Datong Yungang Grottoes Hanging Temple Wooden Pagoda by Car

Discover Datong’s Hidden Gems by Private Car
This private tour takes you around the northern Chinese city of Datong, visiting three must-see sites: the Yungang Grottoes, the Hanging Temple, and the Wooden Pagoda. For $110 per person, you’ll enjoy a full-day adventure lasting about 10 hours, with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour boasts a relaxed pace, allowing you to explore each site at your own speed, which makes for a more meaningful experience compared to crowded group tours.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it balances comfort and flexibility. First, the private vehicle means you avoid the hassle of crowded buses or confusing public transport, giving you a more personal, tailored day. Second, the ability to choose whether to bring your own food or dine at traditional local restaurants on the way means you can decide how to pace your day—and how much to indulge in authentic Chinese cuisine.

A potential consideration is the waiting time at the Hanging Temple, which often involves queuing for 1 to 2 hours due to visitor limits. This might require some patience, but the tour adjusts the schedule to ensure you still see all sites. This tour is ideal for those who want a stress-free, in-depth look at Datong’s highlights without sacrificing flexibility. It’s perfect for travelers who cherish comfort, independence, and the chance to learn about these remarkable sites in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Comfortable private transportation enhances the experience, especially when traveling between sites.
• Flexibility to explore each landmark at your own pace makes for a more meaningful visit.
• Advance booking for Yungang Grottoes is required; tickets cannot be purchased same day.
• Expect queuing at the Hanging Temple, sometimes up to 2 hours, which should be factored into your plans.
• Local Chinese restaurants offer authentic dining options, or you can bring your own lunch.
• Group size varies from 1 to 10 people, with suitable vehicles for each group size.
• Includes all transportation costs—petrol, tolls, parking—so no hidden fees.
• Tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for more travelers.
• Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at Your Datong Day

Starting the Day: Hotel or Station Pickup

The tour begins with a hassle-free pickup from your hotel or train station in Datong. This means you won’t need to worry about navigating unfamiliar streets early in the morning—your driver will meet you, ready to start a day of discovery. The drive to the Yungang Grottoes takes about an hour, giving you a comfy ride and some initial quiet time to get excited about the day ahead.

Visiting the Yungang Grottoes

The Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are the highlight for many travelers. These ancient Buddhist cave complexes feature thousands of intricate statues and carvings dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries. The site is a marvel of craftsmanship, and we loved how the guide (or our personal driver, if you prefer a self-guided approach) explained the significance of each statue and the artistry involved.

Importantly, you need to book your tickets in advance for the Grottoes, as same-day tickets aren’t sold, which is a common rule elsewhere in China. This advance planning guarantees smooth entry and more time to soak in the artistry of these historic sculptures. The visit usually lasts around 1 hour, giving you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

The Hanging Temple: An Architectural Marvel

Next, you’ll head to the fascinating Hanging Temple, built into a cliff face over a thousand years ago. It’s a rare sight: a temple suspended precariously above the ground, clinging to the mountain with wooden beams. The structure’s unique design creates a sense of awe, especially as you walk along its narrow, sometimes steep pathways.

However, there’s a catch—most days, visitors queue for 1 to 2 hours to enter due to visitor limits. While it might seem frustrating, the tour adjusts the visiting order to make sure you still get to see this remarkable temple. The waiting time varies, and most visitors agree it’s worth it, given the temple’s stunning setting and historical significance. As Rocío noted, “Even though the road was closed, the driver managed to get us there in time to see the Yungang Grottoes,” highlighting the flexibility of the logistics.

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The Wooden Pagoda: A Tranquil Finish

After exploring the Hanging Temple, the tour moves on to the Wooden Pagoda—a relatively lesser-known but equally impressive site. The pagoda is a fine example of ancient Chinese wooden architecture and provides a peaceful spot for reflection. It’s a short visit, about an hour, but adds a calming moment to your busy day of sightseeing.

Return Journey to Datong

In the late afternoon, your driver will take you back to your hotel or train station. The entire journey, including travel between sites, is approximately 4.5 hours, allowing for a relaxed pace. The tour concludes with a comfortable return, leaving you with lasting memories of these incredible monuments.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

This private tour is an excellent choice for travelers who want to see Datong’s highlights without the stress of public transport or crowded group tours. The price of $110 per person is quite reasonable, considering the inclusion of private vehicle, driver, petrol, tolls, and parking fees. This setup offers great value, especially because you can customize your pace and avoid the typical rush of large groups.

While the need to pre-book tickets for the Grottoes and plan for potential waiting times at the Hanging Temple might seem like inconveniences, these are minor when weighed against the benefits of a personalized, flexible experience. Also, the tour’s focus on traditional Chinese restaurants for lunch or your own food options allows for a more authentic and relaxed dining experience, far from tourist traps.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Travelers seeking a comfortable, well-organized way to experience Datong’s key sites will find this tour perfect. It’s ideal for those who value flexibility and personal attention over rigid schedules. Because it can accommodate small groups and offers wheelchair accessibility, it’s suitable for a wide range of travelers, including those with mobility considerations.

FAQs

Do I need to book tickets for the Yungang Grottoes in advance?
Yes, advance booking is required as same-day tickets aren’t sold. This ensures you won’t miss out and can plan your visit smoothly.

Can I buy tickets for the Hanging Temple and Wooden Pagoda on the day of the tour?
Yes, tickets for these sites are available at the ticket office on the day of your visit.

How long do I need to wait to visit the Hanging Temple?
Typically, there is a queue that can last from 1 to 2 hours due to visitor limits, so plan accordingly.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by private vehicle, a Chinese-speaking driver, petrol, tolls, and parking fees.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own lunch or inform the operator in advance if you want to dine at a traditional local restaurant en route.

What size vehicle will I ride in?
Depending on your group size, you’ll be in a 4-seater, 7-seater, or 14-seater vehicle—perfect for 1 to 10 people.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive.

What if I need to cancel my booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your plans.

How long is the entire tour?
Expect around 10 hours, with a comfortable schedule that allows for sightseeing and travel between sites.

Final Thoughts

This private car tour of Datong’s top sights offers a fantastic balance of comfort, flexibility, and in-depth exploration. The personalized approach means you can spend more time at each site, soaking in the history and architecture without the crowds or rushing. It’s especially good for travelers who appreciate private transport, want to avoid the hassle of public options, and prefer a more relaxed pace.

While the waiting time at the Hanging Temple might require patience, the overall experience is worth it—your driver’s flexibility and local knowledge help smooth out potential hiccups. The inclusion of authentic local dining options or the freedom to bring your own adds a personal touch that many group tours lack.

This is a well-rounded, value-packed choice for anyone eager to see some of Datong’s most iconic sights while enjoying the comfort and independence of a private tour. It’s best suited for curious travelers who want an authentic, unhurried experience—making memories rather than just ticking boxes.

You can check availability for your dates here: