3 Days Datong Tour - Follow Black Myth Wukong to Shanxi Ancient Architecture

Welcome to Datong, a must-visit city located in the Shanxi province of China! Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. You can explore on your own based on your arrival time. Feel free to seek travel ideas from your tour guide.

Datong (大同), literally means Great Harmony, is the northernmost city of Shanxi. It shares borders with Inner Mongolia to the north and west, and Hebei to the east. Datong, once known as the "Coal Capital of China中国煤都" due to its abundant coal resources, is now not only one of China's earliest historical and cultural cities but also a national demonstration city for new energy, a summer resort city, and one of the top ten characteristic tourist cities on the Silk Road. Founded in 398 AD, Datong used to be called Pingcheng (平城), was once the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty (北魏), a secondary capital during the Liao & Jin Dynasties, and a key town in the Ming & Qing Dynasties. Positioned between the inner and outer Great Walls, Datong is a vital frontier region in the north, fostering a blend of multicultural influences and unique ancient architectural styles. Situated between Beijing (ancient capital of 5 dynasties) and Xi'an (ancient capital of 13 dynasties), Datong was once the capital of 3 dynasties. It was dubbed "Beijing's Back Garden" in the late Qing Dynasty due to Empress Dowager Cixi (慈禧). It is recorded that Marco Polo visited Datong in 1277.

The Yu River (御河) gracefully winds its way through Datong from north to south. To its west lies the Datong Ancient City, a testament to over 1,600 years of rich history. On the east side, the Modern Datong City is rapidly emerging. The city planning of Datong embodies the design concept of "Twin Cities on One Axis一轴双城" by Liang Sicheng (梁思成), the father of modern Chinese architecture, harmoniously blending tradition with modernity and culture with ecology. As night falls and the city lights up, stroll from the ancient city to the banks of the Yu River, gazing at the 7 modern bridges that symbolize Datong City's transformation and offer breathtaking views for photography and chance encounters with locals.

Travel Tips:
Datong Lantern Festival: Held annually during Chinese New Year in the ancient city of Datong, this festival sees thousands of colorful lanterns lighting up the city walls and streets. Contact us for a Chinese New Year Tour in Datong to immerse in traditional performances, savor local delicacies, and explore unique handicrafts, creating a magical experience steeped in Chinese culture.

Free Time Ideas:
1.Datong City Walk Tour in Datong Ancient City (Half-day & Full-day): Explore landmarks of Datong such as Nine Dragon Wall, Daiwang Palace (Little Forbidden City of Zhu Yuanzhang’s son), Drum Tower, Bell Tower, Sipailou (Four Decorative Gateways), Fahua Temple (White Pagoda of Ming Dynasty), Guandi Temple (Buildings of Yuan Dynasty)...
2.Datong Culture Tour with Museums (Half-day & Full-day): Datong Museum (national first-class museum; the same level as The Palace Museum；大同市博物馆), Datong Art Museum (大同美术馆), China Sculpture Museum (中国雕塑博物馆), Liang Sicheng Memorial Hall (梁思成纪念馆)... Double check if they Closed on Mondays.
3.Datong Evening Show (Peak Season Only; Self-pay; 天下大同). The performances at the Daiwang Palace are mainly based on the "Great Harmony in the World" series, you can immerse yourself in The Glory of the Ming Dynasty (over 600 years ago).

Arrival Ideas:
1.How to get to Datong By Air: Datong Yungang International Airport (大同云冈国际机场) is located about 18 km from city center and 36 km from Yungang Grottoes. Direct flights connect Datong with major cities in China, such as Beijing (1h), Shanghai (2.5h), Chengdu (2.5h), Xian (2h), Chongqing (2.5h), Wuhan (2h), etc. It's essential to check flight schedules in advance, as not all routes operate year-round.
2.How to get to Datong By High-speed Train: Datong can be reached by train through Datong South Railway Station & Datong Railway Station. Datong South Railway Station provides high-speed trains to Beijing (2-2.5h), Xi'an (6h), Taiyuan (2-2.5h), Pingyao (3-3.5h), etc. Contact us for ticket booking.

Today you will enjoy a Datong Architecture Tour by visiting 3 filming locations for Black Myth: Wukong, namely Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple, and Shanhua Temple. If time permits, you can explore more inside Datong Ancient City, such as biking on the Datong Ancient City Wall (Self-pay) for sunset.

