This tour brings you to visit some of the most interesting architectual build in Datong. Firstly, you will visit the Yungang Grottoes, which were built against the mountain and extend about 1 kilometer from east to west. The construction of the caves was started in 453 and took 50 years to complete. Some 40,000 people, including Buddhists from what is now Sri Lanka, contributed to the huge project.
Next, we will stop by Huayan Temple, which is the largest and most perfectly preserved temple of the Liao (916-1125) and Jin (1115-1234) dynasties in China. It survived wars and disorders, rises and declines of times.
Then we will visit Shan Hua Temple is located inside of Datong City and was originally founded in 713A.D. during the Tang Dynasty. The buildings of the temple were destroyed during wartimes,and were rebuilt during the Jin Dynasty (1115 AD-1234 AD). It is one of the best preserved temples of that dynasty, covering an area of nearly 14, 000 square meters.
The Datong Nine Dragon Screen was built over 600 years ago, and is presently the oldest and largest glazed screen in China. It is three times larger than that in Beihai Park, Beijing.The design of the body is that of a green wave on the lower part and a blue and yellow cloud on the upper part. It consists of nine flying dragons, with a golden-scaled, shiny-eyed dragon located in the center. On each side of the central dragon is a pair of light yellow dragons with their heads pointed East and tails pointed towards the central dragon.
Meeting/pick-up point: Hotel Lobby(hotels in Datong city center only).
Duration: 8 hours approx.
Start/opening time: 9am.
End/closing time: 5pm.
Languages: English.