We Rank Datong’s 15 Top Tours

If you’re heading to Datong, you’ve hit a spot rich with architectural marvels and spiritual sites that are as impressive as they are historically significant. Unlike many Chinese cities, Datong offers a mix of private guided tours, self-guided options, and ticket-only visits — perfect whether you want personalized insights or just the basics. We’re especially fond of the Private Datong Day Tour with Nancy [] because it combines personal attention, easy transportation, and all entrance fees included. It’s ideal if you want to avoid the hassle of navigating alone and want to ask questions about the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple.

For those who prefer a streamlined experience, the Datong Classic Day Tour [] covers the key highlights efficiently, with a knowledgeable private guide but without all the extras. And if you’re on a budget, the Yungang Grottoes Entrance Ticket [] offers quick access to these UNESCO sites at a reasonable price, especially suited for independent explorers.

1. Private Datong Day Tour Arranged by Local Tour Guide Nancy

Enjoy the undivided attention of your guide on a private full-day tour of Datong. Starting from your hotel, you’ll travel comfortably by private transportation, allowing you to relax and focus on the sites. This tour includes Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple, with all entrance fees covered, so there’s no fuss about additional costs. What makes this tour stand out is Nancy’s personalized approach—she customizes the experience to your pace, ensuring plenty of time for questions and in-depth explanations. Reviewers highlight her knowledge and friendliness, often mentioning how she made their trip unforgettable. The itinerary offers about 2 hours at the Grottoes and 1 hour at the Hanging Temple, with a flexible schedule for a relaxed day. It’s perfect for travelers seeking personalized service and local insights.

Bottom Line: This private tour offers the best combination of flexibility, expert guidance, and hassle-free planning—ideal if you want a detailed, comfortable experience.

2. Datong Classic Day Tour

This classic private day tour is aimed at history lovers who want to see the major sites without the hassle of public transport. It includes visits to the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 51,000 statues in 45 caves, and the Hengshan Hanging Temple, built 1,400 years ago into a cliff face. The tour offers private transfers from your hotel or station and a dedicated local guide to bring the sites’ stories to life. Note: entrance fees are not included, so plan a bit extra for tickets. Guests comment on the efficient schedule and the guide’s storytelling skills, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day with personal attention, but don’t mind arranging entrance tickets separately.

3. Datong Private Self-guided Tour with Chartered Car

If you prefer total control over your schedule, this self-guided tour offers a private car and driver, with flexible stops at Hengshan Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes. You choose when and where to explore, making it ideal for spontaneous stops or extra time at your favorite sites. The vehicle sizes range from 4 to 14 seats, suitable for small groups or families. The tour includes a customized route — for example, a stop in Datong for lunch or shopping. Reviewers appreciate the convenience and the freedom to explore at their own pace, with some noting how helpful the driver was in providing local tips.

Bottom Line: Best for independent travelers who want the privacy and flexibility of their own vehicle without the structure of a guided tour.

4. Yungang Grottoes Entrance Ticket with Optional Tour Services

For those confident in exploring on their own, this ticket-only service streamlines your visit to the Yungang Grottoes. Pre-book your entrance, then simply scan your QR code at the gate—no queues, no fuss. You can upgrade with optional guides or audio guides if you want to learn more about the site’s Buddhist sculptures and carvings. Perfect for independent travelers or those tight on time, the ticket offers quick access to this world-famous UNESCO site, where over 51,000 statues await. Reviews mention how smooth the entry process was, especially in avoiding long lines.

Bottom Line: A cost-effective way to see the Yungang Grottoes independently, with optional extras for deeper insights.

5. Datong: Yungang Grottoes Entrance Ticket Only

This straightforward entrance ticket service is ideal if you’re planning to visit the Yungang Grottoes on your own. It allows you to skip long queues and ensure availability during peak times. The process requires providing passport details for booking and then just showing your ticket at the entrance. It’s a simple, stress-free option that works well if you already have a plan or prefer self-guided exploration. Reviewers highlight how quick and reliable the service was, especially important during busy seasons.

Bottom Line: Practical, no-fuss entry for independent visitors who want flexibility.

6. Private Tour Datong Hengshan Hanging Temple Yungang Grottoes

This private multi-site tour combines Hengshan Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes with personalized attention and round-trip transfers. It includes a visit to the food market and a traditional Chinese lunch—a great way to experience local cuisine as well as cultural landmarks. Guests appreciate the knowledgeable guide and the convenience of door-to-door service, making the day stress-free. The tour is suitable for those wanting a deeper dive into Datong’s religious architecture combined with authentic local experiences.

Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers interested in combining cultural sites with local food and a relaxed pace.

7. Private Day Tour to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple with Lunch from Datong

This 8-hour private tour offers a comprehensive visit to Hengshan Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes, led by an experienced guide with over 10 years of expertise. The tour includes lunch, all entrance fees, and hotel pickup/drop-off. The itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see both UNESCO sites comfortably and at their own pace. Reviewers mention how the guide’s deep knowledge and attention to detail made the experience memorable, especially for those new to Chinese architecture.

