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China travel and tour destination Datong

China Destination Guide - Datong 大同

No one visits Datong for the city itself which is a fearful example of a city dependent on fossil fuels. What Datong does have are the magnificent Yungang Caves and, a way out of town, the gravity defying Hanging Monastery perched on a side of the cliff. All this relatively close to Beijing makes Datong a worthwhile side trip or part of a deeper exploration of China's north and Inner Mongolia.

➤ TCTC Tip: Datong is usually visited after Beijing and before the ancient city of Pingyao.

What there is to see in Datong:

The 5th Century Buddhist Yungang Caves are Datong's prime draw with an array of carvings and paintings that still attract religious devotees today.
The Hanging Monastery is an hour's drive out of town but worth the trip and included in any cave visit itinerary we offer. Not a trip for those prone to vertigo, this extraordinary monastery is is built into a cliffside on the pass into Inner Mongolia's grasslands.

Best time to Visit Datong

April to May as well as September and October are the best months but there is nothing to stop you visiting year round although the winters are cold and windswept but ideal for fans of the bleak!

Best reason to visit Datong

The combination of the Yungang caves and the Hanging Monastery is the reason to visit Datong and a worthwhile one at that.

Our last word on Datong

Datong is ideal for those wanting a 2 night side trip from Beijing. This destination competes with Chengde as an ideal Beijing side trip.