Top 20 Best Things to Do in Datong
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Datong

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Yungang Grottoestop_1
    󰺂8.9
    51.56
    Datong14.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    Stroll through the grottoes and explore Forty Caves
    59,000+ stone sculptures inside caves
    󱨠Saved by 851 users󱨠24719 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    ALuizALuiz

    Great site to visit with incredible things to see! Easy site to walkthrough and very organized (even with lots of people). We went using DiDi and it was easy and inexpensive. Really recommended! Must see!

  • Xuankong Templetop_2
    󰺂8.4
    14.96
    Hunyuan58.1 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoExperience the awe-inspiring heights of Xuankong Temple
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    Admire Exquisite Wood Carved Murals Along the Plank Road
    󰋄Cliffside's breathtaking architecture
    󱨠Saved by 792 users󱨠7564 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Reliable platform to book. Everything goes as planned. Highly recommended.

  • Heng Shan Mountaintop_3
    󰺂7.5
    14.96
    Hunyuan58.6 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄360° views of nature
    󱨜Hanging Temple: ancient wooden architecture
    󱨠Saved by 139 users󱨠2984 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    D31***03D31***03

    Beautiful! Less crowded than most other attractions. Very enjoyable.

  • Datong Ancient City
    4
    󰺂7.3
    5.16
    Datong.Ancient City Tourist Cultural Area1.9 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱓊Unique blend of ancient & modern
    󱓊Ancient & modern city vibe
    󱨠Saved by 181 users󱨠240 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    偷闲的小螺偷闲的小螺

    When I went to the beginning of the month, due to the suspension of some programs and light shows, I have not seen it. It is a pity that Datong is a city where food, history and modern civilization coexist. I will definitely revisit it again if I have the opportunity.

  • Datong Museum
    5
    󰺂6.8
    Datong.Datong South Railway Station/Fantawild Adventure5.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Datong
    Highlights:
    󱓊Dinosaurs' habitat recreated & displayed
    󱨜Artifacts showcase ancient Chinese history
    󱨠476 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    牛奶海牛奶海

    Datong Museum is one of a group of cultural and art museums built in the south of Datong Municipal Government in the new district in recent years. It is adjacent to Datong Art Museum, Datong Theatre and Datong Library. The exterior design of the museum building is relatively modern, and the internal space is relatively large. Mainly the classification is displayed and introduced to the historical and cultural development process of Datong. The collection is rich, interesting and knowledgeable. Transportation is also more convenient.

  • Datong Fantawild Adventure
    6
    󰺂6.4
    Datong.Datong South Railway Station/Fantawild Adventure6.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Family-friendly Attractions in Datong
    Highlights:
    Dinosaur Age Adventure Rapids
    󱨜Hua Xia Five Thousand Years Theme Area Experience
    󱨠5274 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    While it was freezing cold outside, the singing and dancing at Fantawild was ablaze with excitement. During the Spring Festival, discounted tickets were available, but outdoor attractions were closed, so only indoor ones were available. The attractions had a schedule, but due to time conflicts and locational issues, I wasn't able to experience all of them in one day. The festive atmosphere was there, and the joy of entertainment was there.

  • Datong Clay Forest
    7
    󰺂6.3
    24.75
    Datong20.3 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Stunning sunrise & sunset views
    󱨜Near Hanging Temple & Yungang Caves
    󱨠Saved by 109 users󱨠632 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    yjw2000yjw2000

    Datong Tulin is a unique geological landscape located in Duzhuang Village, Yunzhou District, Datong City, Shanxi Province, known as the "Devil City on the Loess Plateau", and Yunnan Yuanmou, Tibet Zada and China's three major earth forests. ‌ Earth forest formed tens of thousands of years ago in the Quaternary river and lake facies sediment weathering, including 23 typical landforms such as soil columns, soil walls, trenches, and present the visual characteristics of gold, red, Dai and white. After the snow, you can see the castle hanging alone, general array and other mimicry shapes, and different seasons and lighting will present different visual effects.

