Breakfast→Huayan Temple→Great Mosque→Lunch→Chunyang Palace→Shanhua Temple→Confucian Temple→Guan Di Temple→Nine-Dragon Wall→Dinner
In Datong, having a bowl of sliced noodles in the morning is the best choice. Of course, if you need coffee to perk you up, we also have great recommendations for you.
Ticket prices: Peak season 50 yuan/person, Off-peak season 40 yuan/person. Opening hours: November 1 to March 31 of the following year: 08:30 - 18:00 (17:00 stops selling tickets and entering the park) April 1 to October 31: 08:00 - 17:30 (17:00 stops selling tickets and entering the park) Recommended visit duration: 2 hours Huayan Temple is a magnificent Buddhist temple with a history of over a thousand years, founded in the 11th century AD, originally a family temple for the royal family. It is known as one of the three existing major Liao Dynasty temples in China, along with the Dule Temple in Tianjin and the Fengguo Temple in Liaoning. The Liao Dynasty was a minority regime in Chinese history that existed from the 10th to the 12th century AD. The Khitan people, as the ruling class, governed large areas of northern China. They were not only brave in battle but also deeply devout in their belief in Buddhism. They designated Datong as one of their four capitals and invested considerable resources in building palaces and temples there. The artistic style of the Liao Dynasty is very distinctive, characterized by a sense of “grandeur” and “strength.” Their buildings are massive, rugged in shape, and imposing in style, unlike later architectures that are more detailed and intricate, exuding a rustic sense of power. The huge wooden structures and mighty statues we see at Huayan Temple are the best proof of this bold aesthetic of the Liao Dynasty. Unlike other temples that face south, Huayan Temple is oriented westward to the east, in accordance with the Khitan tradition of sun worship, aligning with the sun's rising in the east and setting in the west. This temple does not only belong to the Liao Dynasty; it also has buildings from the Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234), statues from the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), and murals from the Qing Dynasty (1616 - 1912). In fact, this is a religious art treasure trove built collaboratively by artisans across four dynasties over 800 years. The architecture of Huayan Temple is arranged along an east-west axis, with more than 30 individual structures including the Mountain Gate, the Hall of Universal Brightness, the Hall of Great Hero, the Bodhisattva Teaching Hall, and the Huayan Pagoda arranged along the northern and southern main axes, with a rigorous layout and grand scale. The core attractions here are the architecture and sculpture art. The architecture of Huayan Temple is highly characteristic of the Khitan people, yet many buildings retain the traditional layout habits of Han architecture. For example, the Hall of Universal Brightness still faces south, as the traditional style of the Khitan and Han people blended during this time, with skilled Han craftsmen commonly used in the construction of Huayan Temple. Additionally, some architectural details even reflect influences from other ethnic groups. From the mid-15th century, the management and worship needs of the temple changed. The northern group centered around the Great Hero Hall is called the Upper Huayan Temple; the southern group centered around the Bodhisattva Teaching Hall is called the Lower Huayan Temple; each has its own entrance and layout, thus forming the terms “Upper Temple” and “Lower Temple.” Among these, the Great Hero Hall is one of the largest existing wooden Buddha halls in China, second only to the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City, the Ancestral Temple, and the Hall of Benevolence in the Ming Dynasty's Changling, featuring an enormous roof supported solely by complex wooden structures without a single iron nail, which is truly astounding. The Bodhisattva Teaching