Essence of Datong

Pick up at flight/train station arrival and help you to check in your hotel. The rest of the time will be free on your own or take an optional evening tour depending on your interests and arrival time. 

Yungang Grottoes represents the most supreme achievements of Buddhist cave art in China, along with Mogao Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes and Maiji Mountain Cave. Work for these magnificent carvings began in AD 460 and continued for over 60 years. The remains of this wonder comprise of 252 caves and niches with over 51,000 ancient statues and celestial beings. Each is unique and beautifully painted with mixture of Chinese character and influences of designs from Indian, Persian and Greek that swept along the Silk Road. We will spend two hours watching the colorful wonders. If you have interests to know more, a free visit of the museum in the park can be added in.

Then we move south for about 1.5- hour drive to Hangying Monastery. Lunch will be arranged on the way.

Hanging Monastery is a beautiful architectural wonder built on the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge, more than 60 meters above the foot of Mt. Heng. The whole complex based on the support of wooden pillars inserted into the side of the cliff, and rock at the back of the building, seemingly hanging on the cliff face. The panoramic view from above is also stunning. Apart from that, the 1,500-year old temple is the only existed one hosting worship for the Taoists, Confucians and Buddhists, all of which co-exist harmoniously in the building.

Transfer you to the airport/train station after breakfast.

Bullet trains connect Datong conveniently with Beijing, Taiyuan and Pingyao.