room is sparkling clean ✨ The slippers are super comfortable, just like home! The smart devices are easy to use, even for beginners. You can watch all the high-end movies and TV shows you want. It's a drama lover's paradise. 🎬 . 3⃣ The homestay is very detail-oriented. 👍🏻 The breakfast is delicious, and the fruit and snacks are plentiful. Kids especially love it. It's the top choice for family trips to Datong Ancient City. .

On October 2, 2024, I drove to Datong, Shanxi, and visited Datong Ancient City the next day. Chinese name: Datong Ancient City Location: Pingcheng District, Datong, Shanxi Climate: Temperate continental monsoon climate Opening hours: Spring and autumn: 6:00–24:00; Summer: 5:00–2:00; Winter: 7:00–22:00 Scenic level: Includes 3 AAAA scenic areas Ticket price: Free (Huayan Temple charges separately) Area: 3.28 km2 Famous attractions: Datong Ancient City Wall, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, Nine Dragon Wall, Drum Tower, Daiwang Mansion, Fuwen Temple, Dijun Temple, Chunyang Palace, Liang Sicheng Memorial Hall, China Sculpture Museum Datong Ancient City is located in Pingcheng District, Datong, Shanxi. It has a long history, and as early as the Northern Wei Dynasty, it was already a large city. In the early Ming Dynasty, it was a military stronghold, and in 1372, General Xu Da expanded it on the basis of the old city of the Northern Wei, Tang, Liao, and Jin Dynasties. It is roughly square, 1.8 km long from east to west, 1.82 km long from north to south, with a circumference of 7.24 km and an area of 3.28 km2. The city walls are made of stone slabs and bricks, with a height of 14 m, a width of 12 m at the top, and a width of 18 m at the bottom. There are 54 watchtowers and 96 bunkers around the city walls. There are 580 battlements, representing the number of villages under Datong's jurisdiction at that time. There are corner towers at the four corners of the city walls, and a military control platform outside each corner. There are four gates in the city, Heyang Gate in the east, Yongtai Gate in the south, Qingyuan Gate in the west, and Wuding Gate in the north. There are city towers above the four gates, and moon towers, arrow towers, watchtowers, and corner towers are interspersed. Outside the four gates, there are urn cities, moon cities, and moats. The city walls are tall and majestic, solid and steep, with tight defenses and complete defensive facilities. It is a unique military city in the history of ancient Chinese military architecture. Because of its important position in the northern frontier, it played an important role in many battles. Therefore, it has always been known as the "majestic town" and "northern key." In 2008, Datong City implemented a comprehensive historical and cultural revival and ancient city protection project, and Datong Ancient City Wall was restored again. The majestic ancient city wall, the rippling moat, and the beautiful and pleasant strip park complement the ancient temples, pavilions, and courtyards in the ancient city, and the glory of Datong Ancient City as the "Northern Wei Imperial Capital and Ming and Qing Town" is reappearing.

Visit this incredible place in shanxi Datong the sculpture of all the Buddha was amazing in detail and the history is more than five thousand years ago. I can sit on the places for hours

When visiting the ancient city of Datong, not only should you see the ancient ruins, but you should also visit the China Sculpture Museum. The China Sculpture Museum is located within the city wall under the north gate of the ancient city, and the two-story exhibition hall is very large. There are many works by famous domestic and foreign sculptors, the 19th is Guan Gong's work by Wu Weishan. The sculptures include clay sculptures, wood carvings, ironware, stainless steel and other works, which are realistic and abstract, with strong artistic and creative qualities, and the works are rich and colorful. Don't miss the China Sculpture Museum when you come to Datong to visit the ancient city.

👉🏿Datong! Ancient City! I don't want to check out! It's so good it makes me want to cry! Who knows what I mean! I went to Datong with my bestie! We really found a hidden gem of a hotel!! 👉🏿Near the ancient city √ Near the amusement park √ Modern style If you're planning to go to Datong soon or during the holidays, don't miss this place!!! 👉🏿Location: The location of this homestay is unbeatable! It's super close to the amusement park and the ancient city wall There are also plenty of places to eat nearby, so it's perfect if you want to go shopping and find something to eat 👉🏿Host service: The host is super friendly and responds quickly I want to give a special shoutout to the polite staff who made me feel so welcome! You'll feel well taken care of if you stay here!

