Datong Trip Overview
Uncover the enticing mysteries of Hanging Temple and absorb the imperial majesty of Buddhism at Wutaishan on a tour from Datong. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Hanging Temple to marvel at the 1400 years old temple; Delight in the Buddhism temples at Wutaishan which mix with Han, Tibetan and Mongolia style. Along the way you’ll gain in-depth knowledge about the Buddhism in China, get to know the History and stories.
Additional Info
Duration: 2 days
Starts: Datong, China
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Datong Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Datong, Shanxi, China
Uncover the enticing mysteries of Hanging Temple and absorb the imperial majesty of Buddhism at Wutaishan on a tour from Datong. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Hanging Temple to marvel at the 1400 years old temple; Delight in the Buddhism temples at Wutaishan which mix with Han, Tibetan and Mongolia style. Along the way you’ll gain in-depth knowledge about the Buddhism in China, get to know the History and stories.
Itinerary
Day 1: Datong-Hanging Temple-Wutaishan(L)
Pass By: Datong City Walls, Centre of Datong, Urban Area, Datong 037000 China
Your local tour guide will hold your name sign waiting for you in the lobby of your Datong hotel or Datong Railway Station. Then hop on your private vehicle and heading directly to Hanging Temple which takes about 1.5 hours. Your tour guide will explain the related histories and stories along the way, feel free to ask questions if you have.
Stop At: Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si), Hengshan, Datong China
The hanging temple is the only existed temple hosting worship for the Taoists, Confucians and Buddhists. Built in 491 A.D, Hanging Temple is an architectural wonder because it hangs on the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge more than 50 meters above the ground. An unique mechanical theory was applied to building the framework. Crossbeams were half-inserted into the rock as the foundation, while the rock in back became its support. Seen from below, it appears to be a tumble-down castle in the air. Inside, it provides the same scene as other temples. Hanging Monastery is an architectural wonder. A unique mechanical theory was applied to building the framework. Crossbeams were half-inserted into the rock as the foundation, while the rock in back became its support. Seen from below, it appears to be a tumble-down castle in the air. Inside, it provides the same scene as other temples. The architecture embodies a great cultural achievement of Chinese people.
Follow your tour guide to experience the 1400 years architectural wonder, get to learn the history of three major religions in China and how these believes been used into the architecture.
Duration: 2 hours
Pass By: Wutai Shan (Five Terrace Mountain), Within Wutai County, Wutai County 035500 China
Enjoy lunch in the local restaurant, then heading to Wutaishan Scenery Area.
Upon arrival , check in your hotel and free for the rest of the day.
Meals included:
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at local hotel.
Day 2: Wutaishan-Datong(B, L)
Stop At: Wutai Shan (Five Terrace Mountain), Within Wutai County, Wutai County 035500 China
Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your hotel, then start to explore the area.
Wutaishan is one of Four Chinese Sacred Buddhist Mountains, is the dwelling place of Manjusri Bodhisattva. Featuring a peculiar environmental landform of numerous Buddhist temples surrounded by the Five Peaks, representing five kinds of wisdom of Manjusri.
The major sights at Wutaishan are spread out, temples are mixed with Han Buddhist, Tibetan and Mongolian Lamaist traditions, making the mountain one of the best places in China to view Buddhist architecture.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Pusading Temple, 2H7V+8R9, Wutai County, Xinzhou, Shanxi, China
Your first stop is Pusa Ding. Follow your tour guide to climb 108 stairs to the temple and enjoy amazing views of the surrounding area. Tibetan and Mongolian Lamas stayed here during the Ming and Qing dynasties, believing that Wenshu Pusa once lived in the same place.
Explore Wenshu Pavilion which has an interesting feature: water is stored on the roof when it rains and on sunny days it drips down the roof.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Tayuan Temple, Taihuai Town, Wutai County 035515 China
Tayuan Temple -The 50m high Tibetan styled White Pagoda, designed by a Nepali in 1301, has become a symbol of Wutai Shan.
Accompanying the graceful temple, you will also see Wenshufa Pagoda( it said Manjusri Bodhisattva’s hair is preserved) and the Dacangjing Pavilion( volumes of books were collected)
Then, stroll around the markets and shops here to see vendors selling incense, prayer beads, Buddhist booklets and bronze Buddhas.
If you have extra time, you will also visit Nanshan Tempe where 18 Ming dynasty arhat statues reside.
Your tour also including local lunch, just tell your tour guide when.
After the tour finished, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Datong.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
