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Datong from Beijing by High-Speed Rail: The 2-Day Side Trip Worth Taking
The short answer: Datong — home of the gravity-defying Hanging Temple and the 1,500-year-old Yungang Grottoes — is now about 2 hours from Beijing by high-speed rail. It works as a 2-day side trip from the capital or a one-night stop en route to Xi'an. If your China plan is 'Beijing and the classics only,' Datong is the single best upgrade you can make.
Why Datong
- The Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si): a monastery pinned to a sheer cliff 75 meters above the ground, held by wooden beams since the 6th century;
- Yungang Grottoes: 45 caves and 51,000+ Buddhist statues carved between 460–524 AD — a UNESCO site that rivals Longmen and Dunhuang;
- The Ming city wall & Drum Tower — a walkable, lit-up old quarter with some of northern China's best knife-cut noodles (dao xiao mian).
Trains from Beijing
- Route: Beijing (Qinghe or Beijing North station) → Datong South — roughly 2 hours on G/D trains;
- Frequency: multiple departures daily from early morning;
- Fares: second class typically ~150–200 CNY, first class ~250–300 CNY (Aug 2026; confirm 12306);
- Book via Trip.com or 12306 (passport-based e-tickets — see our rail guide).
The 2-Day Itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Morning train from Beijing → check in → afternoon at Yungang Grottoes (3–4 hours; the big caves come first, pace yourself) → evening: city wall and noodle dinner |
| 2 | Morning driver to the Hanging Temple (~1.5h each way by car; visit 2 hours) → optional: Yingxian Wooden Pagoda on the return → afternoon train onward to Xi'an or back to Beijing |
Getting to the Hanging Temple
There's no direct rail to the temple — it's 60+ km from Datong. Options: hire a car/driver for the half-day (most reliable; negotiate a round trip), join a small group tour from Datong, or use the tourist shuttle in season. Budget roughly 300–500 CNY for a private car round trip.
Combining Datong Into a Longer Route
- Beijing → Datong → Pingyao → Xi'an (5–7 days): the classic northern loop — every leg by rail, every stop a different dynasty.
- Beijing → Datong → Beijing (2 days): the pure side-trip version — morning train out, evening train back on day 2.
Where to Stay & Eat
- Stay near the old city wall (walkable to the Drum Tower night scene) or near Datong South station if you're train-timing;
- Eat: dao xiao mian (knife-cut noodles), Datong hotpot, and the old-town night market;
- Hotels accept foreigners — filter on Trip.com to be sure.
FAQ
Is Datong worth it if I only have 2 days?
Yes - the Grottoes alone justify the trip.
Can I do it as a day trip?
Technically yes, but one night is the sweet spot.
Do I need a guide?
The Grottoes benefit from one; the Temple and city are fine solo.
Is Datong cold?
Dry and cold in winter - spring and autumn are ideal.
Does the Hanging Temple allow everyone up?
Access is sometimes limited during maintenance or peak days - check before you go.
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