Hall is another major highlight. It houses 31 exquisite statues, particularly one of a slightly smiling Bodhisattva, hailed as the “Venus of the East,” along with magnificent heavenly pavilions and colorful murals. As for the Huayan Pagoda, it not only overlooks the ancient city of Datong but also has a modern pure copper underground palace storing the relics of high monks. When you come here, you do not need profound religious knowledge; you can intuitively feel the grandeur of ancient Chinese religious architecture and the artisans’ astonishing creativity with just your eyes. Suggested visiting order: Mountain Gate Entrance → Medicine Master Hall → Amitabha Hall → Hall of Universal Brightness → Great Hero Hall → Huayan Pagoda → Bodhisattva Teaching Hall → Exit
Opening hours: Approximately 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Entrance is free Suggested visiting time: 20 minutes Tips: 1. Try to avoid shorts, short skirts, sleeveless, or overly revealing clothing. 2. Do not make loud noises, chase, or play around. 3. It is usually required to take off your shoes when entering the prayer hall; you may bring thick socks; move quietly within the hall and do not touch the prayer carpet or the worshippers. 4. If you encounter prayer times, try to quietly observe outside the hall or wait temporarily. 5. Photos of the exterior can be taken; please pay attention to on-site signs or ask staff whether photography is allowed inside the hall. If Huayan Temple writes the stories of Buddhism in palaces, then the Datong Great Mosque embeds the dialogue of civilization along the Silk Road and a millennium of time into a courtyard. This mosque was built around 1300 AD and underwent large-scale renovations and expansions in the mid-18th century. It is not only the only mosque in China included in the “Twenty-Four Histories” (a general term for the twenty-four official historical texts of ancient China, the most important official historical literature system for studying Chinese civilization), but also a “thousand-year legend of East-West integration” hidden within the ancient city. There are no high domes or pointed towers here, but rather very “Chinese-style” brick walls, tiled roofs, and courtyards. However, upon closer inspection, you will find: Arabic script on the door, crescent moons on the walls, and Arab-style arches and patterns in the hall—a typical mosque with a “Han-style shell + Islamic core.” It is both an extension of traditional Chinese wooden structures and a local practice of Islamic decorative language in China, blending naturally in the details. The stone steps in front of the entrance are about 1.5 meters higher than the main courtyard, the highest point of the entire premises; after entering, the ground gradually slopes down from east to west, through several courtyards and a rhythm of “going down steps,” ultimately revealing an open view in front of the prayer hall. This sequence of “first high then low, first narrow then wide” psychologically draws people from external bustle into a religious atmosphere. The Datong Great Mosque is a thousand-year-old mosque that is “very Chinese on the outside, very Islamic on the inside.” Here, each courtyard has its own function and atmosphere. The first two are narrower, serving as “transitional spaces” to quiet the heart; the main courtyard is wide and open, with the prayer hall centrally dominating, forming the climax of the entire architectural complex. This progressive layering and rhythm of opening and closing is a typical aesthetic logic of Chinese courtyards, emphasizing a gradual unfolding one ring at a time. Its existence proves that foreign beliefs in China are not “assimilated” away but take root and grow in a Chinese way. Different cultures can coexist in the same city, under the same roof.
After a morning of sightseeing, we have prepared a meat-heavy lunch recommendation for you. Of course, if you are vegetarian, there are also many delicious foods for you to try.