In July 2024, the Beijing Central Axis was successfully listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. More than 300 kilometers west of Beijing, the ancient city of Datong also has a central axis that has remained unchanged for 2,300 years! This central axis, which runs from south to north from Yongtai Gate in the ancient city through the Drum Tower and the Four Paifang to Wuding Gate, is the soul of the ancient city of Datong! The central axis connects the past and the present! Over the past 2,300 years, this central axis has experienced the baptism of wind and rain, the integration of civilizations, and the vicissitudes of time. Today, the ancient city has been reborn, like a living history book! There are many temples and ancient sites scattered around this central axis. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of the ancient city that has stood for a thousand years! The "Little Forbidden City" in Datong, which was built 24 years earlier than the Forbidden City, the Huayan Temple, which has the largest building area and the largest roof ridge in the country, the Yungang Grottoes, one of the largest grottoes in China, which is listed as a World Heritage Site, the Shanhua Temple, which is the most complete and largest temple building group in the Liao and Jin periods, the Shanhua Temple, which is the oldest and largest building area, and the most artistic charm of the Nine Dragon Wall in Datong, the Nine Dragon Wall, the rare watchtower built on the city wall, the Yan Tower, the unique Lama Tower built in the late Yuan and early Ming Dynasty, the Fahua Tower, and the Fahua Temple, which is a 1:1 copy of the Ciyun Temple in Tianzhen! The four Mingtang in Chinese history, the site of the Pingcheng Mingtang of the Northern Wei Dynasty, the ancient city wall of Datong, known as the "first city wall in Shanxi", with a circumference of 7.24 kilometers, was built on the old city foundation of the Han, Wei, Tang, Liao, and Yuan Dynasties in the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty! The four Paifang and Drum Tower in the center of the ancient city crisscross, connecting the city context of a thousand years! Recommended route in Datong city: D1: Huayan Temple-Kaihua Temple Liao Jin Yuan Fusion Museum-Bell Tower-Qingzhen Mosque-Drum Tower-Four Paifang-Prince's Mansion-Nine Dragon Wall-Fahua Temple-Heyang Gate-Liang Sicheng Memorial Hall-Heyang Gate City Wall-Yan Tower-Yongtai Gate-Datong Southeast Yi Historical and Cultural Block in the evening D2: Yungang Grottoes-Guanyin Hall-Datong Museum-Yongtai Gate City Wall in the evening D3: Shanhua Temple-Confucius Temple-Guan Di Temple-Wuding Gate City Wall-Hongzilou-Qianlou-Qingyuan Gate-Northern Wei Mingtang Site-TIPS The various attractions in Datong city are very close and can be reached by citywalk. Yungang must go early in the morning. There are also Hunyuan, Zuoyun, Yanggao, etc. around Datong.

Today, I embarked on a journey to Datong Ancient City, full of anticipation. Datong, a city with a long history, attracts countless tourists with its rich cultural heritage and unique appearance. The theme of my trip is "Big differences in Datong". Morning in the ancient city🌄 In the morning, sunlight shines through the mist onto the city wall, casting a golden glow on the ancient bricks, as if telling stories of a thousand years. Entering the ancient city, the first thing that catches your eye is the towering city wall, thick and solid, witnessing the changes of history. The beacon towers on the city wall seem to be still guarding the distant horizon, reminding me of the city's past glory. Cultural fusion⛩️ Datong is a place where cultures blend. Here, I saw the perfect combination of Buddhist art from the Northern Wei Dynasty and architectural styles from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Entering the Yungang Grottoes, the stone Buddha statues are lifelike, reflecting a high level of artistry. Each Buddha statue has its own unique expression, as if talking to me, making me feel the peace and solemnity. On the streets of the ancient city, I also met a craftsman who was making traditional pottery. Looking at his focused expression, I couldn't help but think about the collision between modernity and tradition. In this fast-paced era, traditional crafts seem to be somewhat scarce, but in Datong, these crafts are still being passed down, which is the charm of "Big differences in Datong". Temptation of food👍 At lunchtime, I tasted the local specialties - knife-cut noodles and Datong mutton. The knife-cut noodles are chewy and smooth, paired with a rich broth, making me eat one bite after another, unable to stop. The Datong mutton is tender and delicious, with a fragrant aroma, leaving me with a lingering aftertaste. These delicacies are not only a treat for the taste buds, but also a profound experience of Datong culture. Sunset in the evening🌇 In the evening, I came to the observation deck of Datong Ancient City and looked down at the entire city. The sunset dyed the sky red, and the ancient city appeared particularly charming in the golden light. At this moment, I realized that Datong is not only a symbol of history, but also a living cultural carrier. Every brick and tile here tells the story of the past and present.

