datong - 4 days

An ancient cultural city dating back more than 2,000 years, Datong is located in Northern Shanxi Province. Datong region’s biggest attraction is the UNESCO-listed Yungang Caves. Built more than 1,500 years ago, the 53 caves are a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist art comprising a fine collection of carved-sandstone Buddhist figures. In all, some 51,000 statues were created, though today there aren’t quite as many. Some structures defy the rules of architecture and gravity.

The Turkic Toba people made Datong their capital in 398AD as they conquered the north. Becoming fervent Buddhists, they made some awesome achievements. Over the course of almost a century, more than 1000 grottoes were completed, containing a dizzying 51,000 statues, before the capital was moved south to Luoyang. These caves were the first and grandest of three major Buddhist grottoes. From the hewn caves themselves to the Buddhas of every shape and size, to the richly carved and embellished walls and archways depicting representations of scenes from Buddhists mythology and the lives of famous monks, the artistry is exquisite and unsurpassed in China. The labour required would have been phenomenal, requiring in some cases as many as 40,000 men. In style and design, there are many visible elements that suggest that the caves and design are influneced by similar caves in India and may have been inspired by earlier caves in Afghanistan. You'll have plenty of time to explore the Yungang caves, before the excursion continues to the Huayan and Shanghua temples and the Nine Dragon Wall (a 600-year-old Nine-Dragon Screen made up of glazed tiles, the 50-m ceramic wall depicts a firebreathing dragon).

Heng Shan's most impressive buliding is the ‘Hanging Temple’ (whose Chinese name literally translates as 'temple suspended in the void'). Some structures defy the rules of architecture and gravity and the ‘Hanging Temple’ is one of them. Constructed on an impossibly precipitous rockface, the temple literally hugs the cliff.
Tall, narrow stairs and plank walkways connect the 6 halls of the temple, which comprise of natural caves and ledges fronted with wooden facades. Uniquely, here, shrines exist to all of China's main religions, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Datong's gargantuan sites never cease to amaze.

Datong 4 day/3 night bolt-on includes: • 1 first class soft seater train journey - Datong - Beijing 1 overnight train (soft sleeper cabin) - Beijing - Datong • 2 nights 3 star accommodation including all meals at Datong • 2 days guided sightseing through the Datong region • Local transfers appropriate to bolt-on • Entrance fees applicable to excursions • Services of an English speaking local guide during scheduled sightseeing