Pingyao 2-Day Private Tour to Datong: Hanging Temple, Yungang Grottoes and More

Your tour guide will hold your name sign waiting for you in the lobby of your hotel, then heading directly to Hanging Temple which takes 3 hours, your tour guide will explain the related histories and stories along the way, feel free to ask questions if you have.

The hanging temple is the only existed temple hosting worship for the Taoists, Confucians and Buddhists. Built in 491 A.D, Hanging Temple is an architectural wonder because it hangs on the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge more than 50 meters above the ground. An unique mechanical theory was applied to building the framework. Crossbeams were half-inserted into the rock as the foundation, while the rock in back became its support. Seen from below, it appears to be a tumble-down castle in the air. Inside, it provides the same scene as other temples. Hanging Monastery is an architectural wonder. A unique mechanical theory was applied to building the framework. Crossbeams were half-inserted into the rock as the foundation, while the rock in back became its support. Seen from below, it appears to be a tumble-down castle in the air. Inside, it provides the same scene as other temples. The architecture embodies a great cultural achievement of Chinese people.

Follow your tour guide to experience the 1400 years architectural wonder, get to learn the history of three major religions in China and how these believes been used into the architecture.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Datong (Please book your own hotel in Datong in advance)

Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your hotel, then start your tour from Yungang Grottoes.

Located at the southern foot of the Wuzhou Mountain, the Yungang Grottoes were built against the mountain and extend about one km (0.62 miles) from east to west. Comprising 252 caves and 51,000 statues within a carved area of 18,000 square meters.

Yungang Grottoes represent the outstanding achievement of Buddhist cave art in China during the 5th and 6th centuries. The Five Caves created by Tan Yao, with their strict unity of layout and design, constitute a classical masterpiece of the first peak of Chinese Buddhist art.

While influenced by Buddhist cave art from South and Central Asia, Yungang Grottoes have also interpreted the Buddhist cave art with distinctive Chinese character and local spirit. As a result, Yungang Grottoes have played a vitally important role among early Oriental Buddhist grottoes and had a far-reaching impact on Buddhist cave art in China and East Asia.

Yungang Grottoes were added to the World Cultural Heritage List in December 2001.

Walk with your tour guide to explore the grottoes and niches, get to know its history and culture. Since this is a private tour, feel free to ask questions during the tour.

Next, follow your tour guide to check out the oldest and largest glazed screen in China. Built over 600 years ago, Nine Dragon Screen in Datong presently the oldest and largest glazed screen in China today. Admire the massive screen and learn its history and background with your tour guide.

Enjoy lunch in the local restaurant, after that, follow your tour guide to explore the city wall.

The Datong City Wall with a long history going back to the North Wei Dynasty (386～557), the City Wall is truly magnificent. Since ancient times, Datong has been a place of great strategic importance, especially when in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it became the door of the country's capital, through the protective screen of Shanxi province, and a safeguard of the Yellow River Plain.

After the tour finished, your can choose to end your tour in Datong or travel back to Pingyao.