Discovering the best Datong Attractions is one of the highlights of visiting Shanxi Province. Famous for its ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, city walls, volcanic landscapes, and geological wonders, Datong offers an incredible mix of history, culture, and nature. This guide covers the most popular Datong Attractions, including ticket prices, opening hours, and practical travel tips.
Top Datong Attractions Covered in This Guide
- Yungang Grottoes
- Hanging Temple
- Mount Hengshan
- Huayan Temple
- Shanhua Temple
- Datong Ancient City Wall
- Nine Dragon Screen
- Hunyuan Ancient City
- Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
- Datong Earth Forest
- Datong Volcano Group
- Datong Museum
Yungang Grottoes
The Yungang Grottoes are the most famous of all Datong Attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Created more than 1,500 years ago, the grottoes contain over 50,000 Buddhist statues carved into sandstone cliffs.
Ticket Price
- Peak Season (April–January): 120 RMB
- Low Season: 100 RMB
Opening Hours
- 08:30–17:00
- Last entry at 17:00
Hanging Temple
The Hanging Temple is one of China’s most extraordinary architectural wonders. Built directly into a cliff face, it appears to float above the valley below.
Ticket Price
- Entrance Ticket: 15 RMB
- Temple Access Ticket: 100 RMB
- Total: 115 RMB
Opening Hours
- 08:00–17:00
Travel Tip
Tickets allowing visitors to enter the temple structure are limited. It is recommended to reserve at least one week in advance.
Mount Hengshan
Mount Hengshan is one of China’s Five Great Sacred Mountains and one of the most popular natural Datong Attractions.
Ticket Price
- 45 RMB
Opening Hours
- 08:00–16:30
Shuttle Bus
Most visitors use the shuttle bus, which costs approximately 20 RMB round trip.
Huayan Temple
Huayan Temple is one of the largest and best-preserved Liao Dynasty temple complexes in China. It is renowned for its impressive wooden halls and Buddhist sculptures.
Ticket Price
- 50 RMB
Opening Hours
- 08:30–18:00
Shanhua Temple
Shanhua Temple is another important historical site in Datong. Dating back nearly a thousand years, it showcases remarkable traditional Chinese architecture.
Ticket Price
- 25–40 RMB
Opening Hours
- 08:00–18:00
- Ticket sales stop at 17:30
Datong Ancient City Wall
The Datong Ancient City Wall is one of the largest reconstructed city walls in China and offers excellent views of the historic city center.
Ticket Price
- Free
Opening Hours
- 07:00–22:00
Important Notice
The southern section of the city wall may be temporarily closed due to renovation projects. Visitors should check current updates before visiting.
Nine Dragon Screen
The Nine Dragon Screen is one of the oldest and largest glazed dragon screens in China and an important example of Ming Dynasty architecture.
Ticket Price
- Free
Opening Hours
Please confirm current opening hours before visiting.
Hunyuan Ancient City
Located near the Hanging Temple and Mount Hengshan, Hunyuan Ancient City preserves the charm of a traditional northern Chinese town.
Ticket Price
- Ancient City: Free
- Yong’an Temple and Yuanjue Temple Combined Ticket: 30 RMB
Highlights
Visitors can explore historic streets, ancient gates, temples, and traditional courtyard houses.
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is the oldest and tallest surviving wooden pagoda in the world. Built in 1056, it remains one of China’s greatest architectural achievements.
Ticket Price
- 48 RMB
Opening Hours
- Ticket sales until 17:30
- Last entry at 17:45
- First floor closes at 18:00
Datong Earth Forest (Datong Tulin)
The Datong Earth Forest is one of the most unique geological Datong Attractions. Thousands of years of erosion have created spectacular earth pillars and natural formations.
Ticket Price
- 50 RMB
- Online Ticket: Approximately 48 RMB
Opening Hours
- Peak Season (May–October): 08:00–19:00
- Low Season (November–April): 08:00–18:00
Discounts
- Students: 50% off
- Visitors aged 60 and above: 50% off
- Visitors aged 65 and above: Free admission
Photography Tip
The best time to visit is after 16:00 when the sunset creates beautiful golden colors across the landscape.
Datong Volcano Group
The Datong Volcano Group is one of northern China’s most impressive volcanic fields and among the most exciting natural Datong Attractions.
Ticket Price
- Free
Opening Hours
- 08:00–18:30
Parking Fee
- Approximately 10 RMB per vehicle
Main Highlights
Langwo Mountain
The most popular volcano in the area. Visitors can hike to the crater and enjoy panoramic views.
Jinshan Volcano
Known for its distinctive reddish-brown slopes and excellent photography opportunities.
Haotian Temple
An ancient hilltop temple offering breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape.
Datong Museum
The Datong Museum provides an excellent introduction to the city’s history, culture, and archaeological discoveries.
Ticket Price
- Free (Reservation Required)
Free Guided Tours
- 09:30
- 10:00
- 14:30
- 15:00
Essential Travel Tips for Datong Attractions
Peak and Low Seasons
Most Datong Attractions switch to peak-season ticket prices starting in April. Lower prices may return after November.
Reserve Hanging Temple Tickets Early
The Hanging Temple strictly limits visitor numbers. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Shuttle Bus Costs
Both the Hanging Temple and Mount Hengshan require shuttle buses for most visitors. The round-trip fare is approximately 20 RMB.
Check Attraction Updates
Opening hours, ticket prices, and renovation schedules may change. Always verify the latest information before your visit.
Conclusion
From the UNESCO-listed Yungang Grottoes and the breathtaking Hanging Temple to the dramatic Datong Volcano Group and the unique Datong Earth Forest, the variety of Datong Attractions makes Datong one of the most rewarding destinations in China. Whether you are interested in history, religion, architecture, culture, or natural landscapes, Datong offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.