Datong Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery 1-Day From Beijing by Train

Exploring the Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery from Beijing by high-speed train is an enticing prospect for those seeking a captivating cultural experience. This private tour, operated by Great Wall Hiking, promises an enriching journey through the UNESCO-listed wonders of Datong. Visitors can marvel at the stunning 5th-century Buddhist statues, savor local cuisine, and witness the ingenious architecture of the Hanging Monastery. With round-trip bullet train tickets, transfers, and an English-speaking guide, this tour offers a seamless blend of convenience and immersive discovery. But what makes this excursion truly remarkable is the opportunity to uncover the hidden gems that these remarkable sites have to offer.

Good To Know

• A 1-day private tour from Beijing to the UNESCO-listed Yungang Grottoes and the historic Hanging Monastery in Datong, accessible by high-speed bullet train.
• The tour includes round-trip train tickets, transfers, a Shanxi-style lunch, and an English-speaking guide, priced at $389 per person.
• Visitors can explore the impressive 5th-century Buddhist cave temples and the remarkable 1,500-year-old Hanging Monastery, with ample time to appreciate the cultural and historical significance.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, but extensive walking and climbing may pose challenges for some, and it is not wheelchair accessible.
• Based on 2 reviews, the tour has a 5.0 rating, with travelers praising the must-see attractions, expert guides, and overall fantastic experience.

Tour Overview

This 1-day tour from Beijing offers visitors the chance to explore the stunning Datong Yungang Grottoes and the captivating Hanging Monastery.

Operated by Great Wall Hiking, Camping and Trekking Operator, the tour starts at $389 per person and is a private experience.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

The tour includes round-trip bullet train tickets, transfers, a professional driver, and an English-speaking guide knowledgeable about the local history.

Lunch featuring Shanxi-style dishes and noodles is also provided, along with all fees and taxes.

The tour runs daily from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM, although the exact schedule should be confirmed with the local provider.

What’s Included

Consistently, the Datong Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery tour includes round-trip bullet train tickets between Beijing and Datong, as well as transfers from the hotel to the train station and back.

Travelers can look forward to a Chinese Shanxi-style lunch featuring delicious dishes and noodles. The tour also covers all entrance fees and taxes.

Plus, an air-conditioned vehicle is provided for transfers, and an English-speaking guide with expertise in local history accompanies the group.

The tour is private, ensuring only your group participates, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Itinerary and Schedule

The Datong Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery tour kicks off with a pickup from the hotel at 5:30 am for a 6:40 am train departure from Beijing North Station.

The return train from Datong is at 6:07 pm, arriving in Beijing at 8:25 pm. Travelers should confirm the schedule with the local provider in advance.

The tour operates daily from 7:00 am to 11:30 pm, with openings from March 17, 2020 to October 12, 2025.

To ensure a smooth experience, it’s recommended to:

• Arrive on time for the train departure
• Bring any necessary medications or personal items
• Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes
• Follow the guide’s instructions for the tour
• Be prepared for a full day of exploration and learning

Accessibility and Participation

The Datong Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s situated near public transportation.

Most travelers can participate in this excursion. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Both the Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery involve extensive walking and climbing, which may pose challenges for some visitors. The tour operator recommends that participants have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility to fully enjoy the experience.

Highlights of Yungang Grottoes

As travelers arrive at the UNESCO-listed Yungang Grottoes, they’re immediately captivated by the towering stone sculptures that dot the hillside.

The site contains over 51,000 Buddhist statues carved into the rock, dating back to the 5th century AD.

Key highlights include:

• The impressive 17-meter tall Buddha statues, carved with intricate detail
• Striking cave temples containing colorful murals and painted carvings
• Fascinating historical inscriptions left by ancient monks and pilgrims
• Serene and spiritual atmosphere that transports visitors to bygone eras
• Opportunity to wander through the extensive grottoes and explore their wonders

Exploring Hanging Monastery

Scaling the winding mountain path, visitors catch their first glimpse of the Hanging Monastery, a testament to human engineering and religious devotion. Clinging to the sheer cliffs, this 1,500-year-old structure appears to defy gravity, its elegant wooden pavilions and corridors spanning across the vertical rock face.

Visitors explore the monastery’s intricate architecture, admiring the skillful blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism reflected in its design. They discover the remarkable construction techniques that enabled the structure’s precarious positioning, marveling at the ingenuity of its ancient builders.

The Hanging Monastery offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience, blending history, spirituality, and the breathtaking beauty of China’s natural landscape.

Bullet Train Journey

From the awe-inspiring Hanging Monastery, the tour now whisks travelers aboard a high-speed bullet train, setting out on the next leg of the journey.

The train ride is a seamless transition, allowing passengers to sit back and relax as the landscape whizzes by.

Some highlights of the bullet train experience include:

• Comfortable, spacious seating with ample legroom
• Onboard amenities like complimentary refreshments and Wi-Fi
• Efficient, on-time departures and arrivals
• Panoramic views of the stunning Chinese countryside
• A smooth, quiet ride that allows for easy conversation or relaxation

The bullet train efficiently transports the group from the Hanging Monastery to the renowned Yungang Grottoes, setting the stage for the next captivating stop on this immersive cultural tour.

Customer Feedback

Based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews, travelers consistently praise the Datong Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery tour.

With a 5.0 rating out of 2 reviews, customers highlight the tour’s must-see attractions, expert guide, and smooth transportation.

One reviewer called it a "fantastic" experience, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of the sites.

Another noted the "very good tour and guide," commending the excursion as worthwhile.

Travelers appreciate the knowledgeable local guide and seamless bullet train journey, which make for a memorable day trip from Beijing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Yungang Grottoes?

The best time to visit the Yungang Grottoes is during the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller. Visitors can enjoy the intricate Buddhist carvings without enduring extreme heat or cold.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary or Activities?

The tour provider allows some flexibility to customize the itinerary and activities, though the core sites – Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery – remain fixed. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the local guide to personalize the experience.

Are Vegetarian/Dietary Meal Options Available During the Tour?

The tour operator offers vegetarian and other dietary meal options upon request. Travelers with special dietary needs should notify the provider in advance to ensure their preferences are accommodated during the included lunch.

Is There an Option to Stay Overnight in Datong Instead of Returning to Beijing?

Unfortunately, this tour doesn’t seem to offer an option to stay overnight in Datong. The itinerary is a single day trip, with a return train to Beijing in the evening. Overnight accommodations in Datong are not included in the package.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Clothing for This Tour?

The tour is an all-day excursion, so comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Sturdy walking shoes are advised as there’s quite a bit of walking involved at the sites. Dressing in layers is a good idea to adjust to varying temperatures.

Sum Up

This 1-day tour from Beijing showcases the remarkable Datong Yungang Grottoes and the breathtaking Hanging Monastery. Travelers will marvel at the 5th-century Buddhist statues and the ingenious architecture of the monastery, while enjoying a delightful Shanxi-style lunch. The high-speed train journey adds to the convenience and efficiency of this cultural adventure. It’s a perfect blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.