Mr chai Noodle

Many restaurants in Datong are closed in the afternoon. This is something that tourists who travel to Datong must prepare in advance. We originally wanted to go to another shaved noodle restaurant at noon, but when we went there, there were already a lot of people queuing up, and the store also said that there was no need to queue up anymore, because they would rest after serving the current group of guests, so we searched for various shaved noodle restaurants that were not closed in the afternoon, and found this one, which had a good rating, so we drove 🚗 straight here. 🍜 Dishes: Although it was past the lunch rush hour, this restaurant was still crowded. A few of us waited for a while and finally got a vacant seat. Fortunately, we had ordered the meal while waiting, and the dishes were served soon after we sat down. 4 people ordered 3 bowls of traditional pork noodles 🍜, with added old tofu, eggs 🥚, signature small roasted pork and tiger skin peppers as side dishes, and also ordered 1 serving of mutton offal and 1 large serving of cold dishes. The shaved noodles are very wide and solid, and paired with soup and side dishes🥬, you won't feel greasy; the mutton offal is very substantial, accompanied by hot oil, it is very satisfying to chew, and both the noodles and mutton offal are more oily, so you still have to order a cold dish and a drink🥤 to neutralize it. 🍃Environment & Service: The store is not small, but because there are too many customers, it seems crowded. The waiters in the store💁 are very busy, but although there are many people, they are not panicked and very patient👍. All kinds of side dishes and ingredients in the ordering area are placed under a transparent glass cover. Above the ordering counter is a light board of the store's signature dishes. The customers can see it clearly at a glance, which improves the efficiency of ordering. There are graphic introductions of various old-style shaved noodles on the walls around the store, and there are self-service water and noodle soup equipment at the door. Everything is very convenient. 📍Location & Transportation The store is located at the northeast entrance of the intersection of Yongtai South Road and Xiangyang Street, not far from the south gate of the ancient city. It is a lively place. It is convenient to park if you drive 🚗. If you take the bus 🚌, you need to walk 🚶 for a while, which is relatively inconvenient.

Family, does anyone understand?! Datong is truly a carb and meat paradise! I gained 5 pounds in 3 days of intense walking, eating until I was stuffed at every meal. I've compiled a list of 10 restaurants that I personally tested and found to be safe bets. Not eating at these places would be a wasted trip! Fengling Pavilion is a must-try! The one in the ancient city is incredibly luxurious, with a classic and photogenic atmosphere! Their intangible cultural heritage-style Hundred Flower Shaomai is amazing—9 flower shapes and 9 different fillings. The thin skin bursts with juice with every bite, and it's even the same style as Empress Dowager Cixi's! However, you absolutely must get a number online in advance, otherwise you might wait in line for an hour and still not get a table. If you miss your number, you might get a second chance. Longjuxiang Shaomai Restaurant is also super popular. The Gulou branch always has a queue. If you don't want to wait, go to one of the other branches; the taste is the same! The mutton shaomai and three-color shaomai are must-orders. The mutton filling isn't gamey at all, it's incredibly tender. The yellow millet jelly with osmanthus sauce is sweet and refreshing, a perfect way to cut through the richness. Lao Chai Knife-Cut Noodles is a local favorite, a truly authentic eatery. The noodles are freshly cut by the chef, evenly thick and incredibly chewy! Served with meat or tomato broth, a spoonful of chili oil, a braised egg, and dried tofu, it's a satisfying breakfast for around 15 yuan per person. Weiwei Lamb Offal is a must-try! Locals always line up. The offal is meticulously cleaned, with no unpleasant smell. The broth is fresh, spicy, and flavorful. Soaking fried dough sticks in the broth makes them incredibly delicious! The only downside is that it closes early, usually selling out before 2 pm, and it's a bit far from the old town, so you'll need to take a taxi. Zini 369 Coarse Grain Season is a long-established restaurant in Datong. Many