Unique Things To Do In Datong China
An Overview of Datong
Datong is a large, industrial city in the northern portion of Shanxi Province, close to the boarder of Inner Mongolia. The city experiences harsh winters and relatively mild summers. However, Datong is best known for its extended history, serving as the illustrious capital city of the Northern Wei Dynasty. The region is known for two especially unique features, The Yungang Grottoes showcasing artificial caverns and cliff walls filled with carved Buddhas and The Hanging Temple found at the foot of the Hengshan Mountains. With an ancient heritage and interesting preserved features, there are several unique things to do in Datong.
Unique Things To Do In Datong China
Yungang Buddhist Grottos of Datong
Located slightly out side the city, the Yungang Grottoes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s grandest examples of Buddhist cave art. Largely credited to the 5th and 6th-centuries, there are 252 caves filled with over 50,000 carved Buddhist statues. Many of the inner portions of the cave are incredibly well-preserved, and retain some of their original paint. Photography within the caverns is prohibited to avoid having flashes damage the structures.
Hengshan Mountain
Also known as Mount Heng, this is the northern mountain of the Five Great Mountains of China. It’s home to The Hanging Temple, also known as the Hengshan Hanging Temple.
The Hanging Temple
Known by several names including The Hengshan Hanging Temple, The Hanging Monastery or Xuankong Temple, this is a vast temple complex built into a sheer cliff with portions of the ancient structure hanging beyond the edge. The temple is extrodinary for reasons beyond its daring architecture. It’s also a place of worship for Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The multiple religions were enshrined within as travelers with different faiths would often be reluctant to stop in a complex supporting a different religion. Thus, the temple’s multitude of religions allowed more guests to stay and rest. The temple can be found roughly 60 kilometers southeast of Datong.
Huayan Temple
Found near Datong’s city center, this is a large, central Buddhist temple which has famously burnt down and been reconstructed several times. Both the Mahavira Hall and Buddhist Texts Library of the temple complex preserve the architectural hallmarks found in the Liao and Jin dynasties.
Datong Ancient City Wall
Datong’s oldest portion of the city is encircled by a well-preserved ancient Chinese wall which once served as a anchor for the system of defenses around Datong.
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