In the morning, head to Yungang Grottoes, a World Cultural Heritage site. The Yungang Grottoes Temple is one of the Four Great Grottoes of China, alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, and the Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui. Carved over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534 AD), the Yungang Grottoes were the first caves authorized by Chinese royalty and are considered the most magnificent among the four. Currently, they house 45 main caves and over 59,000 stone sculptures, with the tallest statue reaching 17 m and the smallest at 2 cm. Carved into the mountain, the grottoes stretch about 1 km from east to west, divided by natural terrain into the East Zone (Caves 1-4), the Central Zone (Caves 5-13), and the West Zone (Caves 14-45). Along this stretch, you can appreciate 3 types of caves: the Grand Buddha Caves (Caves 16-20), the Buddha Hall Caves (Twin Caves 5-6; 7-8; 9-10; 11-13), and the Stupa Temple Caves (Caves 1, 2, 6, 39). Moreover, you can observe 3 distinct styles of caves from different periods: early caves (Caves 16-20), middle caves (Caves 1-2; 5-6; 7-8; 9-10; 11-13; 3), and late caves (Caves 4, 14, 15, 20), showcasing the process of Buddhism's introduction to China and its evolution from Gandhara art to localized styles.

The most renowned ones are the early caves of the "Five Caves of Tan Yao" (昙曜五窟; Caves 16-20), which were commissioned by the Northern Wei monk Tan Yao (昙曜) under the decree of Emperor Tuoba Xun (拓跋濬; 440-465 AD). In these cases, not only can you see images of 4 Northern Wei Emperors and 1 Prince (Cave 17) on the five large Buddha statues, but you can also witness the Great Harmony (Datong世界大同) of major world civilizations in their carvings and murals, incorporating elements from Indian, Central Asian, Greek, and Roman, which are the traces left by Alexander's eastern campaign to India. You'll visit Cave 20, home to the iconic Open-air Buddha Statue (露天大佛), a striking blend of Han and Gandharan styles, unveiled by an ancient earthquake. You will find more stories behind Cave 18 which features a Buddha draped in a "Thousand Buddhas Robe" (千佛袈裟), believed to represent the Emperor Tuoba Tao (拓拔焘; 408-452 AD) who forbade Buddhism.

The middle period caves represent the peak of Yungang Grottoes' carving artistry, characterized by paired caves and two Buddhas seated in one Buddhist niche, reflecting the power struggle between the "Two Emperors" (二圣; the emperor and Empress Dowager Feng冯太后), renowned for their meticulous carving and ornate decorations. The late-period caves, constructed after the Northern Wei dynasty moved its capital from Datong to Luoyang in 494 AD, consist of many small caves built by locals (not royal family), signaling the decline of the dynasty. The figures in these caves are slender and elegant, with balanced proportions, marking the origin of China's "slender and clear" sculpture style (瘦骨清像). Take your time to explore the brilliant caves in close distance such as Cave 12 (Music Cave), Cave 5 (The Most Beautiful Smiling Buddha), Cave 3 (unfinished Cave), Cave 9 (World Architecture Museum), and more.

Optional：(If time permit)
1.Datong Yungang Grottoes Museum (大同云岗石窟博物馆): Inside Yungang Grottoes Temple scenic area. Closed on Mondays.
2.Datong Coal Museum (大同煤炭博物馆; Self-pay): Locates outside Yungang Grottoes by the other side of the river. About 10 min’s drive (6 km away). Double check if it closed on Mondays.

In the afternoon, head back to Datong Ancient City for its must-visit highlights such as Huayan Temple (Khitan-style Temple) and Shanhua Temple (Han-style Temple). The central axis of the ancient city of Datong has remained unchanged for over 2,300 years. Stretching from Yongtai Gate, Drum Tower, Sipailou, Kuixing Tower, to Guding Gate, this axis runs north to south for 2 kilometers. It not only connects the historical sites of the ancient city but also links its history. From the cultural integration of the Northern Wei dynasty to the historical development of the Liao, Jin, and Yuan minority ethnic regimes, it witnesses the historical changes from the Ming and Qing dynasties to modern times.

Huayan Temple, built in 1038, was acclaimed by Liang Sicheng as a "Rare Gem in the World" (海内孤品). Serving as the royal ancestral temple of the Liao Dynasty (916-1125AD), Huayan Temple was constructed facing east based on the Khitan (契丹族) saying "the sun rises in the east, and Buddhism comes from the west"(旭日东升，佛法西来), different from the traditional Han regions’ facing south. Covering an area of 66,000 square meters, the temple comprises over 30 individual buildings arranged along two main north-south axes. A highlight of Huayan Temple is the pair of 4.5 meters tall Chiwen (鸱吻; Dragon-fish roof ornament) on the ridges of the biggest Great Buddha Hall, which are the largest of their kind in ancient Chinese architecture. Don't forget to visit the Bokar Hall (薄伽教藏殿) to admire the statue of the smiling Buddha, known as the "Eastern Venus." You won't want to miss the 43-meter-high Huayan Pagoda (华严宝塔), the second largest square wooden pagoda in the country with a purely wooden structure (second only to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda), and its 500-square-meter underground palace (千佛地宫) made of 100-ton copper. Today, Huayan Temple has been restored to its pre-Ming Dynasty grandeur on its original site, allowing this thousand-year-old temple to radiate its former glory once again.

