Northern frontier city — home to the magnificent Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple.
Datong was once the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534 AD). It's famous for the Yungang Grottoes — one of China's three great Buddhist cave complexes — and the nearby Hanging Temple built into a cliff face 1,500 years ago.
Northern Shanxi, near the Inner Mongolia border. Historically a frontier fortress city.
Yungang Grottoes — 51 caves, 51,000 Buddhist statues carved in the 5th-6th centuries during the Northern Wei.
Once the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty — brought Buddhist art from Central Asia to China.
Cool continental climate. Short warm summer, long cold winter. Famous for clear skies and blue skies.
51 caves with 51,000 statues. Cave 5 has a 17m Buddha. Caves 16-20 show Indian-influenced style.
Built into a cliff 75m above ground — 1,500 years old, combining Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
One of the largest surviving Liao Dynasty temples — massive Buddhist halls with stunning painted walls.
China's oldest and largest glazed dragon wall — 45m long with nine colorful dragons in flight.
Warming quickly. Sandstorms in March possible. May is ideal for grotto visits.
Warm and pleasant. Peak tourist season. Best for combining with Hanging Temple.
Excellent. Clear blue skies, cool temperatures, and great light for grotto photography.
Very cold (-20 to -5°C). Few tourists but Yungang is impressive in winter quiet.
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