Admission is free, closed on Mondays Suggested visit duration: 30 minutes Datong Chunyang Palace is the only existing Taoist Quanzhen sect temple in the ancient city of Datong, built in the early 13th century, with a history of over 800 years. It is also known as the “Northern Palace” among the “Three Great Chunyang Palaces of Shanxi” (Ruicheng Yongle Palace is the “Southern Palace,” which is definitely worth a visit, and Taiyuan Chunyang Palace is the “Central Palace”). It is not large, only 6,010 square meters, but very exquisite. It serves as a religious site and has a touch of garden elegance, hidden in the bustling Gu Lou West Street, achieving tranquility amidst the noise, fully embodying the Daoist pursuit of “the Way follows nature.” This temple has undergone constant repairs over hundreds of years, and after 2008, when Datong City undertook a project for the protection and restoration of the ancient city, it underwent a large-scale reconstruction that was reopened to the public in 2011. The layout of the entire temple complex resembles a turtle, as the guardian deity of the north in Daoism, Xuanwu, is similar to a turtle, symbolizing longevity and stability. The mountain gate at the very front of the temple symbolizes the turtle's head, and the three-story 'Wei Pavilion' at the center of the final courtyard symbolizes the turtle's tail. This is a precious Taoist temple, and its overall architectural style, exquisite glazed components, wood carvings, and brick carvings are worth careful appreciation. Here enshrined is one of the Taoist patriarchs, “Lü Dongbin,” and there are detailed introductions about his legends in the “Patriarch Hall.” Of course, if you have already toured the Hanging Temple using our “Suspended Zen Journey” service, you should have a relatively deep understanding of this legendary figure as well. Visitors, incense devotees, and ordinary believers must enter through the side doors on the left and right, and cannot use the central main door, which is only open to emperors, deities, and accomplished Taoist practitioners, because the middle door symbolizes the “Heavenly Gate” or “Divine Path,” which is the passage for deities and the energies of heaven and earth. If a mortal casually enters and exits through the middle door, it is regarded as disrespectful, overstepping, and may even “offend the deities.” Entering through the left door, step with the left foot first; entering through the right door, step with the right foot first. Absolutely do not step on the threshold - the threshold represents the “boundary,” the dividing line between the sacred and the secular. Touring sequence: Mountain Gate - Lingguan Hall → Patriarch Hall → Wudi Hall → Grandmother Hall → Sanqing Hall → Western Courtyard
Ticket price: 40 yuan Recommended visit duration: 1.5 hours Opening hours: November 1 to April 30 of the following year: 08:30-17:30 (ticket sales and entry stop at 17:00) May 1 to October 31: 08:00-17:30 (ticket sales and entry stop at 17:00) This is the largest and best-preserved Liao-Jin period (from the 10th to the 13th century, during two minority ruling regimes) temple currently in existence in China, and it is also one of the first national key cultural relic protection units. It was built in the mid-8th century, destroyed in the early 12th century by warfare, and later rebuilt in the mid-12th century. In 1445, it was granted the name “Shanhuasi” by the emperor at that time. Today, this temple is the largest and most complete Liao-Jin period temple in China, making it quite similar to Huayan Temple visited earlier, but Shanhuasi Temple is even better preserved. Currently, this temple covers an area of 52,543 square meters, 209 meters in length from north to south, and 251.4 meters in width from east to west, retaining four core ancient buildings known as “One Liao and Three Jins.” Among them, the Mahavirocana Hall is one of China’s “Eight Great Liao Period Buildings,” worth exploring for anyone interested in history and art. Tour sequence: Wulong Zhaobi → Shanmen (Tianwang Hall) → Sansheng Hall → Mahavirocana Hall
Free admission Recommended visit duration: 30 minutes Opening hours: May 1 - October 31: 08:00-18:00 (Admission ends at 17:30) November 1 - April 30 of the following year: 08:30-17:30 (Admission ends at 17:00) The Datong Prefecture Confucius Temple is the highest level “Confucius Temple + Government-run School” of ancient Datong, built in 426 AD. It became the earliest record in Chinese history of establishing a Confucius temple within a school and is regarded as the “Source of China’s Prefectural Learning.” It officially became a government-run school in Datong in 1375. It serves as a place to worship Confucius and is the highest educational institution and center of Confucian education in Datong Prefecture. Today, it is a large ancient architecture complex in the southeast corner of Datong Ancient City, a cultural heritage protection unit in Shanxi Province, covering an area of about 40,000 square meters. In the early civilizations of the world, education was almost entirely dependent on “sacred/authoritative ritual spaces,” with their worship directed at gods. The uniqueness of China's Confucius temples lies in their veneration of