Datong Tours
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Datong, one of the nine ancient capitals in China, possesses a large number of historical relics. They include Huayan Monastery, Shanhua Temple, Nine-Dragon Screen, and the City Wall of Ming Dynasty in the downtown area, and Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Monastery, and Mt. Hengshan in the suburbs. Among them, Yungang Grottoes is one of most famous world cultural heritage sites.
Datong lies to the north of Beijing. If you take Datong tour packages from Beijing, it takes around 6 hours by train. Direct flights are also available daily.
Datong lies to the north of Beijing. If you take Datong tour packages from Beijing, it takes around 6 hours by train. Direct flights are also available daily.
Best Private Datong Tours
How to Plan a Datong Tour Itinerary?
If you only have one full day, then the World Cultural Heritage site - Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Monastery which is 1 hour and 10 minutes' drive from Datong, should not be missed. For travelers who plan a two-day tour, in addition to the above-mentioned scenic spots, the Huayan Monastery and Nine-Dragon Screen in downtown are worth visiting as well. Meanwhile, you are also recommended to spend half a day exploring the wild Great Wall in the suburbs of the city.
At the rim of Datong, there exists a section of wild Great Wall with a length of 300 kilometers (186 miles) or so, along which the Desheng Fortress is the closest Fortress. It is located about 45 kilometers (27miles) northwest of Datong. With a history of 500 years, this fortress used to be a place for the soldiers on the border living in the ancient times. The Great Wall here was built on the ground and it stands till now after experiencing hundreds of years’ vicissitudes. If you are hike lovers, you can take a hiking tour along the old wall for 5-10 kilometers. What's more, the majestic and grand Yanmenguan Pass, also called Baicaokou Wild Great Wall, 120 kilometers (74 miles) away from Datong, is another ideal place for hiking.
If your next destination is Pingyao, you can go by a 5-hour train journey. However, if time permits, taking a private car is also a good choice. You will start from Datong in the morning and take a side trip to visit the Hanging Monastery, Wooden Pagoda and Qiao Family Compound en route. Even though the ride takes around 10 hours, you will certainly feel excited and fulfilled.
At the rim of Datong, there exists a section of wild Great Wall with a length of 300 kilometers (186 miles) or so, along which the Desheng Fortress is the closest Fortress. It is located about 45 kilometers (27miles) northwest of Datong. With a history of 500 years, this fortress used to be a place for the soldiers on the border living in the ancient times. The Great Wall here was built on the ground and it stands till now after experiencing hundreds of years’ vicissitudes. If you are hike lovers, you can take a hiking tour along the old wall for 5-10 kilometers. What's more, the majestic and grand Yanmenguan Pass, also called Baicaokou Wild Great Wall, 120 kilometers (74 miles) away from Datong, is another ideal place for hiking.
If your next destination is Pingyao, you can go by a 5-hour train journey. However, if time permits, taking a private car is also a good choice. You will start from Datong in the morning and take a side trip to visit the Hanging Monastery, Wooden Pagoda and Qiao Family Compound en route. Even though the ride takes around 10 hours, you will certainly feel excited and fulfilled.
Admire the peculiar Hanging Monastery
Hike on the Baicaokou Wild Great Wall
What are the transportations between Beijing and Datong?
Generally, airplane and train are the two main transportations between Beijing and Datong. There are 1-2 flights available daily between these two cities and the journey takes around one hour.
In addition to the flight, taking the train is the other option. At present, there are no high speed trains but only normal trains that take 6-8 hours between Beijing and Datong. Most travelers prefer to choose overnight trains which leave from Beijing at around 23:00 and arrive in Datong at 5:00 or 6:00 next morning. In this way, you can not only save one night's hotel accommodation, but also make full use of the daytime for sightseeing. However, the disadvantage of taking an overnight train is that you may feel tired after the whole night's ride. Hereunder are the frequently-used train schedules between Beijing and Datong for reference.
From Beijing to Datong
In addition to the flight, taking the train is the other option. At present, there are no high speed trains but only normal trains that take 6-8 hours between Beijing and Datong. Most travelers prefer to choose overnight trains which leave from Beijing at around 23:00 and arrive in Datong at 5:00 or 6:00 next morning. In this way, you can not only save one night's hotel accommodation, but also make full use of the daytime for sightseeing. However, the disadvantage of taking an overnight train is that you may feel tired after the whole night's ride. Hereunder are the frequently-used train schedules between Beijing and Datong for reference.
Train | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
K617 | 10:24 | 17:48 | 07h24m |
K395 | 11:07 | 17:33 | 06h26m |
K615 | 14:16 | 20:43 | 06h27m |
Z317 | 22:49 | 04:54 | 06h05m |
K695 | 23:32 | 06:05 | 06h33m |
K885 | 23:41 | 05:48 | 06h07m |
Train | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
K616 | 07:16 | 13:16 | 06h00m |
K618 | 13:12 | 19:35 | 06h23m |
K696 | 16:30 | 22:35 | 06h05m |
K962 | 22:13 | 04:37 | 06h24m |
K56 | 22:27 | 04:27 | 06h00m |
K598 | 23:03 | 04:54 | 05h51m |
- 4.818 ReviewsArgentinaPosted on March 07, 2021It was the second time I chose TravelChinaGuide. Because its tour guides were professional and the itinerary was suitable. The biggest feeling of this trip was that the guide provided a detailed and humorous introduction of these attractions, which was very attractive.
Shanxi has a vast territory, so you’d better book a tour and it was more convenient to get to various scenic spots. Or else, I personally feel it was a little hard to travel alone. This trip, I pretty liked Pingyao Ancient City with a strong cultural atmosphere and Chinese characteristics. It has a unique natural and cultural landscape, attracting many visitors every year.
Besides, Chinese tourists there were very warm and polite. Generally speaking, I was satisfied with this 5 days Datong and Pingyao tour! ... MoreIrelandPosted on November 19, 2020TravelChinaGuide provided an attentive service for visitors on our tasting, visiting and entertaining! Strongly recommend!UKPosted on July 26, 2020I was a little worried about this trip before departure because it was my first trip abroad. There could have a lot of worries in this unfamiliar place. However, these fears proved unfounded finally. Our tour guide was enthusiastic and thoughtful, and the driver was experienced and warm-hearted so that we had a relaxed and enjoyable time! Thanks a million!!