The ancient city of Datong is surrounded by city walls like a giant dragon, separating the thousand-year history from the modern prosperity. From the perspective of a drone, you can clearly see every brick on the city wall and the sturdy structure that still stands after being eroded by wind and rain. The enemy buildings and corner buildings on the city wall are scattered and orderly, adding a bit of majesty and solemnity. Inside the ancient city, there are densely packed ancient buildings, temples, mansions, houses, shops and other buildings are intertwined, forming a vivid historical picture. Under the aerial lens, the layout of these buildings is particularly scattered and orderly, as if it is a perfect combination of nature and human wisdom. The red roof and the gray brick wall are particularly eye-catching against the blue sky and white clouds, which makes people can't help but sigh at the architectural wisdom and aesthetic pursuit of the ancients. The streets and alleys in the ancient city are narrow and tortuous, and most of the buildings on both sides are traditional blue brick and gray tile buildings. The quiet and simple atmosphere is conveyed through the screen. You can feel the depth of the streets and the heaviness of history. It seems that you can hear the ancient bells coming from a distance, which makes people feel awe and longing. The ancient city of Datong not only has rich historical and cultural heritage, but also has beautiful natural scenery. You can see the rolling mountains and green trees around the ancient city, which are reflected in the ancient buildings in the ancient city, forming a beautiful natural and cultural landscape. This harmonious and coexistent picture makes people feel the gift of nature and the greatness of human civilization. Ancient City of Datong

As the sun sets, the night view of the ancient city begins. Datong Ancient City is not very big, so it's perfect for a leisurely stroll. I watched a shadow puppet show, which was about Sun Wukong fighting the willow tree spirit. At first, I was the only one watching, but the show still started. Fortunately, three more people came a few minutes later, otherwise I would have felt sorry for the performers. After the show, I went backstage and found out that it was an old lady operating the puppets, which were all made of cowhide. As new things continue to emerge, old crafts slowly fade out of people's lives, which is normal. But sometimes I feel that everything in today's society is too fast, and it's overwhelming. How much real meaning is there... Only in these gradually distant traditional cultures can we feel a bit of the slow life of the past when "carriages were slow and letters were far away".

Datong Ancient City is also an important historical city in China. It is the northern gate of Shanxi Province and an important border city in ancient China. The preservation of Datong Ancient City is relatively complete. Although the ancient city is not large, the buildings in the ancient city are basically well preserved. With the repairs in recent years, it is even more antique and the cultural atmosphere is very strong. Standing on the city wall and watching the Datong Ancient City under the night, you will feel that history is shining not far away.

