Datong Ancient City, Yungang Grottoes & Hanging Temple
Based in Datong Ancient City, explore the Yungang Grottoes, the Hanging Temple, and the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda.
Stay in Datong Ancient City for the entire trip. Spend one day exploring Huayan Temple, the Nine-Dragon Wall, and the City Wall; dedicate another day to the Yungang Grottoes and the Datong Museum; and take a chartered car or drive to Hunyuan and Ying County on the third day. The pace is moderate, making it perfect for a weekend getaway or a short high-speed rail trip. Mount Heng and the volcanic group are omitted to focus on the three core historical sites.
Tickets to climb the Hanging Temple are limited during peak seasons and must be booked in advance; be prepared for large temperature differences between morning and evening.
Day by day
Day 1 · Ancient City Temples & City Wall Sunset
Datong（Huayan Temple、Shanhua Temple、Nine-Dragon Wall、Datong Ancient City Wall）
Arrive at Datong South Railway Station, take a taxi to the Ancient City to drop off your luggage, and explore on foot. All sites within the city are within 2 km.
The light on the City Wall is best in the late afternoon; check the closing time before heading up.
Stay: Datong Ancient City
Day 2 · Yungang Grottoes & Datong Museum
Datong（Yungang Grottoes、Datong Museum）
Take a bus or taxi to Yungang in the morning (approx. 40 mins). Return to the city in the afternoon to visit the Datong Museum in Yudong New Area, then head back to the Ancient City.
It is recommended to book Yungang Grottoes tickets in advance with real-name registration; allow at least 2 to 3 hours for the visit.
Stay: Datong Ancient City
Day 3 · Hanging Temple & Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
Datong（Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si)、Yong'an Temple, Hunyuan、Pagoda of Fogong Temple (Yingxian Wooden Pagoda)）
Charter a car or drive. Drive from Datong to the Hanging Temple (approx. 1.5 hours), head west to Ying County (approx. 1 hour), and return to Datong (approx. 1.5 hours).
The Hanging Temple requires transferring to a shuttle bus at the Mount Heng Visitor Center; allow plenty of time for the transfer.