Best time to visit Datong, Shanxi
When to visit
Best Time to Visit · May 9 – Sep 28
For Datong, Shanxi, our top-ranked travel window runs May 9 – Sep 28 based on typical historical weather across multiple years—not a live forecast. During this period, typical conditions score fair for seasonal fit and very pleasant for absolute comfort. Expect roughly 19.5°C avg, 2.4mm avg, 2.2m/s avg on average across the window.
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Nov 9, 2026 – Nov 16, 2026
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Nov 9, 2026 – Nov 16, 2026
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About this place
Datong (大同 Dàtóng) is a city in northern Shanxi Province, China, with a history stretching back to its days as a capital during the Northern Wei Dynasty and a strategic border town during the Ming Dynasty. Today, it offers convenient transportation, relatively low prices, and numerous tourist attractions, making it one of the most worthwhile destinations in Northern China.
The city is best known for the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Monastery, both located outside the city proper. At the center, the Datong Ancient City — a largely redeveloped tourist shopping area punctuated by beautiful temples and mosques — is surrounded by impressive walls. Visitors will find friendly locals, though the city has relatively little experience with foreign tourists, and English is not widely spoken.
Content adapted from Datong on Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0
Location
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Destination Profile
Cold/snowy climate
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Content from Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
- Explore the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Buddhist cave art.
- Visit the Hanging Monastery, a stunning temple built into a cliffside.
- Wander the redeveloped Datong Ancient City, visiting its temples, mosques, and specialty shops.
- Sample Shanxi's famous knife-cut noodles (dāoxiāomiàn, 刀削面) at local restaurants.
- Hire a taxi or use DiDi to visit out-of-town sites like the Wooden Pagoda.
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Things to See
- Yungang Grottoes — ancient Buddhist cave temples with thousands of statues.
- Hanging Monastery — a remarkable temple clinging to a cliff face.
- Datong Ancient City — a rebuilt historic district with impressive city walls, temples, and mosques.
- Numerous religious sites within the Ancient City, requiring your passport for entry.
- The city walls themselves, which surround the Ancient City center.
Content from Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0
Best Time to Visit
- May through September offers the most comfortable weather, with warm temperatures and relatively low precipitation.
- Summer (June–August) is very warm and pleasant for sightseeing.
- Spring and autumn shoulder seasons can also be good, but be prepared for cooler temperatures.
- Winter (November–March) is long and cold, with very dry conditions — less ideal for outdoor exploration.
Content from Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0
Planning Tips
- Carry small ¥1 notes for bus fare — no change is given, and foreign visitors cannot use the Alipay bus card.
- Download the Amap app for navigating the bus system; it has English support.
- Trip.com offers the widest selection of foreigner-friendly hotels in Datong.
- Bring your passport — it is required for entry to many attractions, even free ones.
- Hiring a taxi or using DiDi is recommended for visiting out-of-town sites like the Hanging Monastery and Wooden Pagoda.
Content from Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Nov 9, 2026 – Nov 16, 2026
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