Huayan Temple in Datong Ancient City is already well-known, but the filming location for Black Myth: Wukong is Shanhuasi in the ancient city. What makes it so special? 📍 Datong Shanhuasi Home to a treasure trove of ancient architecture and cultural relics from various dynasties, it's a paradise for ancient architecture enthusiasts! ❓ What to see at Shanhuasi 1️⃣ Daxiong Baodian: A top-tier ancient building from the Liao Dynasty, worthy of being a royal temple! 2️⃣ Tianwang Hall: The four heavenly kings are truly eye-catching! Any of the heavenly kings can be used as an emoji, and the cute Ming Dynasty colored sculptures are super cute~ 3️⃣ Wulong Wall: The Wulong Wall was moved from Xingguo Temple and has a very prominent Ming Dynasty design style, full of momentum💯 ❓ How to visit Shanhuasi No tickets are required, just make an online reservation in advance. ❓ How to get to Shanhuasi Take the high-speed train to travel. Datong South Station has direct access to various high-speed trains and is closer to Shanhuasi than Datong Station. However, if you are traveling from Shanghai, it is recommended to fly directly.

People who love to travel have a soul that cannot be placed anywhere else. In Datong, you can find the grand story of Hua Mulan joining the army in place of her father, and see the heroic stories of women who were not inferior to men. When traveling in Datong, I happened to encounter a performance inside the ancient city wall, and only then did I realize that Datong also has a deep connection with Hua Mulan. There are performances inside the ancient city wall of Datong, and the schedule depends on the specific arrangements of the day. They are all costume dramas, and the effects are quite impressive and shocking. I don't know if there are performances on regular days. The current scale of the ancient city of Datong must have taken a lot of effort to manage, and this deserves a big thumbs up. The streets are cleaner than before. When visiting Datong, it's best to go to Hengshan first, and then the Hanging Temple. If time permits, you can visit Hunyuan County. If you are short on time and want to visit both Hengshan and the Hanging Temple in one day, it's best to book a one-day tour on Ctrip. It's very convenient, hassle-free, and allows you to visit the most attractions within the limited time in Datong, Shanxi. It's very cost-effective.

I have visited Datong many times, always in a rush. This time, I have the leisure to slow down and savor the charm of this ancient capital. Datong Ancient City is now well-developed, with very clean and tidy streets, boasting one of the best sanitary environments. The restrooms in Datong Ancient City are the most luxurious I have seen outside of hotels and office buildings. It shows that the entire ancient city is very well-maintained. There are also many affordable accommodations in the surrounding area. As for the food, it goes without saying that Northerners will feel at home in Datong. The cuisine in Datong is quite distinctive in the North, especially the noodles, and there's a delicious snack called liangfen that you must try when visiting Datong. 😀Σ( ° △ °|||)︴ In Datong city, you can also visit Huayan Temple, which is not far from the Nine-Dragon Wall, both located within Datong Ancient City. I like the couplet at the entrance, as shown in picture four. The walls of Datong Ancient City are very long and high, and the construction is impressive. (￣_,￣ )

🚉Transportation guide: When arriving in Datong, you can choose to take the high-speed rail. After arriving, you can take buses to various attractions, such as taking a bus from the high-speed rail station to Datong Museum, taking a bus from the museum to Yungang Grottoes, and taking a bus from Yungang Grottoes to Datong Ancient City. We signed up for a group tour to visit Hengshan, Xuankong Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, starting from the ancient city, 45 per person. It should be noted that there are no shared electric vehicles in Datong Ancient City. The distance between scenic spots in the ancient city is about 1.5 kilometers, and you mainly rely on walking. 🗓Itinerary: Day1: After arriving by high-speed train, take the bus to Datong City Museum, which takes about an hour to visit. The museum is small and has concentrated exhibits. The focus is on viewing its treasures (you can also put on makeup in the museum). Then take the bus to Yungang Grottoes. After visiting, check in at the cultural and creative store, where you can get stickers, postcards and other peripherals. However, it is cheaper to buy the same Big Buddha mobile phone with the back clip on the wooden pagoda in Yingxian County. From Yungang Grottoes, take a bus directly to Datong Ancient City. You must arrive before 16-17 o'clock, because many small attractions in the ancient city are not allowed to enter after this time. You can stay in the ancient city at night. Day2: We took a group tour to Hengshan Mountain, Xuankong Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. We started very early and it was more convenient to stay in the ancient city. There was no compulsory shopping during the whole trip. Notice! ! ! Xuankong Temple does not include boarding. If you want to board, you need to grab a ticket a few days in advance. If you don't board, you will have more time to stay here and return later. 🍽Catering recommendations: - There are many Internet celebrity snacks in Datong Old Town, such as [Lianjie]’s aged vinegar ice cream and aged vinegar American style, [Heshengcai]’s sea buckthorn iced bread, sea buckthorn juice and ancient city yogurt sold at small stalls (people who cannot eat sour food should be careful) , the local specialty snacks include [Oriental Shaved Noodles]’s signature shaved noodles (there are also sautéed noodles, slurped bean noodles, and pressed bean noodles), and [Little Wife’s Jelly Noodles] (spicy, affordable, and full of ingredients). On the second day of the tour, you can choose noodles or jelly for 10 yuan at noon (the jelly here is not as delicious as in the ancient city), or you can bring your own food.