dishes can be ordered in half portions, a must-visit if you want to try a variety of flavors! Oat noodles dipped in tomato meat sauce are a perfect match! Hunyuan cold noodles are tangy and spicy, and Huai Ren lamb offal is also delicious—all authentic coarse grain dishes with excellent value for money. Kaige Restaurant has many branches and is a popular spot for locals. The food is consistently good and you can't go wrong. They offer half-portions of hot dishes, making it a great choice for group meals. Their shumai, braised pork, and sweet and sour meatballs are all quite delicious, and the convenience is great. Hongya Restaurant has a spacious five-story building, perfect for large groups. They offer not only Shanxi cuisine but also Cantonese and Western dishes, catering to different tastes. It's a great place to bring out-of-town friends, catering to both northern and southern palates. Xijindao Noodle Shop's knife-cut noodles are also excellent, consistently high quality and you don't have to worry about disappointment. The noodles are chewy and flavorful, with plenty of side dishes, and free refills of appetizers are available. It's the perfect place when you're craving noodles. After a heavy meal, you'll need a dessert to cleanse your palate! Heshengcai's sea buckthorn ice bread is worth trying. The filling is sweet and sour, refreshing and not greasy. However, opinions are somewhat polarized; those who like sweet and sour flavors should give it a try, but those who can't stand sea buckthorn should be cautious. Mulan's ice cream is a Datong specialty, offering local flavors like sea buckthorn and millet. Its smooth texture is incredibly satisfying; enjoying one while strolling through the ancient city is refreshing and helps cut through the richness of the food. Finally, a few tips: For popular shops like Fengling Pavilion and Longjuxiang, be sure to get a number online in advance; if you miss your turn, you can usually get a second chance. Buy local specialties like sea buckthorn juice and millet at large supermarkets—they're about one-third cheaper than in the tourist areas and you can get an invoice. A taxi from Datong South Station to the ancient city should cost around 30 yuan by meter; avoid unlicensed taxis that charge exorbitant prices at the entrance. Shared bikes are more flexible than electric bikes in the ancient city, allowing you to navigate even the smallest alleys, but be sure to park them in designated areas to avoid being charged a dispatch fee. Datong's culinary delights are truly hidden in the everyday life of the city. Each place has its own unique flavor. Follow this list, and you can eat your way through three days without repeating a single dish or making a mistake. Save it for your next trip! #LocalFood #FoodFestival

Datong Travel Guide: A Journey Through a Thousand Years of History and Nature Datong, located in northern Shanxi Province, was once the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty and a secondary capital of the Liao and Jin Dynasties. It is known as the "Coal Capital of China" and the "Key to the North." It boasts not only rich historical and cultural heritage but also magnificent natural scenery. Below is a detailed travel guide to help you deeply experience the charm of Datong. 📅 Best Time to Travel Spring and Autumn (April-June, September-October): Pleasant climate, ideal for outdoor activities. Summer (July-August): A summer resort, but sun protection is necessary. Winter (November-March): Cold, but offers opportunities to experience snow scenery and hot springs. 🚗 Transportation Guide Airplane: Datong Yungang Airport, with flights to major domestic cities. Train: Datong Station (regular train), Datong South Station (high-speed train). The high-speed train from Beijing to Datong takes approximately 2 hours. City Transportation: Public buses, taxis, shared bicycles; hiring a car or driving between attractions is recommended. 🏛️ Must-See Attractions 1. Yungang Grottoes (World Cultural Heritage Site) Highlights: One of China's four major grottoes, with 45 caves and over 51,000 Buddha statues. Cave 5 (the Great Buddha Cave) and Cave 6 (telling stories of Sakyamuni's life) are the most famous. Tips: It is recommended to hire a guide or rent an electronic audio guide. A visit takes 2-3 hours. Tickets: 120 RMB (peak season), 100 RMB (off-season). 