Your browser does not support the running script, you cannot get a perfect browsing
HOTTake China Group Tours in 2025 to enjoy a 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price! Learn more >>

How to Get from Pingyao to Datong: by Train & Car

Written by Roxy Kai|Updated: 2024-12-17

The straight-line distance between Pingyao and Datong is approximately 388 kilometers, with Datong located northeast of Pingyao. The Pingyao to Datong high speed train was opened in late 2019, reducing the travel time from 6 hours by conventional train to just 3 hours. Start a China high speed train tour could be thrilling. For tourists, taking the high-speed train is the fastest option, but there are only 2 daily departures. If you can't get a ticket, you can consider taking the normal speed train. Besides train travel, you can also choose to drive from Pingyao to Datong, which takes about 4.5 hours.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to traveling from Pingyao to Datong, offering two primary modes of transportation: Pingyao to Datong train and Pingyao to Datong by Car. By reading this article, you can gather essential information such as timetables, fares, and facilities, as well as tourist guides for Datong's attractions like the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple. This will help you plan your trip from Pingyao to Datong.

Visa-free Travel to China:

Starting December 2024, transit travelers from 54 countries can stay for up to 10 days without a visa. Better yet, visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and several Asian countries enjoy 30-day visa-free stays through 2025.

US, UK, and Canadian passport holders can visit for 6 days visa-free. Learn more details about How to Visit China Without a Visa in 2025>>

Content Preview

  • trianglePingyao to Datong Train (High Recommend)
  • trianglePingyao to Datong by Car
  • trianglePlan Datong Itineraries with Asia Odyssey Travel
  • triangleExplore More Cities Nearby Datong with Asia Odyssey Travel

Pingyao to Datong Train (High Recommend)

Pingyao to Datong Train Time

Filter
Train Type:
Depart Time:

icon Pingyao(平遥) - Datong(大同) icon results

  • Train No.
  • Departure / Train Staiton
  • Duration
  • Seat Type
  • Price
  • Availability
 

Contact Us to Book the Train Schedules

Pingyao to Datong High Speed Train VS Pingyao to Datong Normal Speed Train

Pingyao to Datong Bullet Train vs Pingyao to Datong Conventional Train:

 

Type Departure Station Arrival Station Fares Duration Seat Comfort
D-Train Pingyaogucheng Railway Station Datongnan Railway Station Second Class: 118.5 First Class: 189 3h Okay for short journey.
K-Train Pingyao Railway Station Datong Railway Station Hard Seat: 62.5 Hard Sleeper: 110.5 Soft Sleeper: 166.5 6 - 7h Not comfortable for long trips.

Main Difference: Speed, Ticket Price, Facilities

  • Speed: Pingyao to Datong high speed trains, typically identified by a "D" at the beginning of their number, can reach speeds of 200-250 kilometers per hour, significantly faster than traditional trains which usually run at around 120 kilometers per hour. Therefore, bullet trains will get you to Datong much quicker.

  • Ticket Price for Pingyao to Datong Trains: Traditional trains are generally the cheapest option.

  • Seat Comfort: Pingyao to Datong bullet train seats are wider and more spacious, offering adjustable tables, backrests, and armrests for increased comfort. Second-class carriages have 5 seats per row, while first-class carriages have 4 seats per row. In contrast, traditional trains have narrower seats with less legroom, no armrests between seats, and 5 seats per row without adjustable backrests.

  • Other Amenities: High-speed trains are equipped with power outlets for charging electronic devices, have clean and well-maintained interiors, and often provide additional services such as Wi-Fi. Traditional trains have limited amenities, typically offering only fixed shared tables.

Which Train Type Should You Pick?

It all comes down to your needs and schedule.

  • If you're in a hurry and want a comfy ride, the high-speed train from Pingyao to Datong is the way to go. But keep in mind that Datongnan Station isn't well-connected by buses, and it's a bit of a trek to the city's main sights. 

  • If saving money and easy city travel are your priorities, a regular train is a better bet. Just be prepared for a journey that's twice as long.

Pingyao to Datong Train Railway Stations

Pingyao to Datong High Speed Train Railway Station:

  • Departure Station - Pingyaogucheng Railway Station (平遥古城站): There are two high-speed trains departing from Pingyao to Datong daily. This station is a major hub connecting Datong with cities outside the province, such as Xian. The hotel is situated on Wenjing Avenue in Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, and is only 6-7 kilometers away from the renowned Pingyao Ancient City. To reach the hotel, take bus number 108 northbound or southbound from the North Gate or South Gate of the Ancient City. The bus ride takes approximately one hour. By car, it takes about 21 minutes.

  • Arrival Station - Datongnan Railway Station (大同南站): Serving as a vital link between Datong and Xi'an, Datongnan Station is a key stop on the high-speed railway. It's conveniently located in Baidengshan Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province

Pingyaogucheng Railway Station
Pingyaogucheng Railway Station
Datongnan Railway Station
Datongnan Railway Station

Pingyao to Datong Normal Speed Train Railway Station:

  • Departure Station - Pingyao Railway Station (平遥站): The small station is located just 1-2 kilometers from the renowned Pingyao Ancient City. You can find it at 14 Zhongdu Road in Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. Take the city bus number 108 to get there in about 16 minutes.

  • Arrival Station - Datong Railway Station (大同站): Datong Station is an important railway hub connecting North China, Northwest China, and serving as the gateway to the interior of Shanxi Province. It is located at 4, Zhanqian Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province.

Pingyao Railway Station
Pingyao Railway Station
Datong Railway Station
Datong Railway Station

How far is it from Datong Train Station to the attractions in Datong?