Shanhua Temple is located to the west of Yongtai Gate in Datong Ancient City. Facing south, the temple stands proudly in the dust of history with its grand scale and complete layout. According to the inscriptions in the temple, Shanhua Temple was built during the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty. It has been repaired and renovated by various dynasties, but still retains the unique charm of Tang Dynasty architecture. It is one of the most complete and grandest Liao and Jin Buddhist temples in China. The mountain gate, the Three Saints Hall, and the Daxiong Hall are arranged in order along the central axis, with each layer higher than the last, creating a magnificent atmosphere. Historical origins: According to the inscription of the "Great Golden West Capital Dapuen Temple Reconstruction Hall" in the 16th year of the Great Golden Dynasty (1176) in Shanhua Temple: the temple was built during the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, originally named Kaiyuan Temple, and was a national temple. It was renamed Dapuen Temple during the Later Jin Dynasty of the Five Dynasties. It was destroyed during the chaos of the end of the Liao Dynasty and was rebuilt in the Tianhui period of the Jin Dynasty (1128). It was renamed Shanhua Temple in the tenth year of the Ming Dynasty (1445). Architectural features: Shanhua Temple faces south, and the Heavenly King Hall, Three Saints Hall, and Daxiong Hall are located on the central axis. The three halls are all single-eave pavilion roofs, which are very rare. Generally speaking, only the Daxiong Hall uses a pavilion roof, and other buildings generally have a gable roof or a hanging mountain roof. Location: South Gate of Datong Ancient City Ticket: Free, scan the code on site to make an appointment Opening hours: Peak season (May 1-October 15) 08:00-19:00 (entry stops at 18:30); off-peak season 08:30-17:30 Duration: 1.5h Highlights: Four Heavenly Kings of the Mountain Gate Ming Dynasty statues, the statue of the Western Heavenly King of the Mountain Gate is a popular attraction ✔️Three Saints Hall Bracket set: The oblique arch is used, which is extremely complicated. It looks like a blooming lotus, no wonder the unit of measurement for the bracket set is "one" Huayan Three Saints: Sakyamuni, Manjusri Bodhisattva, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, all of which are Jin Dynasty statues ✔️Daxiong Hall 1 Colored sculpture: Mahasri: A smile that has passed through a thousand years, a pitiful lifelong compassion, the feeling of the Eastern Venus Kishimojin: It is said that she had 500 children and still wanted to eat other people's children. Later, she was persuaded by the Buddha to become the Kishimojin. 2 Buddha statue: The main hall enshrines the Five Buddhas, precious Liao Dynasty statues 3 Caisson and Pingji: There are two dragons playing with beads on the caisson directly above the main hall, with a total of 56 bracket sets, precious Liao Dynasty small woodwork. There are three rows of Pingji in front of the caisson, painted with lotus flowers 4 Column reduction method: By reducing the number of inner columns, the interior space is increased to facilitate people's worship of the Buddha, which is the wisdom of ancient Chinese architecture 》Ancient architectural era The Heavenly King Hall, Three Saints Hall, Daxiong Hall, and Samantabhadra Pavilion are all original structures from the Liao and Jin periods Tips Shanhua Temple is located at the south gate of Datong Ancient City. You can climb the Datong Ancient City Wall from this gate at night There is a cultural and creative shop in Shanhua Temple with a wide range of categories and you can get a stamp