2. Hanging Temple (Hengshan Scenic Area) Highlights: A thousand-year-old temple built on a cliff, renowned for its "uniqueness, precariousness, and ingenuity," and a syncretic blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Tips: Queues are required to climb the temple; those with a fear of heights should proceed with caution; may be closed in winter. Tickets: 125 RMB (including climbing fee). 3. Hengshan (One of the Five Sacred Mountains) Highlights: Hengshan, the Northern Sacred Mountain, is a Taoist holy site. Visitors can hike or take a cable car up the mountain and visit places such as Hengzong Hall and Huixianfu. Tips: Can be visited on the same day as the Hanging Temple; the climb takes 3-4 hours. Entrance Fee: 45 yuan; Cable car 70 yuan one way. 4. Datong Ancient City Huayan Temple: A royal temple of the Liao and Jin dynasties; the Mahavira Hall and the Bojiajiaozang Hall (containing the "Oriental Venus" Bodhisattva statue) are must-sees. Nine-Dragon Wall: One of the three major Nine-Dragon Walls in China, a precious example of Ming Dynasty glazed art. Shanhua Temple: A well-preserved Liao and Jin architectural complex; free admission. Ancient City Wall: Can be cycled or walked; the nighttime light show is worth seeing. 5. Datong Earth Forest (Geological Wonder) Highlights: Unique landforms formed by loess erosion, suitable for photography enthusiasts. Tips: About 20 kilometers from the city center; recommended to visit at sunset. Entrance Fee: 60 yuan. 6. Jinhuagong National Mining Park Highlights: Underground exploration tour; experience the history of coal mining; suitable for families. Tickets: 80 yuan (includes visit to the well). 🍜 Food Recommendations Knife-cut noodles: A Datong specialty; recommended are "Dongfang Knife-cut Noodles" and "Lao Chai Knife-cut Noodles". Lamb offal soup: Hot and spicy, even more authentic with yellow rice cake. Shumai: Primarily filled with lamb, thin wrapper and generous filling. Hunyuan cold noodles: A Hengshan specialty, refreshing and delicious. Fengling Pavilion: A century-old shop; try their Hundred Flower Shaomai and Guo You Rou (stir-fried pork). 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions Within the ancient city: For convenient sightseeing, Datong Garden Hotel and Yungang Meigao Hotel are recommended. Near Hengshan/Hanging Temple: If overnight accommodation is needed, choose a budget hotel in Hunyuan County. High-end options: Datong Jindi Howard Johnson Hotel and Datong Wangfu Supreme Hotel. 📌 Recommended Itinerary 2-Day Tour Day 1: Yungang Grottoes → Datong Ancient City (Huayan Temple, Nine-Dragon Wall, Shanhua Temple) → Night Tour of the Ancient City Wall. Day 2: Hanging Temple → Hengshan Mountain → Return Trip. 3-Day Tour Day 3: Earth Forest or Jinhuagong Mining Park → Datong Museum (Free, learn about history) → Return Trip. ⚠️ Important Notes Photography is prohibited at some historical sites; please abide by the park's regulations. Datong experiences significant temperature differences between day and night; please bring a windproof jacket. The Hanging Temple has visitor limits; during peak season, it is recommended to arrive early or make reservations in advance. Respect local culture and maintain quiet within the temple grounds. Datong is a city that needs to be savored slowly. Whether it's the grandeur of the grottoes, the imposing ancient temples, or the rich aroma of its noodles, you can feel the weight of history and the boldness of northern China. We hope this guide helps you embark on an unforgettable journey! 🚀 #ShanxiTourism #DatongTravelGuide #WorthVisitAncientTownsAndVillages

🥶I was freezing in Datong in November! But the vibrant atmosphere of the ancient city and grottoes made me reluctant to leave~ Just got back from Datong bundled up in a down jacket! The -10°C wind stung my face and my hands and feet were numb, but the perilous Hanging Temple, the piping hot knife-cut noodles, and the lively atmosphere of the ancient city completely healed me! Going in November or December is truly "torture," but this guide will save you 99% of the trouble~ As a history buff and food lover, before I left, my mind was filled with the awe-inspiring Yungang Grottoes and the delicious aroma of Datong knife-cut noodles. But as soon as I got off the train, the northeast wind taught me a lesson! But when I saw the golden glow of the Buddha statues in the grottoes under the setting sun, and finished a bowl of hot knife-cut noodles, all the cold vanished~ This heartfelt sharing covers everything from routes and food to staying warm! 