Bottom Line: An excellent, all-inclusive introduction to Datong’s most significant religious landmarks.

8. Private Tour to Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple and Wooden Pagoda from Datong

This full-day private tour takes you to three iconic sites: Yungang Grottoes, Hengshan Hanging Temple, and Ying Xian Wooden Pagoda. It combines cultural exploration with comfort, as round-trip transport is included. You’ll learn about the evolution of Buddhist art, see the unique wooden architecture, and enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch. The Wooden Pagoda, built in 1056, adds a different architectural dimension to the day. Reviewers love the personalized service and the chance to see multiple sites without the pressure of tight schedules.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a full, varied day of cultural highlights with expert guidance.

9. Yungang Grottoes Ticket Booking

This ticket booking service guarantees quick access to Yungang Grottoes with a simple online process. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer to organize their visit independently but want to avoid queues and ensure availability. The site offers morning or afternoon sessions, and children under 6 or under 120 cm tall can enter free. If you want a basic, hassle-free ticket, this service makes it straightforward, especially during busy seasons when tickets sell out fast.

Bottom Line: Great for independent explorers who want to secure their entry in advance.

10. Datong: Transfer or Tour to Yungang Grottoes & Hanging Temple

This flexible transfer or guided tour is perfect for those who want to combine independence with guidance. You can choose a private transfer for self-exploration or a guided tour that includes detailed explanations of the Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple. The service is designed to help you customize your day, with some reviewers praising the helpfulness of the driver and the simplicity of the process. It’s an excellent choice for travelers with limited time or those wanting to control their experience.

Bottom Line: Offers a blend of flexibility and expert guidance, tailored to your schedule and interest level.

11. All-Inclusive Private Day Tour to Wooden Pagoda and Hanging Temple from Datong

This all-inclusive private tour features Ying Xian Wooden Pagoda and Hengshan Hanging Temple with transport, local lunch, entrance fees, and hotel pickup/drop-off. The Wooden Pagoda, built in 1056, is the oldest all-wood pagoda in China and a highlight for those interested in ancient architecture. The tour provides a deep dive into both religious sites and is praised for its smooth logistics and knowledgeable guide. It’s suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free day with all costs covered.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a worry-free, in-depth exploration of two of Datong’s most historic structures.

12. Datong Day Tour to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple

This full-day private tour combines Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple with a focus on personalized attention. It’s designed for visitors who want to see the main attractions without feeling rushed, with a typical schedule of around 8-10 hours. The guide provides insights into the significance of each site, making it suitable for history enthusiasts. Reviewers mention how the flexible itinerary allowed for a relaxed experience and detailed exploration.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want tailored time at each site and expert commentary.

13. Datong: Temples and Grottoes Day Tour

This day tour combines Hengshan Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes into a manageable itinerary. It’s especially good for travelers who want to combine architectural wonders with cultural insights without an overly packed schedule. The tour includes a visit to the UNESCO site, providing context for the stunning sculptures and cliffside temple. Reviewers note it as a solid choice, especially for first-time visitors.

Bottom Line: A practical option for those wanting a balanced day of exploration.

14. Private Tour: Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery From Datong

This private 8-hour tour focuses on Yungang Grottoes and Hengshan Hanging Temple, with transport, guide, and lunch included. The personalized approach helps you learn about the sites’ religious and artistic significance. Reviewers appreciate the detailed explanations and the comfort of private transportation, making it suitable for travelers who want insight and convenience.

Bottom Line: Excellent for those seeking a comprehensive yet relaxed day with a private guide.

15. Beijing : Forbidden City Entry Ticket

Although not a Datong site, if you’re planning a broader trip, this entry ticket for the Forbidden City in Beijing is a must-see. It’s a quick 4-hour visit, perfect for those with limited time but wanting to step into China’s imperial past. It’s a great add-on if your itinerary takes you further east after exploring Datong’s religious sites.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a straightforward admission to China’s iconic imperial palace.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Datong

When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interest level, and how much guidance you want. If you’re after a fully personalized experience and don’t mind paying a bit more, the Nancy private tour or full private day tours are excellent. For independence and flexibility, self-guided options like the ticket-only services work well. Budget travelers might prefer booking in advance to secure tickets to the Yungang Grottoes without extra hassle.

Timing also matters—spring and autumn are ideal for outdoor sites, but winter visits at the Hanging Temple can be quieter and more atmospheric if you’re prepared for colder weather. Book early during peak seasons, especially for popular sites like the Yungang Grottoes.

In summary, Datong offers a range of tours and experiences to fit every style of travel. Whether you prefer the comfort of a private guide, the freedom of a self-guided day, or just need tickets for quick entry, there’s an option for you. For a balanced mix of learning and exploring, the private guided tours stand out, offering insight into the significance of these ancient religious sites. Conversely, if you’re confident navigating on your own, the ticket services deliver convenience at a good price. Either way, these sites are well worth your time, and booking early will ensure you get the best experience.