Datong Ancient City really shines brightest at night! Walking through ancient temples by day and watching vibrant light shows by night makes it impossible to experience everything in just one day. As the former co-capital of the Liao and Jin Dynasties, Datong Ancient City preserves stunning, underrated architecture packed with authentic local life.
Whether you are a history buff or a photography lover, this complete datong ancient city tour guide covers everything you need to know for the perfect trip.
Recommended Datong Ancient City Itinerary Routes
Depending on your travel pace, you can customize your datong ancient city tour using these highly recommended routes:
1-Day Highlights Route
- Route: Heyang Gate → Fahua Temple → Taiping Tower → Nine-Dragon Screen → Sipailou → Huayan Temple → Shanhua Temple → City Wall Sunset → Dongnanyi Night View.
2-Day In-Depth Route
- Day 1: Core Ancient City Attractions (Huayan Temple + Shanhua Temple + Nine-Dragon Screen + Prince Dai’s Palace) + City Wall Night View.
- Day 2: Yungang Grottoes + Datong Museum + Datong Art Museum.
Night Tour Special Route
- Option A: West City Wall → Huayan Temple Square → Drum Tower → Sipailou → Prince Dai’s Palace (for the iron-flower show).
- Option B: South City Wall → Dongnanyi & Gulou East Street.
Top Things to Do on Your Datong Ancient City Tour
Huayan Temple (华严寺)
This is the pinnacle of Liao and Jin dynasty temple architecture. Do not miss the Mahavira Hall and the Bhagavan Codices Hall.
- Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours
- Tickets: ~50 RMB
Shanhua Temple (善化寺)
One of China’s most complete surviving Liao and Jin temple complexes. The 24 Heavenly Kings statues are incredibly lifelike, especially the Guanyin statue, known as the “Colored Sculpture Mona Lisa.”
- Tickets: ~40 RMB
Nine-Dragon Screen (九龙壁)
The largest and oldest glazed dragon wall in China—built 300 years before the one in Beijing’s Forbidden City. The night lighting here is breathtaking.
- Tickets: ~10 RMB
Prince Dai’s Palace (代王府)
A restored Ming Dynasty royal residence. At night, it hosts the immersive live performance Tianxia Datong and traditional “iron flower” (Datiehua) molten iron shows.
- Tickets: 98–120 RMB
Datong City Wall (古城墙)
No datong ancient city tour is complete without renting a bike to ride around the wall. Enter through Qingyuan Gate or Yongtai Gate for a stunning sunset view. The illuminated wall is perfect for night photography.
Fahua Temple (法华寺)
A free, quiet, off-the-beaten-path gem. It features Datong’s only Lamaist-style pagoda.
- Time Needed: 40–60 minutes
- Tickets: Free
Sipailou & Dongnanyi (四牌楼 & 东南邑)
- Sipailou: The central landmark of the ancient city where four main streets meet. Great for traditional Hanfu photos.
- Dongnanyi: A renovated Ming and Qing residential district packed with creative cultural shops, cafes, and night markets.
What to Eat: Datong Local Food Guide
Datong Knife-Cut Noodles (刀削面)
The ultimate breakfast choice. To avoid long lines, head to Xijindao in the morning. Top legendary shops include Shunxixiang and Lochai Xiaomian.
Authentic Local Restaurants
Try Longjuxiang Shaomai Restaurant or Zini 369 Coarse Cereals Season. Must-order dishes include Datong Eight Bowls (八大碗), Guoyorou (Stir-fried pork), and Yellow Rice Cakes. Tip: Get a table number early during peak dining hours.
Unique Street Snacks
Don’t leave your datong ancient city tour without trying rabbit heads, mutton offal soup (Yangzage), Hunyuan cold starch noodles, and the trendy vinegar-flavored ice cream in Dongnanyi.
- Best Food Streets: Gulou West Street, Gulou East Street, and Chunyang Palace Square.
Logistics: Accommodation & Getting Around
- Where to Stay: Book a hotel inside or near the Datong Ancient City walls for easy walking access. Areas around Prince Dai’s Palace, Sipailou, or Huayan Temple are highly recommended.
- Local Transportation: Most major sites inside the city are within 800 meters of each other. Walking or using shared bikes is easiest. Alternatively, take the Ancient City Tourism Bus line for just 1 RMB.
- Arrival: Datong Yungang Airport connects directly to major cities like Kunming. Taxis within the city are very affordable; a base-fare ride covers most destinations within the walls.
Practical Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Datong is a great summer resort. Summer afternoons after 4:00 PM are cool and pleasant. Spring and autumn are also nice, while winter is cold but uncrowded.
- Avoid the Trap: Most museums (like the Confucius Temple and Sculpture Museum) close on Mondays. Plan your schedule carefully.
- What to Wear: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Pack a light jacket because temperatures drop significantly at night.
- Budget Saver: Take advantage of free spots like Fahua Temple and Sipailou. Use the city sightseeing golf carts for just 5 RMB per ride if your legs get tired.