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Datong is a small city with little experience with foreigners. People here are friendly and curious, and will definitely stare at foreigners. For simple entertainment, stop at a chuanr (meat on a stick) stand near Red Flag square, or Red Flag square itself and chat up the locals.
As of spring 2013, the city is overwhelmingly under construction, and shows no sign of completion anytime soon. Many streets are being torn up while buildings are being torn down; rubble and debris is littered all over the city. Expect taxi rides to take strange, roundabout routes because of the poor roads. Other than the city walls, there is not much to see in the city itself.
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By bus
[wiki=78fb473f134eed43c959f9ebdeeb4050]Beijing[/wiki] - 4.5hr. Buses depart every hour from the Liuliqiao Passenger Transport Hub (Liuliqiao Long Distance Bus Station 六里桥客运主枢纽) in the south-west of the city. To get there, take exits C or D from Luiliqiao Subway station (六里桥), which is on subway lines 9 & 10. Tickets are bought in the Transport Hub ticket office, at a cost of cost ¥133, and buses usually depart from gates 4 or 6. The journey is on very good roads, and includes a 20 minute comfort break about half-way as there are no toilets on the bus.
*[wiki=f6dbb43ecdf6186e9d33c7bef2ee271f]Hohhot[/wiki] - Buses depart from Hohhot's bus station (next to the train station) regularly all day. Just turning up and buying a ticket should usually get you on a bus within an hour, two at most. The journey takes about 5 hours with average traffic conditions, costing c57. The buses terminate at Datong main bus station (a short taxi ride from the train station).
*[wiki=533ec2ca4c00bdd48e39faaa4fd133c0]Wutai Shan[/wiki] - Three buses a day in summer from Wutai Mountain from 8am to 1pm.
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By train
Booking tickets at the Datong train station can be difficult for popular directions so book tickets from Datong as early as possible.
*Beijing - 6 hr. Daily overnight trains run from Beijing to Datong and back. A hardsleeper ticket costs around ¥108. Night trains are available from both Beijing West Station (Beijing Xi Zhan) and Beijing Station (Beijing Zhan). In addition to the night train, there is a daily morning train, starting at 8:50AM and ¥54 for a hardseater.
*[wiki=080f2e70ddfc31bbdf31b5664e57e371]Pingyao[/wiki] - overnight train
*[wiki=0161bb061215dd12cf010e11e2031971]Xi'an[/wiki] - overnight train, approximately 17 hr. Train leaves for Xi'an at 4:40PM. Hardsleeper (as Sep 23, 2010) ¥217.
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By Bus
Bus 4 - runs from the train station into town (6th stop (四牌楼）for 9 Dragon wall, 7th stop (清远街, bus sign “青年宫”) for Huāyuàn Monastery and Youth Hostel , 8th stop (红旗广场）for Red Flag square. The final stop on bus line 4 is the start of bus line 3.
* Bus 3 - runs from the Xinkaili bus station (final stop of bus 4) to the Yungang Caves (end of the line).
* Bus 15 - runs from train station to near the main bus station (the fifth stop from train station 市供排水集团 shìgōng páishuǐ jítuán, from that bus stop walk ahead to crossroads, turn left and main bus station 大同汽车站 is just ahead on left. )
* Bus 30 - runs from the train station all the way to the south bus station (新南客运站), the last stop (45+ mins).
Buses within Datong are ¥1. Trips to the Yungang Caves are ¥1.5.
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By taxi
Short trips in town cost at least 6 or 7 yuan. From the train station to Huayan Monastery in the centre of town is about 8 yuan.
* It may be convenient and less stressful to hire a taxi to visit the main sites out of town. A trip to the Hanging Monastery and Wooden Pagoda (both out of town - this is about 5 hours travel time) for 2 people was negotiated for ¥260 in August 2011 - but agreeing to pick up other tourists on the way if available to fill the empty seats. You might not manage this cheaply. You can try to find a taxi yourself (eg in front of the train station in the morning there may be taxi drivers seeking this business) or ask at China International Travel Service (CITS, +86 0352 5101816, +86 13008088454). If asking via CITS, do not forget to ask for a new taxi or you may end up in an old car which is not safe for a trip out of town. Local hostels and tours may have shuttle services starting at ¥300 for the Hanging Monastery and Yungang Grottoes, and others for higher prices.
