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Datong Three-Day Travel Guide: Visit the Ancient Capital and Experience Northern Shanxi Charm Datong, known as the "Capital of Three Dynasties and a Key City of Two Eras," boasts the millennium-old Buddha light of the Yungang Grottoes and the savory delight of knife-cut noodles. A three-day itinerary is enough to unlock the dual charm of history and local life. Here is a practical guide balancing depth and comfort. Must-Visit Attractions: Feel the Warmth of History • Yungang Grottoes: One of China's three major grottoes, with 5.1 kilometers of cliff carvings showcasing the spirit of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Be sure to check out Cave 20’s outdoor giant Buddha, where you can admire the solemn 13.7-meter seated Shakyamuni statue without entering the cave. It’s recommended to arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds and take a guided tour to learn about the cultural fusion behind the sculptures. • Hanging Temple: An architectural marvel at the foot of Mount Hengshan, embedded in the cliffside. The wooden structure has withstood a thousand years of weather and remains sturdy. To reach the top, walk along narrow plank paths—wear non-slip shoes. The distant view of the Hun River is uniquely charming. • Datong Ancient City: A free-to-enter Ming Dynasty military stronghold. In the evening, ride a bike on the city walls and enjoy the sunset views of Huayan Temple and Fahua Temple’s ancient pagodas. Inside the city, Shanhe Temple’s Liao and Jin dynasty statues are artistic treasures, and the “prominent bun” Heavenly King statue in the Hall of Heavenly Kings is adorably charming. • Family-Friendly Picks: The Prince Dai Mansion showcases the grandeur of Ming Dynasty princes. Datong Fantawild Adventure offers sci-fi experiences perfect for family interaction. The Jinhuagong National Mining Park’s “Underground Exploration Tour” lets you experience the unique charm of industrial civilization. Food Highlights: A Feast of Carbs and Flavors Datong is known as the "Hometown of Chinese Noodles," blending Shanxi and Mongolian flavors. Highly recommended is Fengling Pavilion’s Hundred-Flower Shaomai, with nine colors and nine fillings as thin as cicada wings, paired with an 8-hour simmered assorted copper hotpot. Dongfang Knife-Cut Noodles with pork sauce are chewy and smooth; add marinated tofu and tiger-skin chili peppers for an authentic taste. Local Old Shops to Try: Hongya Restaurant’s aged pork is tender and not greasy; Longjuxiang’s beef snowflake shaomai is juicy; Kaige Restaurant’s wind-sand chicken is crispy outside and tender inside. Some dishes can be ordered in half portions for great value. Don’t miss Hun Yuan’s cold noodles with a sour and spicy kick, and Panglailai’s rabbit head with rich sauce, paired with a cup of sea buckthorn juice to refresh your palate. • Transportation Guide: After arriving at Datong South High-Speed Railway Station, take a taxi for 30 yuan directly to the city center. Walking or riding shared bikes inside the ancient city is most convenient. To reach Yungang Grottoes, take bus No. 603 (3 yuan). For Mount Hengshan and Hanging Temple, car rental or carpooling is more efficient. Tips April to October is the best travel season; bring a jacket due to large temperature differences between day and night. Avoid peak dining times at popular restaurants; Fengling Pavilion allows online queueing in advance. Some streets inside the ancient city have traffic restrictions; if driving, park outside the South City Wall parking lot. The millennium-old Buddha light shines on the ancient city, and a bowl of knife-cut noodles comforts the weary traveler. Datong’s charm lies in the chisel marks of the grottoes and the steam of shaomai. This guide helps you efficiently explore this northern Shanxi ancient capital full of history and local life.