🚗Transportation Guide: Worry-Free Travel - External Transportation: 1.5-hour direct high-speed train from Beijing, ticket price 100+ RMB; 2-hour journey from Taiyuan. Buy round-trip tickets in advance on the Ctrip app. During peak season, it's recommended to book early morning high-speed trains to avoid delays. - Local Transportation: Attractions are concentrated in the city center. Taxi fares start at 8 RMB, approximately 30 RMB to Yungang Grottoes; Bus 603 goes to Yungang Grottoes and Huayan Temple for a very cheap 2 RMB/person, but waiting for the bus in winter is extremely cold, so a combination of subway and taxi is recommended. - Avoidance Tips: Roads may be icy in winter. Choose licensed taxis and avoid unlicensed taxis; for the Hanging Temple, carpooling is recommended (50 RMB per person), saving time compared to public transport and being safer on icy mountain roads. 🏯3 Days 2 Nights Essential Itinerary: Cold but Super Worth It! ✨Day 1: Yungang Grottoes → Huayan Temple → Ancient City Wall Night View Arrive at Yungang Grottoes before 9 AM. Buy tickets in advance on the Ctrip app (120 RMB/person, half price for students) to avoid peak tour periods! We recommend renting an audio guide (30 RMB/unit) to follow the explanations and explore the five caves of Tan Yao. The solemnity of the open-air Buddha in Cave 20 is even more breathtaking under the warm winter sun. Photography tips: Wear a dark coat or red scarf to create a contrast with the yellowish-brown of the grottoes. Use the light and shadow to photograph the Buddha's profile for maximum atmosphere! In the afternoon, visit Huayan Temple. The Liao Dynasty painted clay sculpture "Bodhisattva with Hands Clasped and Teeth Showing" is incredibly lifelike. Sunlight streaming through the ancient windows onto the Buddha statue is breathtakingly beautiful. The temple's main hall boasts the largest Buddhist hall caisson ceiling in China; looking up is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Climb the Datong Ancient City Wall at night (free). When the lights come on, the outline of the ancient city is exceptionally clear in the night. Walking on the wall with the wind blowing (remember to wear a scarf!), you can see the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the distance, creating a picturesque scene. Every snapshot is a masterpiece of ancient style. ✨Day 2: Hanging Temple → Hengshan Mountain → Datong Knife-Cut Noodles The Hanging Temple is absolutely precipitous! Built on a cliff face, the wooden walkway is so narrow that only one person can pass at a time. Looking down makes your legs weak! Tickets can be booked in advance on the Ctrip app (15 RMB/person, 100 RMB for the climbing fee). It's recommended to go early in the morning to avoid crowds and queues. The sunlight shining on the temple, with its red walls and gray tiles, is incredibly photogenic! In the afternoon, we went to Hengshan Mountain. Winter Hengshan was shrouded in a thin mist, and the snow on the summit hadn't melted yet. Climbing the steps, the cold wind stung our faces, but the moment we reached the top and looked down at the surrounding mountains, all the fatigue was worth it! Clothing suggestions: Wear non-slip sports shoes, gloves, and a hat. It's windy on the mountain, so wear a windproof down jacket if possible. In the evening, we absolutely had to have Datong knife-cut noodles! The pork stir-fried noodles at "Oriental Knife-Cut Noodle King" were incredibly fragrant, the noodles were chewy, and paired with homemade chili oil, one bite warmed us to the core. It's only 15 yuan per person, enough to fill you up. ✨Day 3: Shanhua Temple → Datong Museum → Local Snacks Shanhua Temple is the best-preserved Liao-Jin dynasty temple in China, and it's free to enter! The Puxian Pavilion and the Three Saints Hall inside the temple are exceptionally well-preserved. Sunlight streamed through the lattice windows, creating dappled light and shadow, perfect for a quiet and leisurely stroll. In the afternoon, visit the Datong Museum. The museum's prized possession, the "Sima Jinlong Tomb Wood Lacquer Painting," is a must-see. Its vibrant colors and exquisite details offer a close-up experience of the cultural charm of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Before leaving, check out "Fengling Pavilion." Besides its famous shaomai (steamed dumplings), their braised pork and yellow millet jelly are also superb. The shaomai have thin wrappers and generous fillings; one bite and the broth bursts out. A satisfying meal for around 60 RMB per person. 