Book a private driver in Datong for Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, and Wutaishan Mountain.
Datong Car Service Rates
| Vehicle | Seats | Yungang Half-day | Yungang+Hanging Temple | Yungang+Hanging+Yingxian | Hanging+Hengshan+Yingxian+Yanmenguan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-seat Car | 4 | $60 | $100 | $115 | $145 |
| 6-seat Buick GL8 | 6 | $115 | $160 | $170 | $200 |
About Datong
Datong, in northern Shanxi Province, is one of China's great ancient capitals and a treasure trove of Buddhist art. As the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 AD), Datong commissioned the monumental Yungang Grottoes — 51,000 Buddhist statues carved into sandstone cliffs. Today, Datong is the gateway to some of China's most impressive historical sites, including the gravity-defying Hanging Temple, the wooden Yingxian Pagoda, and sacred Mount Hengshan.
A private car with professional driver is the best way to explore Datong — sites are spread 50–100 km apart, and public transport is limited. Your driver handles all navigation, parking, and tolls while you focus on the ancient wonders. Fixed pricing from $60 half-day, no hidden fees.
Top Attractions in Datong
🏛️ Yungang Grottoes
UNESCO World Heritage • 3–4 hours
252 caves and 51,000 statues carved between 460–525 AD. The 14-meter seated Buddha in Cave 20 is the iconic symbol. Allow 3–4 hours for the main grottoes.
⛰️ Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si)
1,500 years old • 1–2 hours
A Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian temple clinging to a cliff 75 meters above the ground. Built in 491 AD, it appears to float in mid-air. Narrow walkways — not for the faint-hearted.
🗼 Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
World's oldest wooden pagoda • 1 hour
Built in 1056 AD, this 67-meter, nine-story pagoda has survived seven major earthquakes. No nails used — pure wooden joinery. 70 km from Datong city.
🏔️ Mount Hengshan (Beiyue)
One of China's Five Sacred Mountains • 3–4 hours
The northern sacred mountain, with peaks reaching 2,017 m. Cable car available. Combine with Hanging Temple, which sits at the mountain's foot.
🏯 Huayan Temple
Liao Dynasty • 1–2 hours
A vast Buddhist temple complex in Datong's old city, founded in 1038. The Mahavira Hall is one of China's largest surviving Liao-era buildings. Beautiful murals and statues.
🏰 Yanmen Pass
Great Wall fortress • 2 hours
One of the most important passes of the Great Wall, 100 km from Datong. Strategic frontier fortress with restored walls and dramatic mountain scenery.
Suggested Itineraries
📅 Day 1: Datong Essentials
📅 Day 2: Yingxian + Yanmen
Best Time to Visit Datong
Spring (April–May): Mild temperatures (10–22°C), blooming flowers at Yungang. Ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Autumn (September–October): The best season — clear skies, crisp air, and golden foliage around Mount Hengshan. Peak season, book in advance.
Summer (June–August): Warm (25–30°C) but can be rainy. Longer daylight allows more sightseeing.
Winter (November–March): Cold (-10 to 5°C) but very few crowds. The Hanging Temple in snow is spectacular. Heated vehicles provided.
Private car tip: April–May and September–October are peak seasons — book your driver 1–2 weeks ahead. Winter offers the best rates and shortest lines.
Datong Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes: The Hanging Temple has steep, narrow staircases. Yungang involves a lot of walking.
- Bring sunscreen and water: Datong is dry and sunny, especially in spring and autumn.
- Yungang Grottoes lighting: Morning light is best for photography. Afternoon can be crowded with tour groups.
- Hanging Temple tickets: Limited daily entries — arrive before 10 AM or book in advance. Your driver can help.
- Food: Try Datong knife-shaved noodles (daoxiao mian), lamb soup, and yellow rice cakes. Your driver knows the best local spots.
- Altitude: Datong is at 1,000+ meters — take it easy on your first day if you're not acclimated.
What's Included
Included
- Private sedan / SUV / van
- Professional driver
- Hotel / station pickup & drop-off
- All fuel, tolls, parking
- Bottled water
- Driver waiting time at attractions
Not Included
- Entrance fees (Yungang ~$18, Hanging ~$22/person)
- Lunch and meals
- Tour guide service
- Cable car at Mount Hengshan
- Tips and personal expenses
Ready to Book Your Datong Trip?
Fill in the form below and we will confirm your fixed price within 2 hours. No payment required now.
Other Cities
Book your ride in Datong
Contact Us for a QuoteContact Us
Scan to add us on WhatsApp or WeChat