  • Yong'an Temple
    8
    󰺂6.3
    Hunyuan53.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Admire Yuan Dynasty Murals in Chuan Fa Zheng Zong Hall
    󱨜Jin Dynasty ancient temple has seen historical changes
    󱨠183 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Yong'an Temple in Hunyuan, commonly known as the Great Temple, is an important Buddhist site for the Water and Land Dharma Assemblies. In 2001, it was designated a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the State Council. Yong'an Temple was originally built in the Jin Dynasty, but was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in the early Yuan Dynasty by Gao Ding and his son, the military governor of Yong'an. In 1315, Gao Ding's grandson, Gao Pu, donated the main hall, the Hall of Transmission of the Dharma. Other buildings, such as the mountain gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, and the east and west side halls, are mostly Ming and Qing Dynasty structures. The Hall of Transmission of the Dharma is a classic example of Yuan Dynasty wooden architecture. It has five bays in width and three bays in depth, with a single-eaved hip roof. It employs a reduced-column construction method, creating a spacious interior. The beam structure is exquisite, and the brackets are simple and elegant, preserving the architectural style of the Yuan Dynasty. The glazed tiles on the roof are brightly colored, and the ridge and hip ridges are beautifully decorated. The murals in Yong'an Temple are also artistic treasures. The walls of the Chuanfa Zhengzong Hall are covered with murals, covering a total area of ​​186.912 square meters. Divided into 135 groups, they depict 895 figures, encompassing elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The north wall features images of the Ten Great Wisdom Kings, generally believed to be original Yuan dynasty works, later added during the Qing dynasty. These kings, with their hair standing on end, multi-headed and multi-armed, ride fierce beasts and wield ritual implements, displaying a wrathful and powerful demeanor, used to subdue evil spirits. The east and west walls depict Qing dynasty water and land rituals; the east wall uses flames as a background, while the west wall uses auspicious clouds, their styles differing, possibly created by different artists behind a curtain. The murals depict bodhisattvas, deities, celestial kings and generals, as well as emperors, officials, scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, vividly showcasing the social landscape and belief system of the time, making them invaluable resources for the study of religion, art, and history. The Chuanfa Zhengzong Hall also contains two caisson ceilings, both in the style of celestial palace pavilions. One is above a Buddha statue, exquisitely crafted with layered brackets; the other is above the worship area, next to which are exquisite wooden carvings of heavenly palaces and pavilions, symbolizing that believers can "ascend to heaven" through spiritual practice, reflecting the unique romance and spiritual pursuit of the ancients.

  • Jinhuagong National Mine Park
    9
    󰺂6.2
    Datong14.1 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Admire the unique patterns of coalified petrified wood
    Underground Exploration Tour: Experience Industrial Culture
    󱨠351 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    富得🥑油富得🥑油

    In addition to enjoying the vicissitudes of mining history and the hard life of mine workers from zero distance, Jinhuagong National Mine Park is the most exciting thing about the mining area, which is 156 meters deep underground and enjoys the geological wonders of the Jurassic coal seam. Deeply understand the history of the earth and feel the civilization of the coal industry.

  • Wanlongbaideng Mountain Ski Field
    10
    󰺂5.7
    45.38
    Datong9.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoDatong Wanlong Ski Resort Begins Snowmaking | Nov 2025-Dec 2025
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Ski Resorts in Datong
    Highlights:
    󱨜15 km of slopes suitable for all visitors
    󱨜The advanced slope has a vertical drop of 300m
    󱨠62% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    蜉蝣七号蜉蝣七号

    Pure skiing is good value for money, much cheaper than the Yangtze River Delta, and the outdoor ski resort is more comfortable. The equipment is the same, and it’s a waste to put on the equipment without a coach to help. It’s better to hire a coach for the first time skiing. It costs 260 per hour. Basically, you can learn to brake. You can go to the entry area and slide down slowly. It’s okay to fall twice more. The coach is quite responsible. The children learned to brake and turn. 4 hours is not enough, and I’m in the pit. Returning the equipment is also tiring. It’s a sin to take one more step. It’s recommended to make the process of returning the equipment easier. The snow is good. I have completed a new experience in life before the age of 40.

Best things to do in Datong (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Datong? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Datong offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Datong

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Datong experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Yungang Grottoes

• Datong | 14.3 km from downtown

• : Stroll through the grottoes and explore Forty Caves,59,000+ stone sculptures inside caves

Xuankong Temple

• Hunyuan | 58.1 km from downtown

• : Admire Exquisite Wood Carved Murals Along the Plank Road,Cliffside's breathtaking architecture

Heng Shan Mountain

• Hunyuan | 58.6 km from downtown

• : 360° views of nature,Hanging Temple: ancient wooden architecture

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Datong

If you want to explore attractions just outside Datong, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Datong, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Datong special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Datong

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Datong

Ready to explore the best of Datong? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Datong?
These are all Best Things to Do in Datong:Yungang Grottoes, Xuankong Temple, Heng Shan Mountain, Datong Ancient City, Datong Museum
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Datong?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Datong include:Yungang Grottoes:4.8, Xuankong Temple:4.7, Heng Shan Mountain:4.5, Datong Ancient City:4.7, Datong Museum:4.4
At what locations in Datong can Best Things to Do in Datong be found?
The Best Things to Do in Datong are mainly located in:Yungang Grottoes:Datong, Xuankong Temple:Hunyuan, Heng Shan Mountain:Hunyuan, Datong Ancient City:Datong, Datong Museum:Datong
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