Yungang Grottoes: The distance to Datong South Station is 25 kilometers, and the distance to Datong Station is 16.8 kilometers.

Hanging Temple: The distance to Datong South Station is 61.7 kilometers, and the distance to Datong Station is 68.3 kilometers.

Nine Dragon Wall: Datong South Station is 39.6 kilometers away from here, and Datong Station is 46.4 kilometers away.

Huayan Temple: Datong South Station is 12.5 kilometers away from here, and Datong Station is 4.6 kilometers away.

Pingyao to Datong by Car

There are limited train options between Pingyao and Datong. To avoid the hassle of rushing to catch a train and the stress of ticket booking, you can opt for a private car service from Pingyao to Datong.

Asia Odyssey Travel has been organizing tours in China for 13 years, giving us a deep understanding of the transportation, attractions, hotels, and local cuisine in both Pingyao and Datong. For this journey, we provide experienced drivers and English-speaking guides.

We offer personalized private car services tailored to your specific needs. We'll pick you up at a designated location in Pingyao, load your luggage, and take you directly to Datong. The private car journey from Pingyao to Datong typically takes about 4.5 hours.

For your Pingyao to Datong trip, please consult Asia Odyssey Travel.

Plan Datong Itineraries with Asia Odyssey Travel

Shanxi attracts numerous tourists interested in ancient architecture every year. The important legacy left by the Silk Road has brought tourists amazing travel memories. Since 2024, the sudden popularity of the game Black Wukong, which was filmed in Shanxi, has also brought more fresh blood to this cultural city. Travelers usually allocate 2-3 days to discover Datong.

What to See: Yungang Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage), Datong Ancient City (Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, Nine Dragon Wall), Biking on Datong Ancient City Wall, Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (Fogong Temple)

Recommended 3-day classic Datong itinerary:

Day 1: Datong Free Time Explore.

Upon arrival on the first day, you can start by visiting some of the attractions within Datong city to help alleviate the fatigue of your journey. You can choose to explore Datong's landmarks such as Nine Dragon City, King's Palace, Drum Tower, Bell Tower, Four Tablet Archway, or Fa Hua Temple. Alternatively, you can explore Datong's various museums, including Datong Museum, Datong Art Museum, China Sculpture Museum, and Liang Sicheng Memorial Hall. In the evening, you can also watch a performance at the King's Palace and immerse yourself in the Ming Dynasty, over 600 years ago.

Day 2: Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, Biking on Datong City Wall

In the morning, we will visit the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with the Mogao Caves, Longmen Grottoes, and Maijishan Grottoes, it is recognized as one of China's Four Great Grottoes. Carved from the 5th century BCE, Yungang is the only grotto in China that was authorized by the imperial court. We will explore the three distinct stages of the grottoes: the early caves (16-20), the middle caves (1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-13, 3), and the late caves (4, 14, 15, 20), which showcase the evolution of Buddhism in China as it integrated with local cultures.

In the afternoon, we will return to Datong Old Town and visit historical temples such as Huayan Temple, a Liao Dynasty-style temple, and Shanhua Temple, a Han-style temple.

Day 3: Hengshan Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

Our morning will be spent at the awe-inspiring Hanging Temple of Mount Heng, China's oldest and best-preserved cliffside wooden structure. Climbing to its summit, 90 meters above the ground, is sure to get your heart racing. This unique temple offers a fascinating blend of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

In the afternoon, we'll visit the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, a Guinness World Record holder for the tallest wooden pagoda on Earth. Alongside the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower, it's considered one of the world's most remarkable pagodas. You'll be amazed to learn that this towering structure was constructed entirely from interlocking brackets, without a single nail.

Explore More Cities Nearby Datong with Asia Odyssey Travel

Shanxi province has so much more to offer than just Datong and Pingyao. Consider adding Mount Wutai in Xinzhou and Jinci Temple in Taiyuan to your travel plans. Nestled between Datong and Pingyao, these two destinations are perfect for a cultural and spiritual journey.

Mount Wutai, one of China's most sacred Buddhist mountains, is a must-visit for anyone interested in Buddhism. With its countless temples and stunning natural beauty, it offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Jinci Temple, a 2,500-year-old royal sacrificial garden, is another gem in Shanxi. This ancient temple complex is famous for its exquisite architecture and natural wonders, including the Everlasting Spring and the Maidens Statue.

These two destinations will enrich your understanding of Shanxi's rich history and culture.

6 Days Datong, Wutaishan, Taiyuan, Pingyao Tour:

Day 1: Yungang Grottoes, Nine Dragon Screen Wall, Huayan Temple, Datong Ancient Wall

Day 2: Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

Day 3: Wutaishan (Tayuan Temple, Shuxiang Temple, Xiantong Temple, Pusa Ding Temple, South Terrace)

Day 4: Wutaishan (Dailuo Ding Temple, Foguang Temple)

Day 5: Jinci Temple, Pingyao Ancient City (Rishengchang Former Bank, Ming and Qing Dynasties Street, Temple of City God, Ancient City Wall of Pingyao)

Day 6: Zhangbi Ancient Castle, Wang's Family Compound

Other Popular China City Tours:

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

Ask Us for More Information

icon
icon
loadingData in submission...
Why with Asia Odyssey Travel
  • icon
    Find Inspiration and ​Information for Your Next Trip
  • icon
    Get a Local Travel Consultant to ​Plan Your Personalized Trip
  • icon
    Book & Travel Securely with ​Our Money-back Guarantee
  • icon
    24/7 Customer Support to ​Help Every Traveler
  • icon
    Offering 500+ Customized ​Trips in China & Asia
Customize Your Own China Trip
user
email
phone
loadingData in submission...
close
travel guide
china group tours 2025
close
Contact Us
top