Experience the Bullet Train to Datong: Explore Yungang Grottoes, Nine Dragon Screen, Datong City Walls, and Huanyan Temple

Beijing Railway Station - Begin your adventure with an early morning pickup by a private driver, who will take you to Beijing Qinghe Railway Station for your train to Datong, departing around 7:00 am. Upon arrival, your driver will assist in obtaining your train ticket and guide you to the waiting area.

Yungang Grottoes - Arrive at Datong South Railway Station by 9:05 am, where your private guide and driver will greet you with a sign displaying your full name. They will then drive you approximately 50 minutes to Yungang Grottoes, one of China’s top three grottoes, alongside Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang and Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang. Yungang Grottoes showcase the remarkable achievement of Buddhist cave art in China.

Huayan Temple of Datong - Next, travel about 40 minutes to the city center for a delightful local lunch featuring handmade sliced noodles and various dishes. Following lunch, visit Huayan Temple, a Buddhist temple located in the southwest of Datong Ancient City, established in 1038 CE. It is the largest and most well-preserved temple from the Liao (916-1125) and Jin (1115-1234) dynasties in China.

Datong City Walls - After exploring Huayan Temple, proceed to Datong City Walls. Originally constructed as a clay structure by the Northern Wei state (386-534) during the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589), the City Wall is tall, majestic, solid, and steep. Its base is made from stone strips, slates, and blue bricks. Accompanied by your guide, stroll along the city wall and savor the ancient city’s ambiance.

Nine Dragon Screen - The final stop is Nine Dragon Screen. The nine dragons, each interacting with a pearl, are intricately carved in a lifelike manner. Vibrant paint enhances the carvings, bringing the dragons to life as they appeared over 600 years ago. Among the nine dragons, one stands out with an imposing presence, commanding respect from the others. Patterns of mountains, rivers, and trees fill the background, highlighting the dragons. Afterward, you will be transferred to your hotel in Datong (arrangements made independently).

Discover the Hanging Temple and Wooden Pagoda in Ling County, Return to Beijing

Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si) - Your guide and driver will collect you from your hotel in the morning and take you to Hengshan Hanging Temple. Built over 1,500 years ago, this temple is remarkable not only for its location on a sheer cliff but also for incorporating Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. The structure is supported by oak crossbeams fitted into holes chiseled into the cliffs, with the main supportive structure concealed within the bedrock.

Ying Xian Wooden Pagoda - After enjoying a local lunch, drive approximately one hour to Ying Xian Wooden Pagoda, constructed in 1056 during the Liao Dynasty (916–1125), located 75 km from Datong. It is the oldest all-wood pagoda in China and the only Buddhist temple entirely built from wood. After the tour, you will be transferred to Datong South Railway Station to catch your train back to Beijing.

Beijing North Railway Station - Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at Beijing Railway Station and transfer you back to your hotel in Beijing.

• Admission fees included
• Lunch provided
• Round-trip bullet train tickets in first class
• Complimentary bottled water
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Expert private guide in Datong

• Gratuities
• Accommodation

Discover the Hanging Monastery, the unique monastery in China that honors three religions—Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Explore the UNESCO-listed Yungang Grottoes, which house over 51,000 Buddha statues. Additionally, visit the highlights of Datong City and the Ying Xian Wooden Pagoda over the course of two days. Traveling by bullet train from Beijing to Datong offers great value for both time and money.

• Highly recommend to make your booking in early advance as the train tickets are very limited

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.