the sage Confucius, emphasizing humanity and secularism. It does not worship gods but venerates sages; it does not rely on divine authority but honors cultural heritage and education. This system, centered on humanity and complementing politics with education, is a cultural wisdom unique to China and the entire East Asian Confucian cultural sphere. Although a statue of Confucius is erected here and he is commemorated annually, he is not worshiped as a deity but revered as a respected predecessor, sage, educator, and cultural synthesizer—neither a god nor a creator nor a savior, lacking supernatural powers, afterlife redemption, or divine inspiration of doctrine. The purpose of the worship is to uphold the legitimacy of the Dao, emphasize education, clarify human relations, and promote enlightenment, which is entirely different from the core demands of any world religion to seek blessings, dispel disasters, attain rebirth, or confess. Confucianism has always emphasized secular ethics, political philosophy, and education systems, never worshiping supernatural forces, stressing “respecting ghosts and gods but keeping a distance,” which is the most essential difference from religion. The rituals of the Confucius temple are institutionalized ceremonies formed after the Confucian school transformed its “thought” into “the national orthodox culture.” Through the most solemn form of ritual, it establishes the sanctity of education, the orthodoxy of culture, and the legitimacy of social ethics, raising “respecting teachers and valuing education” to the highest level of national etiquette. This cultural behavior, sustained for nearly two thousand years, has also laid the foundation for the Chinese people’s intrinsic respect for knowledge and love for learning. So, why do people honor Confucius so highly? We will tell you the answer in front of the Great Achievement Hall. Visit sequence: Lingxing Gate → Ritual Gate → Pan Pond + Top Scholar Bridge → Great Achievement Gate → Great Achievement Hall → Zunjing Pavilion
Free admission Recommended visit duration: 30 minutes Opening hours: 08:30-17:00 (last entry at 17:00) If the Confucius Temple is the “heart of culture” in Datong, then the Guan Di Temple is the “soul of martial valor.” This great hall, built in the 13th century, is dedicated to Guan Yu, the “Sage of War.” In traditional Chinese culture, Guan Yu stands alongside Confucius, the “Sage of Culture,” together forming the spiritual backbone of the Chinese people. Historical records indicate that there were originally 16 Guan Di Temples in Datong, with the largest and oldest being this one east of the Drum Tower, commonly referred to as the “Great Temple” by locals, a national treasure second only to Huayan Temple and Shanhu Temple. The existing 13th-century architecture mainly consists of the mountain gate, the worship hall, the main hall, and the Chunqiu Building along the central axis, covering a total area of 12,000 square meters. Interestingly, this site was preserved because it was once used as a school, making it the only Yuan Dynasty (13th century) building remaining in Datong's urban area. Visiting order: Mountain Gate → Worship Hall → Main Hall → Chunqiu Building
Ticket: 10 RMB Suggested visit duration: 15-20 minutes Opening hours: 08:30-17:00 This magnificent wall was built in 1392. It is 45.5 meters long, 8 meters high, and 2.02 meters thick, 350 years older than the Nine Dragon Wall in the Forbidden City of Beijing, and larger in size and more majestic in appearance. It is the largest and oldest glazed Nine Dragon Wall still in existence in China. The nine dragons on this wall each have unique postures, all distinct from one another, swirling amidst waves of clouds and mist, with the central dragon being the focus of the entire painting because it is yellow. In that era, yellow was the exclusive color of royalty. On either side of the central yellow dragon are two purple dragons; further out are two yellow dragons; at the very edges are two green dragons. This arrangement is not arbitrary; it follows a strict ceremonial order: central revered, yellow noble, purple next. The nine dragons face each other in pairs, creating an extremely stable sense of balance, symbolizing 'peace throughout the land' and 'unity of the nine provinces' (China had nine provinces in ancient times). The Nine Dragon Wall in Datong has withstood more than 600 years of wind and rain, still shining brightly. This is not only due to the high-quality glazed components but also a unique architectural technique known as the 'Two Drops of Water' top. Look at the top: its roof is a special style of pavilion roof that is not only beautiful but, more importantly, effectively drains rainwater to the back of the wall, preventing rainwater from directly eroding the glazed surface of the wall. Look at the bottom: the base is a thick Xumi seat, intricately carved with various animals and flowers, not only beautifully decorated but also crucial in supporting the entire wall firmly to prevent moisture from the ground from causing damage. History of the Nine Dragon Wall — This Nine Dragon Wall originally belonged to the Dai Wangfu (Prince's Mansion). The first Dai Wang was called 'Zhu Gui', the thirteenth