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Datong is straightforward to reach by air or high-speed rail, cheap to get around, and very safe, but it helps to know the airport codes, fares and a few local rules before you go. This page answers the practical questions most first-time visitors ask. For a full climate read, see the Datong weather by month guide and the Datong city guide.
Datong Travel Tips: Getting There
Datong Yungang Airport (code DAT) sits about 17km east of the city and handles domestic flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other hubs. A taxi into the centre costs about 50 to 60 RMB. Datong South Railway Station, 8km south of the old city, takes high-speed trains that reach Beijing in roughly 2.5 to 3 hours and Taiyuan in about 1.5 hours. The older Datong Railway Station north of the centre handles classic trains. Buy rail tickets on the 12306 app or at the station with your passport. Time your arrival with the best time to visit Datong guide, and check the Datong events and festivals calendar if you want to catch a fair.
Datong Travel Tips: Getting Around
City buses cost 1 to 2 RMB a ride, and bus 3 runs from the centre out to the Yungang Grottoes. Taxis start at about 8 RMB with a flag fall, and a cross-town trip runs 20 to 30 RMB. To the Hanging Temple and Mount Heng, about 65km away, a hired car for the day costs roughly 300 RMB or you can take a bus from Datong East bus station. DiDi, the Chinese ride-hailing app, works in Datong and is often cheaper than a flagged taxi. For sightseeing logistics, see the things to do in Datong list.
Datong Travel Tips: Money, Visa and Tipping
Most foreign visitors need a Chinese tourist visa before arrival; Shanxi is not part of the 144-hour transit visa-free zones. Carry cash as a backup, but Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted nearly everywhere and are the default. Tipping is not customary anywhere in China, including restaurants and taxis. ATMs at Bank of China branches accept foreign cards, but let your bank know you are travelling.
Datong Travel Tips: Safety and Health
Datong is a very safe city with low street crime, and solo travel is fine at all hours. The main nuisances are seasonal: winter air quality drops during coal-burning season from November to March, so carry an N95 mask if you are sensitive, and winters are genuinely cold with nights below -15°C. See the best neighborhoods in Datong guide for where to base yourself. Do not drink the tap water; bottled water is cheap and available everywhere. Bring any prescription medication in original packaging, as some Western brands are hard to find locally.
Suggested Hotels in Datong
Three solid picks below; for the full area-by-area list, see where to stay in Datong.
Hilton Garden Inn Datong Pingcheng
An international-brand hotel with city views, a restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Best for business travellers and couples who want a predictable premium stay. Check rates and availability
Datong Hotel
A long-established central hotel with an indoor pool, sauna and an on-site restaurant and bar. Best for first-time visitors who want a reliable mid-range base near the old city. Check rates and availability
Five Blessings Hotel (Wufuju)
A traditional siheyuan courtyard hotel in the old city, rated 9.4 by recent guests. Best for travellers who want a traditional Chinese courtyard experience on a budget. Check rates and availability
