"Buddhas of Yungang Caves & the Hanging Monastery" Datong by Waxbag

Datong Travel Guide: 3 reviews and 17 photos

Yugang Caves

Yungang Caves are some of the oldest and most impressive statues in Asia. Carved during the Northern Wei dynasty in 460 to 494 Yungang is a series of man made caves hewn from the soft rock face and dug out to leave a staggering 50,000 Buddhas from all sizes from a few inches tall to 17m tall. There is nothing to do in Datong itself as it is a dusty industrial city with a population of 3 million (small by Chinese standards) with some coal powerplants and a big mine outside of town adding to the chocking air.

The Hanging Monastery

The other highlight of the region is the Hanging Monastery 75km southeast of Datong. It is just as old as the Yungang Caves (around 1500 years) and although not as facinating as the Buddhas in Yungang it is an impressive monastery completely build of wood right on the side of a cliff face.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Facinating Caves and impressive monastery
Cons:Don't Dally in Datong it's dusty, bland, and unispiring

Last visit to Datong: Apr 2006
Intro Written Jun 6, 2007
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Reviews (3)

Impressive Yungang Caves near Datong - Datong

Impressive Yungang Caves near Datong Things to Do (3)

These caves are one of mankind’s most impressive endeavors at monumental art and I had never heard of it before studying... more travel advice

The Hanging Monestary Things to Do (3)

The Hanging Monastery is a 1400 year old complex of stilted temples, corridors, bridges, and stairways hanging 50 m off... more travel advice

Yungang Caves and The Hanging Monastery Things to Do (3)

If you are interested in seeing 50,000 exquisite Buddhas of all sizes carved into a mountainside that are over 1500... more travel advice

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Comments (2)

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roamer61 Jun 1, 2008 at 9:50 AM

Very interesting and informative.
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elpariente Jul 3, 2007 at 7:11 AM

Very good and interesting tips and photos !!!!!