Yungang Grottoes

Carved into sandstone cliffs west of Datong, the Yungang Grottoes preserve over 50,000 Buddhist statues from the 5th–6th centuries. Expect world-class rock-cut art, grand façades, and cave interiors rich in narrative reliefs. Allow 2.5–3 hours.

Info Card

  • Best time: morning light / late afternoon

  • Duration: 2.5–3h

  • Open hours: 09:00–17:00 (last entry ~16:00)

  • Tickets: ¥ 120 (depends on seasons; we can pre-arrange)

  • Location: ~20 km W of downtown (~40 min drive)

  • Facilities: restrooms, café, small museum

Photo Spots

  • Cave 20 façade at golden hour (16:00+).

  • Cliff walkway side angles for layered textures.

  • Courtyard platforms for portraits with statues.

Highlights

  • Cave 5 & 6 – towering Buddhas with narrative panels.

  • Caves 9–13 – serene seated figures and fine details.

  • Cave 20 façade – iconic cliff face and colossi.

  • Cliff galleries – wooden walkways and viewpoints.

Suggested Route

  • Classic 90 min: Entrance → C5–6 → C9–13 → C20 → exit.

  • In-depth 2.5–3h: add museum & lesser-visited caves.

Getting There

  • Private car (hotel pick-up), taxi; combine with Huayan Temple & Nine-Dragon Screen same day, or pair with Hanging Temple over 2 days.

  • Wind/sand in spring; comfortable shoes; low light in caves.

FAQs

  • Can I combine with Hanging Temple in one day? -Possible but rushed; better over 2 days.

  • Are tickets included? -Usually separate; we can pre-arrange.

  • Kid/elder friendly? -Mostly flat paths; we adapt the pace.