[Datong: A Glimpse Through a Millennium]

[Trip Highlights] ✅ Gaze upon the thousand-year-old Buddha in Cave 20 at Yungang Grottoes ✅ Experience the thrilling heights of the Hanging Temple ✅ Admire the imperial aesthetics of Liao-Jin Dynasty colored sculptures at Huayan Temple ✅ Witness the dialogue between past and present under the sunset at the ancient city wall 📍 Yungang Grottoes (Entrance fee: CNY 120) When morning light illuminates the golden kasaya of the outdoor Buddha in Cave 20, you'll witness the peak of Buddhist art from the Northern Wei Dynasty. Arrive before 8 AM to avoid crowds and quietly appreciate the magnificent "Five Caves of Tan Yao." Pay special attention to the bas-reliefs depicting Sakyamuni's enlightenment in Cave 6, considered the "Comic Bible" of the 5th century. 🏯 Hanging Temple (First entrance: CNY 15, Climbing fee: CNY 100) Li Bai's inscription of "Magnificent" still remains at this 1,500-year-old wooden structure embedded in the cliff of Cuiping Peak. Tips for climbing: wear non-slip shoes and stay close to the inner side. During rainy season, the misty atmosphere creates a fairyland effect. Daily visitor numbers are limited, so book the earliest time slot. 🌇 Datong Ancient City Huayan Temple (CNY 50): The smiling Bodhisattva with clasped hands in Bhogavati Hall will change your perception of Liao Dynasty sculptures Shanhua Temple (Free): Best-preserved Liao-Jin architecture complex, perfect for hanfu photos in front of the Five Dragon Screen City Wall (Free): Best sunset views from Yongtai Gate at South Gate, better experienced by bicycle 🍜 Datong Culinary Delights (Average CNY 30 per person) • Xijin Dao: The "Hermès" of knife-cut noodles, amazing with minced meat sauce and braised tofu • Long Juxiang: Heritage shumai with yellow rice cake, careful with the juicy lamb filling • Shunyi Liangfen: Three generations of traditional chili oil recipe, fragrant but not overwhelming 🚌 Transportation Tips • 2-hour high-speed rail from Beijing to Datong South Station • Bus Route 3 directly to Yungang Grottoes • Shared car recommended for Hanging Temple (about CNY 60/person) • Shared electric bikes convenient within ancient city 📸 Photo Spots 45-degree upward angle from the left side of Cave 20 Buddha Panoramic view of architecture from second-floor plank road at Hanging Temple Sunset with chiwen roof ornaments at Huayan Temple's Main Hall Traditional inn entrance at Pipa Old Store on Ancient Street [Accommodation Recommendations] • Yungang Hotel: Walking distance to city wall • Datong Youth Hostel: Rooftop bar with starry views for backpackers 💡 Special Notes • Best visiting season: April-October • Official guide service available at Yungang Grottoes (CNY 150/group) • Hanging Temple may close temporarily during rain or snow • All public toilets in ancient city are heated! Standing on the ancient city wall, modern buildings share the skyline with thousand-year-old pagodas. This "Phoenix City" tells its story through the steam of copper hotpots: history never left - it lives in every weathered brick of the city wall and in the skilled movements of noodle makers' wrists.