son of the emperor, sent to defend Datong, which was regarded as the 'Gateway to Beijing' at that time, indicating the high status of the Dai Wang. Upon arriving in Datong, the Dai Wang constructed a large mansion for himself, modeled after the style of the Nanjing Forbidden City, which occupied about 180,000 square meters, 690 meters long, and 260 meters wide. Its specifications and layout can almost be seen as a 'miniature version' of the Beijing Forbidden City. The Nine Dragon Wall we see today is built right in front of the main gate of the Dai Wangfu, serving as a screen wall to display the mansion's grandeur and glory. Historical records describe him as having a 'violent temperament', very strong in the local area, sometimes even causing trouble in the streets with his son and family soldiers. The court later warned him multiple times and reduced his guards and powers, but due to his noble bloodline, he retained his title until his death. From the first Dai Wang Zhu Gui, a total of 11 generations of Dai Wang lived and conducted official business in this mansion. Therefore, the Dai Wangfu was not only a residence but also one of the political and military centers of the northern frontier of the Ming Dynasty. Until 1644, when the rebel peasant army captured this city, the last Dai Wang was killed, and the mansion was burned down in a great fire, nearly turning into ruins. In 1649, Datong experienced another military revolt, suffering a massacre, with remaining buildings further destroyed, and the Dai Wangfu completely vanished from the ground. Amidst this series of wars, only the screen wall built before the prince's mansion — the Nine Dragon Wall, miraculously survived. So, it is not just a wall but a splendid history frozen in time. It is the only 'survivor' standing amidst the ruins of the city's dynasty. It witnesses the prosperity and destruction of the mansion, as well as the brutality and justice of history — power will eventually turn to ashes, only art and craftsmanship can endure. In 2011, Datong City launched the reconstruction project of the Dai Wangfu, rebuilding this 'little Forbidden City' on the original site according to historical documents and the regulations of the Ming Dynasty. If you are interested, you can visit after dinner, and there will also be a series of performances, which have received good reviews.
In addition to preparing authentic northern Shanxi cuisine for you, we also offer local specialty fusion dishes. Of course, considering the unique characteristics of local knife-cut noodles, trying out different flavors is also quite interesting.
As the colorful light and shadow of the Nine Dragon Wall unfolds before us, our exploration journey today is about to reach a satisfactory conclusion. Looking back at our journey, from the 900 square meter mural painstakingly drawn by Dong An in Huayan Temple over 33 years, to the architectural miracle of Liao and Jin dynasties at Shanhua Temple that has stood the test of time; from the unique fusion of Chinese and Western styles in the Great Mosque to the religious art of Chunyang Palace, Wen Temple, and Guandi Temple, which each embody spiritual charm—we have explored every step and witnessed how humanity, with its limited lifespan, sculpts beauty that approaches eternity. In these artistic treasures that showcase unique elegance yet conceal humanity's shared pursuit of beauty and faith, have you understood the gentleness and openness of the Chinese-style faith? Here, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Islam transcend sectarian boundaries, coexisting harmoniously. As we see today, Chinese-style faith does not blindly depend on divine power; rather, it reflects a grounded certainty: we worship deities not to surrender our fate entirely but to seek inner peace and gain the courage to move forward in the waves of life; yet we understand deeply that the true creators of eternal beauty, like the murals of Huayan Temple that make time bow, are those who, like Dong An, invest their finite lives with ultimate effort. The so-called “divine power” is merely a poetic interpretation of humanity's ultimate perseverance. If it were not for Dong An's half-life focus, there would be no ink and colors that still resonate powerfully after a millennium. This belief in “human effort” has long been embedded in the spiritual foundation of the Chinese people: we pray and venerate the divine not to fully entrust our fates, but to draw strength for moving forward, holding firmly to the helm of our destinies. May these artistic treasures that freeze time become a cherished piece in your memory. And may today’s journey not only allow you to appreciate the pinnacle of ancient Chinese religious art, but also let you feel this ultimate perseverance for faith and aesthetics that spans a millennium. If you were satisfied with today’s itinerary, please be generous with your positive feedback. It will greatly help other travelers who wish to dive deeper into China and explore its cultural journey. Of course, if there was anything that dissatisfied you, please let us know promptly; this will urge us to continuously improve our service. Thank you very much, and may you have sweet dreams tonight. Good night.
