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Datong Location Map
Datong is located in the northern part of Shanxi Province and is the first major city one encounters when entering Shanxi from the north. To the southwest of Datong are the cities of Shuozhou and Xinzhou, also within Shanxi Province. Datong's latitudinal geographic location is quite favorable. If you look at a global map, you'll find cities like Washington D.C., Rome, Madrid, Athens, and Istanbul are located at similar latitudes.
Shanxi Province, where Datong is situated, is located in northern China, along the middle reaches of the Yellow River. It borders Hebei Province to the east, Shaanxi Province to the west, Henan Province to the south, and Inner Mongolia to the north.
Datong City Map
Datong is a tourist city in northern Shanxi Province, with an area comparable to Sydney, Australia. It consists of four main urban areas and six counties. The main urban areas include Pingcheng District (平城区), Yungang District (云冈区), Yunzhou District (云州区), and Xirong District (新荣区). If you want to visit the Yungang Grottoes, check Yungang District. The Nine-Dragon Wall and Huayan Temple are located in Pingcheng District, while the Hanging Temple is located in Hunyuan County, a suburb of Datong.
Airport in Datong:
The sole airport serving Datong is Datong Yungang International Airport. Situated in Yunzhou District, it's conveniently located about 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) southeast of the city center.
Railway Stations in Datong:
Datong Railway Station, the primary railway hub of Datong City, is situated 2 kilometers northwest of the downtown area in Pingcheng District. It offers convenient rail connections to major cities including Beijing, Tianjin, Taiyuan, Hohhot, Baotou, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, and Shanghai.
Datongnan Railway Station (Datong High Speed Railway Station) is an important high-speed railway station in Datong, located 6 kilometers southeast of the city center in Pingcheng District. It provides high-speed rail services between Datong and cities like Beijing, Taiyuan, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, Hohhot, and Shijiazhuang.
Datongdong Railway Station is located in Yunzhou District, 15 kilometers northeast of the city center. It offers conventional train services to Taiyuan, Hohhot, and other destinations.
Datong Tourist Map | Map of Datong Attractions
Datong and its environs are rich in cultural heritage. The city itself is home to the iconic Nine Dragon Wall, the ancient Huayan Temple, the well-preserved city walls, and the majestic Shanhua Temple. Beyond the city limits, you can marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yungang Grottoes, the sacred Mount Hengshan, and the geological wonder of the Datong Volcanic Group.
Cultural Heritage in Datong
Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are renowned alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang. Carved over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei Dynasty under imperial patronage, these caves are often referred to as the "Northern Wei History Inscribed in Stone." Don't miss the must-see caves.
Nine Dragon Wall (九龙壁), a masterpiece of multicolored glazed tiles dating back to 1392, is one of China's three most famous Nine Dragon Walls. Adorned with nine dragons, clouds, and waves, the wall was believed to ward off evil spirits and symbolize the emperor's supreme authority.
Huayan Temple (华严寺) is one of China's oldest and best-preserved Liao and Jin Dynasty temple complexes. Step inside to marvel at the wooden architecture, vibrant statues, and intricate murals.
Datong Ancient City Wall (大同古城墙), constructed in 1372, stands as one of the best-preserved Ming Dynasty city walls north of the Yellow River. A unique feature is the zigzag pattern of the bricks, which significantly enhanced the wall's defensive capabilities.
Shanhua Temple (善化寺), dating back to 713-714, is one of the largest and best-preserved Liao and Jin Dynasty buildings in China. Inside, you'll find four colossal statues that were believed to bring blessings of good weather. In 2024, the temple gained viral fame on social media due to the expressive faces of these statues.
Suspended dramatically from a cliff, the Hanging Temple (悬空寺), built in 491, is the only temple in China that harmoniously blends Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. This unique architectural marvel is a testament to the religious tolerance of the Northern Wei Dynasty, as it houses statues of Laozi, Buddha, and Confucius.
Datong Natural Wonders
Mount Hengshan (恒山), one of China's Five Great Mountains, stands tall at 2017 meters above sea level. Primarily a Taoist sacred site, the mountain is dotted with temples and offers scenic trails and a 3-kilometer long staircase for those seeking a spiritual or physical challenge.
Datong Volcanic Group (大同火山群) is hailed as a "rare natural heritage in East Asia" and a "volcano geological museum" , formed approximately 2.6 million years ago in the Quaternary Period. Rising dramatically from the flat river valleys, these volcanoes offer a unique and awe-inspiring landscape.
