Yungang Grottoes

Your guide will meet you at your Datong hotel or railway station, holding a name sign—your gateway to adventure. Hop into your private vehicle and travel 30 minutes to Yungang Grottoes, where history is chiseled into stone. Nestled against Wuzhou Mountain, these grottoes stretch 1 km like a time-worn scroll, housing 252 "stone chapters" (caves) and 51,000 sculpted "storytellers" across 18,000 sq.m. of rock—masterpieces from the 5th–6th centuries. A cultural symphony blending Central Asian influences with Chinese spirit, the grottoes are a testament to ancient artistry. The "Five Caves of Tan Yao" shine as the heart of this legacy, their unified design marking China’s first peak of Buddhist cave art. Wander with your guide through these stone cathedrals, where every statue whispers tales of devotion and creativity. Named a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2001, Yungang remains a living bridge between past and present—ask questions, absorb its magic, and let history unfold before you.

Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si)

After enjoying lunch at a local eatery, your private tour guide will accompany you on a 1.5-hour drive to the Hengshan Hanging Temple, sharing stories about the scenic countryside along the way. This temple, built in 491 A.D., is a one-of-a-kind site where Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism are all worshipped. Suspended over 50 meters above the ground on the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge, it’s an architectural wonder. Your guide will explain how crossbeams inserted into the rock form its foundation, making it look like a floating castle from below. Inside, your guide will lead you through each section, highlighting unique religious artifacts and murals. You’ll learn about the 1400-year history of this marvel and how the three religions influenced its design. Once the tour ends, your guide will safely transfer you back to your Datong hotel or the railway station.