Chinese restaurant in a four-star hotel · Huayuan Hotel Chinese Restaurant Many of the diners here are hotel guests. The restaurant offers small dishes at affordable prices. Cai Ming's recommendations: Cold mixed daylily, cold mixed bitter gourd, blueberry yam, state banquet lion's head, vinegar carp, casserole mutton, oil meat, braised mutton, garlic spring vegetables (we made it into stir-fry, but it's also delicious), marrow oil filling oil cake (slightly greasy but delicious), bean filling oil cake, yellow rice cold cake (seasoned with sea buckthorn and sea buckthorn juice), brown sugar cake, pie (with pork and beef fillings). The hotel's service from the concierge to the front desk and then to the restaurant surpasses many international high-end chains. After dinner, my mother asked, "How is the accommodation here?" It seems that she is interested :P~ - The strange queue next to the Drum Tower · Zini 369 Coarse Grain Season There is a popular shop at the northwest and southwest corners of the Drum Tower. There are always long queues at meal times, but the food in these two shops is delicious. We went to the one at the southwest corner this time. Cai Ming's recommendations: Sesame oil mixed with bitter vegetables, refreshing hulu silk, casserole flat beans (too old), hand-grabbed lamb head (already cold when served), old Datong oil meat, oil splashed with sand onion noodles, bean filling oil cake, yellow rice cold cake. I have been to Datong City three times and have eaten here five times. - -To be continued-

| A Journey Through Time at the Confucian Temple and Guan Di Temple. 🏰 Exploring Datong Ancient City | A Journey Through Time at the Confucian Temple and Guan Di Temple 🏰 🌟 Reservation Tips: At the threshold of the Confucian Temple, take out your phone and scan the QR code to easily make a reservation and start your cultural journey! ⏰ Opening Hours Revealed: - Peak Season (May 1 to October 15): 8 AM to 6 PM, reservations stop at 5:30 PM, don't miss the last moment! - Off Season (October 16 to April 30): 8:30 AM to 5 PM, reservations stop at 5 PM, remember to come early! 📜 In-depth Tour of the Confucian Temple: The Confucian Temple, a hall that has witnessed history, was built in 1396 and has withstood countless storms, still standing strong. From the Xuande to the Tianqi periods, there are traces of repairs and additions from various dynasties. Although time is ruthless, the restoration in 2008 brought it back to life. Here, you can not only see the solemn Dacheng Hall but also the stunning Five Dragon Wall, waiting for you to explore. 🏰 The Call of Guan Di Temple: 🎫 Reservation Method: In front of the Guan Di Temple, scan the QR code to make a reservation, simple and fast! 🕰 Opening Hours: - April 1 to October 31: 8:30 AM to 6 PM, ticket sales stop at 5:30 PM, don't miss an exciting day! - November 1 to March 31: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, ticket sales stop at 5 PM, the winter sun awaits you! 🌿 The Charm of Guan Di Temple: Entering Guan Di Temple feels like traveling back to the Yuan Dynasty. The main hall is the only surviving Yuan Dynasty building in the ancient city, and although the other buildings were rebuilt in 2008, they still retain their ancient simplicity and solemnity. Don't forget, the stage in front of Guan Di Temple is also a rare historical relic, witnessing countless stories since the Qing Shunzhi period. 🌈 Come to Datong Ancient City, and travel through time with me to feel the beauty of these ancient buildings carved by time! 🏮🌟

The architecture of Datong Ancient Town is the sediment of history. The ancient bluestone roads bear the memories of the years, the mottled white walls witness the passage of time, and the carved doors and windows tell stories of the past. The architecture of Datong Ancient Town is a treasure of art. The exquisite wood carvings showcase the ingenuity of craftsmen, the lively stone carvings highlight the skills of masters, and the simple brick carvings reveal the charm of time. The architecture of Datong Ancient Town is a haven for the soul. The quiet alleys allow people to escape the hustle and bustle, the cozy courtyards make people feel the warmth of home, and the elegant pavilions immerse people in a poetic atmosphere.