🍜Food List: Local Hidden Gems You Can't Miss - Knife-cut Noodles: Besides the "King of Knife-cut Noodles" from Dongfang, "Lao Chai Knife-cut Noodles" also offers incredibly fragrant mutton noodles. The mutton is tender and not gamey, paired with refreshing side dishes—perfect for warming up in winter. - Shaomai: Fengling Pavilion's shaomai is a must-try, but the queues are long. You can also try "Kaige Restaurant's" shaomai; the taste is just as good, and the price is more affordable. - Snacks: "Sun Ji Baozi Shop's" sugar buns and meat buns are incredibly generous, with thin skins and large fillings. Paired with a bowl of millet porridge, they make a wonderfully comforting breakfast. "Datong Liangfen" (cold mung bean jelly) has incredibly fragrant chili oil; eating cold dishes in winter requires courage, but the taste is absolutely amazing! - Specialties: Datong daylilies and Yanggao dried apricots are great souvenirs, readily available in supermarkets at excellent value. ⚠️November-December Avoidance & Warmth Guide - Warmth Gear: For temperatures below -10℃, a windproof down jacket, fleece-lined snow boots, touchscreen gloves, and a Lei Feng hat are essential. Wear a quick-drying undershirt next to your skin, layered with a sweater underneath. Make sure to protect your neck and ears, or they'll turn bright red from the cold! - Avoidance Tips: Purchase your entrance fee to the Hanging Temple in advance, as it may sell out on-site. Some attractions on Hengshan Mountain may be closed in winter; check the latest announcements on the Ctrip app before you go. Most guesthouses in the ancient city have heating, but some older buildings have poor sound insulation; check reviews before booking. - Photography Tips: In winter, the sunlight is at an angle, making 10 AM and 3 PM the best times for photos. When photographing ancient architecture, use shadows to add depth. When photographing people, let the sunlight come from the side for a fantastic atmosphere. Although Datong is freezing cold in November and December, the ancient city's grandeur, the awe-inspiring grottoes, and the comforting food make this city incredibly charming. Stay warm, bring this guide, and you can unlock Datong's unique winter charm! Save this guide and get ready to go! Which city do you most want to visit in winter? Share your thoughts in the comments, and one lucky winner will receive a Datong-style daylily gift box! ❄️ #DatongTravel #PlacesYouGetAskedAboutOnWeChat #RoadScenery #OffTheRoadDiscovery #CityCultureNotes

Hey everyone! 👋 Can you imagine a city where you can both experience the rich history of the Northern Wei Dynasty and savor delicious, down-to-earth cuisine? Datong, this unassuming yet treasure-filled city, can fulfill all your travel fantasies! Now, let's embark on this dreamlike journey through a thousand years together. Travel Preparation ● Documents: ID card, various discount cards (student ID, senior citizen card, etc.). ● Clothing: Datong has a large temperature difference between day and night, so even in summer, it's best to bring a light jacket. Spring and autumn are windy, so bring windproof clothing. Winters are very cold, so down jackets, thick hats, scarves, gloves, and other warm gear are essential 🧣. ● Other: Sunscreen, common medications, chargers, camera, etc. 📷. Transportation Guide ● External Transportation ○ By Air: Datong Yungang Airport has airport buses to and from the city center. You can also choose to take a taxi or a ride-hailing service. ○ Train: Datong Station and Datong South Station are the main train stations, with convenient transportation and buses and taxis nearby. ● Internal Transportation ○ Bus: Most attractions are directly accessible by bus, and the prices are affordable, making it a good choice for travel 🚌. ○ Taxi/Ride-hailing: Taking a taxi in the city is relatively convenient, but traffic jams may occur during peak tourist season. Food Recommendations ● Knife-cut Noodles: Coming to Datong without trying knife-cut noodles is a wasted trip! The noodles are thick in the middle and thin at the edges, resembling willow leaves, with a chewy texture. Paired with various toppings, the taste is amazing 🍜. Recommended: Dongfang Knife-cut Noodles and Lao Chai Knife-cut Noodles. ● Lamb Offal Rice Noodles: The lamb offal is very clean, with no gamey smell. The rice noodles are soft and chewy, and the soup is fresh and delicious. A bowl is incredibly satisfying 🥣. Fenglinge and Longjuxiang's lamb offal rice noodles are both good. ● Rabbit Heads: Available in various flavors such as five-spice and spicy, the meat is tender and juicy, making it incredibly satisfying to eat 😋. Rabbit Commander's rabbit head is worth a try. ● Copper Hot Pot: Using a traditional copper pot, paired with fresh mutton and a special sesame sauce, it's simply divine! 