Then, pay a visit to Shanhua Temple, one of China's largest and most intact architectural complexes from the Liao and Jin Dynasties. The temple follows the traditional Chinese architectural layout of facing south, with notable features such as the Five-Dragon Screen Wall (Ming Dynasty; 五龙壁), the mountain gate (Jin Dynasty), the Hall of Three Saints (Jin Dynasty), and the Great Buddha Hall (Liao Dynasty) gradually unfolding along the central axis, rising in tiers. The mountain gate features the Four Heavenly Kings, symbolizing national peace and prosperity. The Hall of Three Saints, named after the "Three Saints of Huayan"(华严三圣), houses Shanhua Temple’s treasure - Zhu Bian Stele (朱弁碑), and the largest known inclined arch lotus-finial corner bracket. Inside the Great Buddha Hall are twenty-four celestial figures (二十四诸天像), each uniquely crafted and lifelike, representing the pinnacle of Jin Dynasty sculptural art. Additionally, the octagonal coffered ceiling (斗八藻井) is a prime example of Liao Dynasty miniature wooden craftsmanship.

At last, if time permits, you can enjoy a Biking on Datong City Wall (Optional;Self-pay). The ancient city of Datong boasts the most well-preserved defensive system of ancient city walls. The existing walls were rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty on the foundation of the old city. It features four main gates: Heyang Gate to the east, Yongtai Gate to the south, Qingyuan Gate to the west, and Wuding Gate to the north. Each main gate has two smaller gates, totaling twelve city gates. Above the four main gates stand city towers, while moon towers, arrow towers, watchtowers, and corner towers are interspersed along the walls. Outside the gates are wengcheng (enclosed defensive structures), moon-shaped walls, and a moat, forming a complete and intricate defensive system.

Today, you will visit two must-see places in Shanxi. One is the Hanging Temple at Mount Heng in Hunyuan County, and the other is the Wooden Pagoda at Fogong Temple in Yingxian County. Finish your trip in Datong.

In the morning, head to Hanging Temple (悬空寺) which is about 80 km (2 hour’s drive) away from Datong. The Hanging Temple of Mount Hengshan, built during the late Northern Wei Dynasty (491 AD), is a royal construction erected by Taoist followers and has a history of over 1,500 years. It was once renowned alongside the Yungang Grottoes and is now acclaimed as one of the world's ten most dangerous buildings. As the "First Marvel" among the Eighteen Wonders of Mount Hengshan, the Hanging Temple has always been a must-visit landmark in Shanxi. The renowned Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai (李白) left the word "Magnificent壮观" here, while the Ming Dynasty explorer Xu Xiake (徐霞客) left the inked masterpiece "a wonder of the world天下奇观." Originally named "Xuankong Ge玄空阁," the Hanging Temple is a unique temple in China that integrates Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. "Xuan玄" is derived from Taoist principles, while "Kong空" originates from Buddhist teachings. The name "Hanging悬" was derived because the entire temple complex appears to hang on the cliff, with "Hanging" and "Xuan" being homophones in Chinese.

Approaching the Hanging Temple, the earliest and best-preserved wooden-structured cliffside ancient building in China, you can marvel at its "Perilous奇险" nature. The main architectural complex is supported by 30 prominent wooden pillars (work during earthquakes) and hidden horizontal wooden beams embedded in the rock face (bearing the weight), with the highest point, the Hall of the Three Religions (三教殿), standing about 90 meters above the ground, creating a millennium-old architectural marvel on the cliff. Stepping into the Hanging Temple, you can appreciate its "Compactness小巧." With a layout of "One Temple, Two Towers," covering an area of about 921 square meters, a total length of about 32 meters, and comprising 40 pavilions and halls, it houses over 80 bronze, iron, clay, and stone-carved Buddha statues. The aerial walkway connecting the north and south towers is the essence of the "Hanging悬" aspect of the Hanging Temple, with the existing structure being restored during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Climbing up involves slow queues on the narrow walkway, with wooden planks above and stone slabs below. The lotus patterns on the wooden stairs symbolize "ascending to auspiciousness" which is a unique feature of this temple. Standing at the Hanging Temple, you will marvel at the "Ingenious精妙" choice of location. The temple is built into the crevices of the precipice, shielded by massive cliffs above and stone walls on the sides, avoiding rainwater, sunlight (3 hours per day), and wind erosion on the temple buildings.

In the Hanging Temple, you can not only appreciate the beauty of Chinese ancient architecture through murals, colored sculptures, and carvings but also discover a world where three religions harmoniously coexist (Great Harmony/Datong). In the Pure Yang Palace (纯阳殿), you can witness the Taoist deity Lü Dongbin (吕洞宾); in the Hall of Thunderous Sounds (雷音殿), you can see the enshrined Buddhist Gautama Buddha (释迦牟尼); and in the Hall of Three Religions (三教殿), you will find offerings to Laozi, Buddha, and Confucius simultaneously. After visiting the Hanging Temple, you will undoubtedly be awed by the millennial wonder that integrates mechanics, aesthetics, art, religion, architecture, culture, and the wisdom of ancient people.

Travel Tips:
1.Due to the narrowness of the walkway at the Hanging Temple and the relatively steep stairs, not friendly to those who fear heights, elderly persons, and infants.
2.Due to the narrow walkway at the Hanging Temple, leading to potentially long waiting times during peak hours.
3.The Hanging Temple only receives sunlight for about 3 hours per day. For photography enthusiasts, it is recommended to visit in the morning for better lighting conditions.

In the afternoon, head to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda which is 55km (1 hour’s drive) away. Yingxian Pagoda, originally named the Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple, was built in 1056 and is one of only eight surviving Liao Dynasty wooden structures in China. Standing at a height of 67.13 meters, equivalent to a modern 20-story building, it has been certified by the Guinness World Records as the "World's Tallest Wooden Pagoda." Ancient craftsmen constructed the wooden pagoda without using a single iron nail, relying entirely on the interlocking of thousands of wooden components (similar to Lego). Throughout a millennium, it has withstood more than 40 earthquakes and endured over 200 cannonball strikes during wartime, yet it remains standing tall, a true marvel. Additionally, the pagoda houses two relics of the Sakyamuni Buddha's tooth, making the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda an exemplary ancient architectural wonder and a center and sacred site of Buddhist culture.

The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Eiffel Tower are known as the "Three Great Pagodas of the World." Standing before the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, you may notice a slight tilt in the structure. This tilt was caused in the 1930s when local gentry dismantled internal braces and mud walls to improve the appearance and lighting, resulting in the lean. In 1933, Liang Sicheng measured the pagoda and proposed a restoration plan upon discovering the tilt. The pagoda continues to lean at a rate of 2 millimeters per year. Currently, for the safety of visitors and the ancient structure, climbing the pagoda is prohibited, and visitors can only admire it from the outside and visit the ground floor.

When visiting the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, be sure to appreciate its bracket sets. The pagoda features 54 types of brackets in 240 sets, making it the pagoda with the most diverse use of brackets in ancient Chinese architecture, earning it the title of the "Bracket Museum斗拱博物馆." You cannot miss the more than 50 inscribed plaques hanging on the pagoda—treasures of calligraphy. Among them, the plaque on the third level, "Sakyamuni Pagoda释迦塔," is the oldest (from the Jin Dynasty in 1195), while the fourth level's "Wonder of the World天下奇观" was inscribed by the Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao in 1508, and the top level's "Ingenious Workmanship峻极神工" was inscribed by the Ming Emperor Zhu Di in 1406.

Interestingly, although the pagoda appears to have five levels from afar, it contains nine levels inside. Stepping into the first level of the pagoda, you can gaze up at the 11-meter-tall colored statue of Sakyamuni Buddha and witness the "nested tube structure" inside the pagoda. This structure consists of an outer cylinder formed by 24 external columns and an inner cylinder formed by 8 internal columns, connected by brackets and beams to create an incredibly robust architectural system. The inner layer houses Buddha statues, while the outer layer serves as a corridor, showcasing the unique style of Liao Dynasty architecture. This "nested tube structure" is commonly used in modern high-rise buildings. As the setting sun casts its glow on the pagoda, thousands of swallows return to nest within it, continuing to narrate the story of the pagoda through the ages. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda has been patiently awaiting your visit.

At last, it is time to end your 3 Days Datong Tour. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your China Tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia. Safe journey!

Extension Ideas:
1.If you wish to extend your trip and explore other highlighted parts of Shanxi, such as Pingyao, Mount Wutaishan, Taiyuan, Hukou Water Fall, and more, we can help you with the arrangements.
2.If you plan to continue your exploration to other cities in China, such as Beijing, Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing and Shanghai, please feel free to let us know. We can customize your itinerary and assist you with travel arrangements.