Datong — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Datong.
Northern frontier with the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple — Shanxi's great-wall gateway.
🍜 Signature dishes in Datong
- 刀削面Daoxiao Noodles
- 浑源凉粉Hunyuan Liangfen
- 烧麦Shaomai
- 莜面栲栳栳Youmian Kaolaolao
- 羊杂割Yang Zage
- 兔头Rabbit Head
- 黄糕Huang Gao
- 大同黄花菜Datong Day Lily
- 豆腐粉Tofu Noodles
- 糖麻叶Tang Maye
🎟️ Top things to do
- Yungang Grottoes
UNESCO Buddhist caves
- Hanging Temple
Cliff-hanging temple, 1h drive
- Huayan Temple
Liao dynasty temple
- Nine Dragon Wall
Ming glazed wall
- Old City Wall
Ride or walk the wall
- Shanxi noodle feast
Daoxiao noodles & lamb offal
- Hengshan Mountain
Sacred northern peak, 1.5h
- Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
World's oldest wooden tower, 1h
- Shanhua Temple
Liao dynasty hall
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Datong?
Take the metro or a taxi from DAT (Yungang) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Datong on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Datong. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Datong visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (DAT (Yungang)) · verify with official sources before travel.