Datong Transportation Map: How to Get to/around Datong
The Datong transportation map clearly shows the air and high-speed rail connections between Datong and other significant cities in China. Additionally, the map offers in-depth information about transportation options within the Datong region, including travel routes from Datong to Beijing, Pingyao, and Xi'an.
Flights Map Datong
Based on the most recent flight schedules for 2024, Datong Yungang Airport offers direct flights to various destinations including Guangzhou, Wuhan, Shanghai, Kunming, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Taiyuan, Wenzhou, Changchun, Chengdu, Harbin, Chongqing, Dalian, Shenzhen, Zhengzhou, Shijiazhuang, and Xiamen.
Notice: please note that there are currently no direct flights to Beijing or Xi'an.
High Speed Train Rails Map to Datong
From Datong, you can hop on a high-speed train and go straight to Beijing, Taiyuan, Xi'an, Hohhot, Zhengzhou, or Shijiazhuang.
Datong to Beijing Map
Datong is located northwest of Beijing and is 350 kilometers away. You can take a high-speed train from Datong to Beijing in 2 hours.
Datong to Pingyao Map
Datong is located northeast of Pingyao, and the distance between the two cities is 360 kilometers. You can take a high-speed train from Datong and arrive in Pingyao directly in 3 hours, or you can take a regular train and arrive in about 6 hours.
Datong to Xian Map
Datong is located northeast of Xi'an. It's about 700 kilometers from Datong to Xi'an. There are no direct flights between the two cities. You can take a high-speed train, which takes about 5 hours, or a regular train, which takes about 10 hours.
Datong Travel Map | Plan A Datong Tour with Asia Odyssey Travel
Tourists often allocate 2-3 days in Datong after arriving by high-speed train from Beijing. This vibrant city offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. A must-see is the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricate Buddhist cave sculptures dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty. Other highlights include the colorful Nine Dragon Wall and the architectural marvels of Huayan Temple. For a truly unique experience, visit the iconic Hanging Temple and the towering Yingxian Wooden Pagoda.
Recommended 2-3 Days Datong Yungang Grottoes Tour:
- Day 1-2: Visit Yungang Grottoes, Nine Dragon Screen Wall, Huayan Temple. And you can take a bike on Datong City Wall.
- Day 3: Head to Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
While Datong offers a wealth of historical and cultural treasures, Shanxi Province has much more to unveil. For a truly immersive experience, consider a 6-day itinerary that takes you to Datong, Mount Wutai, and Pingyao Ancient City.
After exploring Datong's iconic sites, enjoy a spiritual journey to Mount Wutai, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and admire the stunning temples and monasteries, regardless of your religious beliefs.
Next, step back in time in Pingyao Ancient City, a remarkably well-preserved ancient city. Wander along the ancient city wall, explore the historic Rishengchang Exchange, and stroll through the charming Ming and Qing Dynasty streets. Don't miss the opportunity to visit nearby attractions like Zhangbi Ancient Fortress and the opulent Wang’s Family Compound.
Highly Recommended 6 Days Shanxi Datong Mount Wutai Pingyao Tour:
Day 1: Datong Yungang Grottoes – Nine Dragon Wall – Huayan Temple
Day 2: Hanging Temple – Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
Day 3: Mount Wutai
Day 4: Mount Wutai – Taiyuan
Day 5: Taiyuan – Pingyao Ancient City
Day 6: Zhangbi Ancient Castle – Wang's Family Compound
For those who are particularly interested in exploring Datong and Pingyao, a 4-day itinerary would be sufficient.
Suggested 4 Days Datong Pingyao Tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Datong and City Exploration
Upon arrival in Datong, visit the Yungang Grottoes, the Nine Dragon Screen Wall, and Huayan Temple. You may also choose to visit the ancient city wall of Datong.
Day 2: Suburban Wonders and Journey to Pingyao
Explore the suburban attractions of Datong, including the Hanging Temple and the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. After your visit, take a high-speed train to Pingyao.
Day 3: Immerse in Pingyao's History
In Pingyao Ancient City, visit the Rishengchang Former Bank, stroll along the Ming and Qing Dynasties Street, and explore the Temple of City God. You can also visit the ancient city wall of Datong and the Shuanglin Temple. In the evening, you may choose to watch the "Another Glance at Pingyao" show.
Day 4: Visit Zhangbi Ancient Castle and the Wang's Family Compound.
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