1. Except for Chunyang Palace, which is closed on Mondays, all other attractions are open year-round.
2. Please wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking today.
3. Try to carry a power bank to ensure your phone is charged.
4. Please do not bring too many items, especially knives and fragile items.
5. Please carry your passport or a copy of it.
6. Please pay attention to any 'no photography' or 'no flash' signs before entering religious sites, and no food containing pork is allowed inside the Great Mosque.
7. When dining, if you are sensitive to spicy food, you can tell the waiter 'mild' (Chinese-English translation) or 'no spicy' (Chinese-English translation).
8. Try to book Huayan Temple at least 3 days in advance; other temples can be booked on-site.
9. The main hall of Huayan Temple faces east with the sun shining directly inside in the morning, providing soft light, making it the best time to enjoy the view.
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★ 5.0 / 5 · 6 reviews from app travelers
Even the kids were impressed. Huayan Temple's pure copper underground palace is shiny enough to wow anyone, and the Nine Dragon Wall is a great photo stop. Shanhua Temple and the Confucius Temple are quieter and calmer. Lunch was a hit with the family, and the pace meant nobody got museum fatigue. A great introduction to why Datong matters.
Datong surprised us completely. The Great Mosque from 1324 blends Islamic and Chinese styles seamlessly. Shanhua Temple's perfectly preserved layout moved me most. We left feeling we had only scratched the surface — a heavyweight history day, and one that rewards a slow pace.
Photographers and art lovers, go to Datong for Shanhua Temple alone — one of the few Buddhist temples in China with a completely preserved original layout, and the proportions are flawless. Huayan Temple's murals and the Great Mosque complete a day of remarkable religious art. Nearly empty on a weekday; I had whole halls to myself.
The murals at Huayan Temple took thirty-three years to paint. That kind of devotion reminds me of Giotto and Michelangelo — religious art turns a human life into a tool for touching eternity. Shanhua Temple is the most complete Liao-Jin Buddhist temple that survives; in one day we saw Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian and Islamic heritage. Rare anywhere in the world.
This Datong old-city temple loop was my kind of day: structured, walkable, and packed with “how did they build this?” moments. Huayan Temple was the standout—Liao–Jin architecture plus the murals and that pure copper underground palace felt both spiritual and seriously impressive from a craftsmanship standpoint. I also loved how the tour didn’t treat Datong as “only Buddhist sites”: the Great Mosque, Confucian Temple, and Chunyang Palace made the city’s cultural mix feel real, not just a textbook idea. The Nine-Dragon Wall was a perfect photo stop—bright glaze, bold Ming-era presence, and easy to appreciate even if you’re not a history expert. Food planning was a lifesaver: I got to focus on art and details, then refuel with knife-cut noodles and a classic pork or beef noodle bowl without hunting around.
Фрески храма Хуаянь перехватывают дыхание, ляо-цзиньский зал храма Шаньхуа трогает до слёз своей сохранностью, глазурь Девятидраконовой стены слепит на солнце — Датун собрал «семейный альбом» религиозного искусства Китая. Изучая язык, я выучила здесь новые слова: величественно, торжественно, безмятежно.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour