Overview

Datong city core that doesn't require leaving town — Liao-Jin Buddhist temple + the largest dragon screen in China.

Itinerary

Datong Old City: Huayan Monastery and Nine Dragon Screen Walking Tour

Most Datong tours rush you out to Yungang or Hanging Temple. This one stays inside the rebuilt Ming-dynasty city walls of Datong itself. Huayan Monastery — Liao and Jin dynasty (10th-13th century) Buddhist complex with the Mahavira Hall (one of the largest single-eave wooden buildings in China) and 31 Liao-era Buddhist statues considered national treasures. Nine Dragon Screen — the largest of three surviving dragon screens in China (45m long, larger than Beijing's Forbidden City version), built 1392 by the second son of the Hongwu Emperor. Short tour, perfect as add-on after a morning Yungang visit or for travelers staying inside the old city. Walking distance ~2km flat.

Datong city core that doesn't require leaving town — Liao-Jin Buddhist temple + the largest dragon screen in China.

Meeting & Pickup

Datong Old City Hotel Pickup

📍 Datong Old City Wall, Pingcheng District, Datong, 037000, CN

What's Included

✓ Included

Private guide; Huayan Monastery entrance; Nine Dragon Screen entrance; Hotel pickup in old city

✕ Not included

Tips

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.

Traveler Reviews

5★★★★★Based on 31 reviews

Leila X.🇯🇵 Japan★★★★★2025-07

Honestly, I had seen plenty of photos of Huayan Monastery and Nine Dragon Screen Walking. Being there was quieter and more absorbing than I expected, and I stopped checking my phone for a while.

Joanna U.🇦🇺 Australia★★★★★2025-04

This worked for us because we didn't have to solve transport between Datong and Huayan Monastery and Nine Dragon Screen Walking. We could pay attention to the places, not the logistics.

Karim H.🇲🇽 Mexico★★★★★2025-01

A practical note: there was more walking than I guessed from the title. Nothing difficult, just enough that I was glad I wore trainers. I would keep the Datong outline as it was.

Rina C.🇫🇷 France★★★★★2026-06

In hindsight, I liked this more a day later, when I looked back through my photos and realised how different Datong and Huayan Monastery and Nine Dragon Screen Walking had felt.