Departing from Beijing | Challenge to Travel Out Every Week: Datong Second Visit Full Record

| Challenge to Travel Out Every Week: Datong Second Visit Full Record. Datong is truly a treasure city worth visiting again and again! This is my second time here. The first visit was in early April last year for two days, and I knew I had to return when I left. Finally succeeded in making another solo trip! 📝First Trip Itinerary (2-day schedule) ✅Day 1 Route: Huayan Temple ➡️ Datong Museum ➡️ Yungang Grottoes 🚄 Transport: Took high-speed train from Beijing North Station to Datong South Station (about 2 hours), same route for return. 🔹 Huayan Temple: One of China's earliest and best-preserved Liao and Jin dynasty temple complexes, ticket 50 RMB. Joined a group tour at the entrance, 15 RMB per person for 10 people, very cost-effective～ 🔹 Zini 369: Visited this popular restaurant. Not quite used to the taste of sand onions, but the cold noodles were good. Bought some sea buckthorn bread on the way, chilled and delicious～ 🔹 Datong Museum: Free entry. Rode a shared bike there after lunch. Free guided tours available, inquire at the lobby on the first floor. After the museum, biked to the hotel to check in, then explored the ancient city by bike in the evening～ 🔹 Yungang Grottoes: Ticket 120 RMB, took Bus No. 3 to the terminal. It was off-season with few visitors, booked a guide on Taobao (just for me, amazing experience!). Took a 10 RMB electric cart back, then a private car to Datong South Station (not recommended for solo travelers)～ 📝Second Trip Itinerary (One-day intensive tour) ✅Day 2 Route: Hanging Temple ➡️ Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (perfect weather with comic-like clouds☁️) 🚄 Transport: Took 08:20 high-speed train from Beijing North Station to Datong South Station, returned on 20:08 train. 🔹 Hanging Temple: Entrance ticket 15 RMB, climbing ticket 100 RMB. Took Bus 901-1 from Datong South Station to Hengshan Tourist Center (inform the driver in advance), about 1.5 hours. Those who didn’t get climbing tickets online can buy on-site, afternoon tickets released at noon～Took a shuttle from the tourist center to the temple (10 minutes, 20 RMB round trip). Queued for over an hour to climb, spent about half an hour up there—not for the acrophobic! 🔹 Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: Ticket 50 RMB. Took the shuttle back to the tourist center at 3 PM. The direct bus to the pagoda had stopped (last bus around 1 PM), so took a taxi (shared ride 30 RMB). The moment I entered the scenic area, I knew the day was worth it! 🚌 Return: Rode a shared e-bike from the pagoda to Yingxian Bus Station, took a 5 RMB bus to Yingxian West Station (about 20 minutes). Then high-speed train to Datong South Station in 22 minutes, ending a delightful day～ 💡Tips: Shared bikes are very convenient in Datong. Check the weather before trips. For ancient architecture sites, guided tours are recommended to better understand the history and culture～Can’t wait to explore more hidden gems next time!