🥘 Lao Ye Miao Hot Pot and Kai Ge Hot Pot are both very popular. Attraction Guide Yungang Grottoes 📍Address: No. 1, Yungang Town, Yungang District, Datong City 🕙Opening Hours: April 1st - October 31st 08:30 - 17:30; November 1st - March 31st of the following year 09:00 - 17:00 🎫Tickets: Peak season (April 1st - October 31st) 120 RMB/person; Off-season (November 1st - March 31st of the following year) 100 RMB/person 🌟Recommendation: Yungang Grottoes is one of the four major grottoes in China, originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, with a history of over 1500 years. The Buddha statues here are exquisitely crafted and magnificent, each embodying the wisdom and faith of the ancients. Caves 5 and 6, and the Five Caves of Tan Yao, are especially worth visiting! 🤩 Hanging Temple 📍Address: At the foot of Hengshan Mountain, southeast of Hunyuan County, Datong City 🕙Opening Hours: 08:30 - 17:30 🎫Tickets: Peak season (March 1st - November 30th): 15 RMB/person, climbing fee 100 RMB/person; Off-season (December 1st - February 28th of the following year): 15 RMB/person, climbing fee 100 RMB/person 🌟Recommendation: The Hanging Temple is a temple built on a cliff, renowned for its unique architectural style and breathtaking location. Perched on a precipice overlooking a deep valley, it resembles a delicate and exquisite relief sculpture embedded in the towering cliffs. Standing inside the temple, feeling the gentle breeze on your face, you can almost hear the whispers of the ancients. Huayan Temple 📍Address: No. 18, Daxi Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City 🕙Opening Hours: 08:30 - 17:00 🎫Ticket Price: 65 RMB/person 🌟Recommendation: Huayan Temple is one of the oldest and best-preserved Liao-Jin dynasty temple complexes in China. The Mahavira Hall within the temple is one of the largest existing Buddhist halls in my country, with exquisite murals and Buddha statues possessing high artistic value. Datong Ancient City Wall 📍Address: Pingcheng District, Datong City 🕙Opening Hours: Open all day 🎫Ticket Price: Free 🌟Recommendation: The Datong Ancient City Wall has a long history and is tall and majestic, one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in my country. You can stroll along the wall, admire the scenery of the ancient city, and feel the vicissitudes of history. The ancient city wall is even more beautiful at night under the lights; you must see it! ✨ Accommodation Recommendations ● Within the Ancient City: Convenient for travel, with many restaurants and attractions nearby, and the option to enjoy the city's night view. Consider a guesthouse to experience local culture. 🏠 ● Near the High-Speed ​​Railway Station: Convenient transportation, suitable for travelers catching early trains or flights. A wide selection of hotels is available. 🛎️ Itinerary Three-Day Tour Day 1 ● Morning: Arrive in Datong, check into the hotel, and after a short rest, enjoy some knife-cut noodles. ● Afternoon: Visit Huayan Temple and experience the charm of Liao and Jin culture. ● Evening: Tour the Datong Ancient City Wall, enjoy the night view, and savor local cuisine. Day 2 ● Morning: Visit the Yungang Grottoes and appreciate the splendor of these thousand-year-old grottoes. ● Afternoon: Visit Jinhua Palace National Mining Park to experience the history and culture of coal mining. ● Evening: Enjoy hot pot with copper pot meat. Day 3 ● Morning: Visit the Hanging Temple and experience the wonder of its suspended architecture. ● Afternoon: Return to the city, buy some local specialties, and conclude your enjoyable trip ✈️. My darlings, Datong has many hidden gems and delicious foods waiting for you to discover 🤗. Pack your bags and embark on a spontaneous trip to Datong! Remember to share your travel stories in the comments section 😘. #DatongTravel #DatongTravelGuide #YungangGrottoes #HangingTemple