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By far the greatest attraction of the area is the 1,500-year-old Yúngāng Grottoes, a [wiki=d8a9b665cf6b311b9557019e63670643]UNESCO World Heritage Site[/wiki]. These mountain-side caves and recesses are filled with 51,000 Buddhist statues - the largest being a 56-foot Seated Buddha while the smallest is only a few centimetres tall. In addition to the carvings of the Buddha, there are also scenes depicting Buddhist teachings and famous monks. Unlike Dunhuang grottoes, most caves here permit photography, (notably excepting caves 5&6). The entrances to caves 5 and 6 are fronted by wooden temple structures. The cave walls at these entrances were damaged by graffiti during the cultural revolution although the majority of the site is well-preserved. At least you get the impression that the caves are mostly ancient/original and not reconstructed. Cave 20 may have people praying in front.
* Lodged precariously on a cliff-face, this monastery is one of the more remarkable sights in China: a complex of 40 rooms linked by mid-air walkways. It appears to be stuck into the side of the cliff, but is actually supported by stilts. There is a '3 Religions Hall' with all of Buddha, Confucius and Laozi (founder of Daoism). Built in 490, renovated several times, most recently in 1900, much of the current structure dates from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Less than an hour to visit. Once finished you can either take the taxi back (25 to 30 yuan per person) to the bus station (浑源站) or walk there (not close but possible), tasty vegetarian food available at stall. From this bus station you can also travel directly to 五台山
* This impressive pagoda is the oldest and tallest wooden structure in China, built in 1056 in the Liao Dynasty. It is located within a Buddhist temple, some of which was rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. There is an active temple in the back built in 2001. Only the ground floor and the first floor of the pagoda are open to visitors. Maybe half an hour needed to visit. For an additional ¥40 you can visit a small exhibition on the premises.
* A small collection of Daoist temples and a peaceful courtyard. A more human scale than the nearby Huáyán Monastery - half an hour at most - unless you are intercepted by a Daoist monk and have a chat / are given an explanation. Completely rebuilt in 2010.
* A large collection of Buddhist temples of the Huayan sect that can be seen in an hour or two. Unusually this monastery faces east, not south. Nice to hear chanting at the back (no photos). Completely rebuilt in 2010. At ¥80 a bit expensive, really. If you like Buddhism (and mountain scenery, and have the time), save your money/time and head to Wutai Shan for slightly longer instead.
* A 600-year-old screen made of glazed tiles and depicting nine dragons, this is the oldest glazed screen in China. Most people will visit this for less than 5 minutes. It is a pity that the pond in front of the screen is no longer filled with water.
* Like many cities in China, Datong has its own Drum Tower. This is in the centre of town, but not open to the public.
* This is the least religiously important of the 5 Sacred Mountains of Taoism. Due to its northerly location, it has been impossible for pilgrimages by the Chinese to take place for much of its history.
*The museum covers an area of 5600 square meters, of which 1,800 square meters exhibition area, has now become the second largest museum in Shanxi Province, 1.3 million pieces of cultural relics, a product 132. Most of the local archaeological finds. Meet the public more than pieces of precious relics in 1000, half of the initial display of rare collections.
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Evenings around the Red Flag Square are entertaining and full of locals. Although most locals are unable to speak much English they will show some interest in foreigners and be willing to play ball/'kick the shuttlecock' or similar. As always, although most Chinese who show an interest in foreigners are just curious, or genuinely want to practise English, remember that young female/male con artists may target you in Datong just as in Beijing, Shanghai and elsewhere.
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*A cafeteria-line place that offers cheap and tasty soup noodle variations on the Shanxi specialty of 刀削面 (dāoxiāomiàn - knife-cut noodles). Vegetarian noodle option available, as well as plenty of side dishes."
* Consider for the experience, not the food. Chinese-style western restaurant, designed for Chinese people, not Westerners (ie luxurious sofas as seats, ice in champagne bucket to put in your beer to make it cold, asking for salt&pepper not thought strange but not already at every table, only has squat toilet). You will probably think the thick-base pizza is a reasonable imitation, but you may also realise why some Chinese people say that Western food basically isn’t as tasty as Chinese food. ¥50 up. Other passable Western food.
*A well-known place among locals serving Shanxi hotpot. A picture menu is available to help choosing ingredients. As opposed to hotpot in other places where everyone shares one pot, each person gets their own in the Shanxi version.
*This is a simple restaurant run by a delightful young woman who speaks excellent English. It also advertises wifi. May only be open in the afternoon. Phone for more information.
