[Know Before You Go: Admission and Booking]
• Booking required: You must make your purchase at least 24 hours before your visit (same-day bookings are not accepted).
• Cancellation: 100% refund if you cancel 24 hours in advance.
• Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Direct Admission with Passport: Forget about ticket office lines and language barriers. Simply scan your original physical passport directly at the turnstiles at the entrance.
[The Imperial Treasury: The Yungang Grottoes]
Welcome to the Yungang Grottoes, a monumental testament to the devotion and art of ancient China (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Excavated and carved between 460 and 524 (during the Northern Wei Dynasty), this monumental treasure stretches for one kilometre and hosts 45 main grottoes and over 51,000 stone statues that uniquely blend the artistic influences of the East and the West.
[Highlights and Must-See Landmarks]
Your admission ticket gives you full access to the archaeological complex:
The Five Tanyao Caves (Caves 16 to 20): The founding work of Yungang. Of particular note is the iconic Cave 20 and its 13.7-meter-high open-air Great Buddha, whose imposing figure carved directly into the rock has become the international symbol of the site.
The Five Wuhuadong Caves (Caves 9 to 13): The aesthetic pinnacle with great cultural syncretism. Cave 6 (The First Great Cave) impresses with its complex wall reliefs that narrate the life of Buddha, while Cave 12 houses carvings of celestial musicians with instruments from the Northern Dynasties period.
Cave 5: It houses the tallest Buddha statue in the entire complex, reaching a majestic height of 17 metres.
The Avenue of Worship and Linyan Temple: Restored landscaped areas with six-tusked elephant columns and traditional architecture, ideal for relaxation.
[How to Get There and Travel Tips]
By Transport (Recommended): From Datong Old Town, the most convenient option is to take a ride-hailing vehicle (approx. 30 minutes) or to take the direct sightseeing bus to the Visitor Centre.
Practical Note: A large portion of the archaeological area is outdoors. It is recommended that you bring sun cream, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes. (Conservation note: The use of flash is strictly forbidden inside the excavated temples).
[Your Exclusive PDF Guide and Online Support]
Along with your admission ticket, we'll send you an exclusive PDF document with expert strategies to plan your tour and optimise your time. Our human support team will be available via online chat to assist you at all times.
