Day 1 – Arrival in Datong
On arrival in Datong you’ll be whisked away to your centrally located hotel. You’ll stay in a central hotel with comfortable rooms in traditional and modern styles. Depending on the time of arrival, you might still explore the city. Perhaps head to Datong’s museum, home to millions of relics. The city’s Drum tower and Huayan Monastery are also well worth a visit. Make sure to get an early night’s sleep so that you’re ready to head out and explore the temple and grottoes the following morning.
Days 2-3 – Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Monastery and departure
Today, your driver and guide will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel for a full-day excursion. First, you will travel for about one and a half hours to the Hanging Monastery, which – defying the laws of gravity – was built 30 meters above the ground on a steep cliff face.
During its construction in the 6th century, workers were lowered down on ropes to gradually attach the individual structural elements. Up until 1985, up to ten monks lived here at a time, and only after the last monk left was the monastery opened to the public.
Afterwards, you will continue to the impressive Yungang Grottoes. The more than 51,000 Buddhist statues, located within 252 grottoes, were primarily carved out of sandstone in the 5th century by the Turkic-speaking Tuoba people. The artworks in the caves show Indian, Persian, and even Greek influences, which reached China via the Silk Road at the time.
On the last day of this trip you’ll pack your bags and continue your journey through China. If you would like us to include your transfer back to the train station just let your Travel Specialist know.
Accommodation