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Cups of tea start at ¥10 but you may prefer to try a pot ~¥30. Xīhú Lóngjǐng green tea is worth a try. Best just before sunset if they open the shutters - see sun fall over Huāyuàn Monastery, look out of 2nd floor window onto street below or just relax - actually part of a chain with origins more than 100 years ago that has not spread out of Shanxi yet - but you might not realise it. Don’t step in the indoor stream. There are extra charges if you use a private room at the side (¥28/hr) or want a tea master to stay at your table (after a free quick lesson) topping up your tea pot. (¥60/hr). The prices in the English menu may be out of date - and the Chinese menus may also not be accurate for seasonal teas (eg they may be lower than printed). Spoken English not good - but you should be able to come to an understanding what is available at what price. Free hot water top-ups on request. Freshly-ground coffee (现摩咖啡) , beer (啤酒), popcorn (爆米花), sweets/candies (糖），raisins (‘香妃’／葡萄干），roasted watermelon seeds (烤西瓜字), peanuts (花生）cashew nuts (腰果) and almonds (大杏仁）are available but not on the English menu. Busy at weekends. (2011)
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Budget
If you are very lucky he will know it. Tip: the street Ying Bin Xi Jie is a new name and so far has not been reflected on street signs which still only have Ying Bin Jie.
* (Note: Check Google maps or similar before arriving or take a taxi. The listed bus route was slightly incorrect at late 2012.)) This is a small, busy youth hostel opened in May 2011 in a central location. Views from bedrooms over the renovated old town. Booking by email is advisable. 1161189938@qq.com. Not all staff speak English although more can read it. Tel 0352 2427766. Dorms ¥50 per night (Spring 2013), members ¥45. Standard ensuite rooms (comfortable, flat screen TV, kettle, western toilet) ¥158. Free wifi+internet terminals. Laundry ¥10 per load.
* This hotel offers a range of rooms, many with wifi access. Hot water 8pm-midnight? TV, kettle, Western toilet. The beds are hard, the rooms in the basement are cold and smell of cigarettes but the location may be convenient. Further down this street on the right, some other hotels might also be willing to accept foreigners at lower prices than Tōngmíng.
* Ming Yue Business Hotel. Prices from 100rmb (2014). Good quality modern hotel tucked behind the Home Inn. Address: 1 South Meiyuan, Yucai Lu" which is just off Yingbin Jie (Yingbinxi Jie it will become) and west of the intersection with Yunzhong Lu.
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Mid-range
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Splurge
* It is a 3 star hotel just across the train station which is very convenient. A price for a night in a room with two beds is ¥265 (as of Dec 2009). Rooms are very comfortable. On the negative side the staff barely speaks English but one or two of the girls at the counter can help you. The hotel has an excellent restaurant frequented by visiting Chinese. You do not have to be a guest to eat here. Meals vary in price from ¥15 to ¥268 plus for duck.The menu has pictures. Around the block are a number of places to eat, bakeries and a supermarket.
* A new and fresh hotel with a decent western breakfast as well as local option. The rooms were nice and there was free WiFi in the lobby. Considering the location it might be a bit pricey, but the standard was very good.
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[wiki=78fb473f134eed43c959f9ebdeeb4050]Beijing[/wiki] - Approx eight buses a day depart for Beijing from the Xīnnán Bus Station. ¥128 ordinary seat, ¥158 luxury seat. Approx 4.5 hours depending on the traffic.
*[wiki=533ec2ca4c00bdd48e39faaa4fd133c0]Wutai Shan[/wiki] - 2 buses per day in summer at 8:30am and 2:10pm from Xīnnán Bus Station. ¥75. 4 hours.
* Xīnnán Bus Station (新南客运站 Xīnnán Kèyùnzhàn) is the last stop on Datong local bus 30 that departs from Datong train station. ¥1. 45+ minutes depending on traffic.
[wiki=de4aade61982a69b865e77aa6568d116]fr:Datong[/wiki]
[wiki=8d8b512376ba583320f137824f2e2ce8]it:Datong[/wiki]
[wiki=741c4805b564d12fcaf49bf65e8111fc]nl:Datong[/wiki]
[wiki=984da67dd28b1ed5f80e32acdeb9aeef]pl:Datong[/wiki]
[wiki=47c408bde9de3e91b539084c56b9f49c]wts:Category:Datong[/wiki]
[[WikiPedia:Datong]]
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