Datong City Break (Superior)
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PRIVATE TOUR: Discover the highlights of Shanxi on this three-day cultural escape, starting and ending in Datong. You’ll dive straight into history with visits to the UNESCO-listed Yungang Grottoes, the beautifully preserved Huayan Monastery, and the striking Nine-Dragon Wall. Venture out to the jaw-dropping Hanging Temple, clinging to a cliff face near Mount Heng, before admiring the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda—one of China’s oldest and tallest timber structures. With guided sightseeing, local lunches and time to relax in Datong, this short tour offers a fascinating insight into northern China’s Buddhist heritage and architectural wonders.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
3 daysHotel Rating
4-5 star hotelsStarts
DatongEnds
DatongMinimum Age
12 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in China that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Services of English-speaking local guides for included sightseeing and activitiesCountry
ChinaMeals Included
Breakfast: 2, Lunch: 2Passengers
R 13 864,00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Short Stays
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Services of English-speaking local guides for included sightseeing and activitiesGroup Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Short StaysTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Datong
We arrive in Datong by high-speed train - please note the arrival time should be before 10:00 a.m. On arrival, we are met by our guide and driver.
We begin with a visit to the Yungang Grottoes, located on the southern cliffs of Wuzhou Mountain near Datong. This remarkable UNESCO-listed site is one of the three greatest ancient Buddhist sculptural complexes in China, alongside the Mogao Caves and the Longmen Grottoes. Carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty, the grottoes showcase thousands of Buddhist statues, reflecting the early spread of Buddhism in China.
We then continue to the Huayan Monastery, one of the most important and best-preserved temple complexes from the Liao and Jin Dynasties. The monastery is a fine example of large-scale Chinese Buddhist architecture, with impressive halls, statues, and well-preserved murals.
Our final visit of the day is to the Nine-Dragon Wall. The Datong Nine-Dragon Wall is the largest and oldest glazed-tile screen wall in China and is renowned for its vivid colours and intricate craftsmanship.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant before we transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you time to relax after your journey.
Day 2 - Datong
Breakfast is served at the hotel.
We travel to visit the Hanging Temple, also known as Xuankong Temple, dramatically built into a cliff face around 75 metres above the ground near Mount Heng. Constructed over 1,500 years ago, this extraordinary temple is unique for combining Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism within one complex. Supported by oak beams embedded deep into the rock, the temple’s ingenious design shelters it from rain and direct sunlight, helping preserve its structure and decorative details.
Lunch is at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we explore the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the main structure of Fogong Temple in Ying County. Originally built in 1056 during the Liao Dynasty and later restored in the Jin Dynasty, it is the oldest and tallest existing wooden pagoda in China. Entirely constructed without nails, it is considered a masterpiece of ancient Chinese engineering and is often compared with the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower as one of the world’s great architectural wonders.
We then drive back to Datong city and transfer to the hotel. Dinner this evening is at your own arrangement.
Day 3 - Departure from Datong
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out before 12:00 p.m. Late check-out is not included.
You have free time at leisure until the scheduled transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Datong
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Datong
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a booking party of at least two travellers.
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