Things to do in Zuoyun

First, let's talk about the attractions. Our Shanxi tour started in Ruicheng and traveled north for seven days before arriving in Datong. Trusting the government's rigorous selection process, the Yungang Grottoes were indeed the most expensive and best! We met our enthusiastic tour guide, Liu Jing, who provided a professional two-hour explanation, giving us a deeper understanding of the history of the Northern Wei Dynasty! Afterwards, she even sent us many precious old photos of the grottoes – so thoughtful!

It's beautiful! The painted decorations in Shanxi are truly unique; it feels like you're surrounded by immortals. Huayan Temple has the largest existing chiwen (mythical beast ornament), and the all-copper underground palace is also astonishing. Definitely worth a visit!

It's was very crowded place, make sure you get there as early as possible. Avoid Monday if possible (as all other attractions are closed everyone is going to Badaling to see the Great Wall - so it will get very crowded.

It's definitely worth a visit. Huayan Temple in Datong Ancient City was built during the Liao, Jin, and Northern Wei dynasties. The architecture is magnificent and simple, and it's remarkably well-preserved. The Buddha statues inside are solemn and dignified, with vivid depictions. The murals, though hundreds of years old, remain remarkably vibrant. We are grateful to the people of Datong for protecting them so well.

A less-visited but high-quality tourist attraction, located not far south of the Yungang Grottoes. While the Yungang Grottoes have long queues, this place offers a peaceful retreat. It mainly consists of three parts: a coal museum, a mine shaft, and industrial relics in the courtyard. The coal in the mine is currently not being mined as a strategic reserve and is specifically for visitors; the safety facilities are complete. It was a very unique experience. We were fortunate to have a guide who was a former miner, and his explanations were rich and insightful, imbued with the cultural spirit of Datong.

Highly recommended! This 970-year-old wooden pagoda, built entirely of wood without nails, has stood majestically for centuries, a true marvel. It's easily accessible by direct shuttle bus from Datong Ancient City and Datong South Railway Station.

Shanhua Temple, located in the ancient city of Datong, Shanxi Province, is commonly known as the South Temple. It was among the first batch of national protected sites. Originally built during the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty, it was destroyed by fire and rebuilt by Master Yuanman during the Jin Dynasty. It was named Shanhua Temple during the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty. It retains four original Liao and Jin Dynasty buildings: the Liao Dynasty Mahavira Hall (with the Jin Dynasty Twenty-Four Deities painted sculptures inside, which are masterpieces of Liao and Jin sculpture, especially the auspicious goddess), the Jin Dynasty Heavenly King Hall (the largest Jin Dynasty hip-roofed mountain gate in China), the Three Saints Hall (famous for its magnificent sloping arches and Jin Dynasty vermilion tablet), and the Puxian Pavilion. The whole temple faces south and has a complete layout. It is the best-preserved Liao and Jin Dynasty temple complex in China and was highly praised by Liang Sicheng. There are also remnants of the Ming Dynasty Five Dragon Wall in front of the temple.