The Yungang Grottoes have been sitting quietly against the cliffs of northern Shanxi for over 1,500 years. Just a 40 mins drive from Datong, this UNESCO World Heritage Site holds 45 caves and more than 51,000 stone-carved Buddhas.
Built in the 5th and 6th centuries, the grottoes mark a golden age of Buddhist art in China. If you’re interested in history, art, Buddhism, or sacred spaces filled with devotion and detail, this is a place you shouldn’t miss.
Yungang GrottoesFacts:
- Chinese name: 云冈石窟, Yúngāng Shíkū
- Location: 16 kilometers (10 miles) west of Datong City, Shanxi Province
- Built in: Northern Wei Dynasty (circa 453–495 CE)
- Opening hours: 8:30–17:00 (may vary by season)
- Number of caves: 45 caves, 252 niches
- Must-see caves: Cave 5-6, 9-13, 16-20
- Ticket: RMB 120 (USD 16.5/ SGD 22.4)
- Duration: 2–4 hours
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What to See
With 45 caves spread across the site, not all of them have stood the test of time. Some are badly weathered and no longer hold much to see. Also, the grottoes cover a large area, it’s nearly impossible to explore every cave in just a few hours.
To help you make the most of your visit, here are the key caves we recommend focusing on.
Cave 3: The Largest Cave
Cave 3 is the largest cave in all the caves, and it set slightly apart from the main group of grottoes. Unlike the others, it has relatively few statues inside. That’s because the cave was never fully completed.
You can still see leftover stone blocks near the entrance. The statues in this cave are all plump with a soft, graceful style that suggests they were carved in the early Tang period.
Yungang Grottoes, Cave 3Cave 5 and 6: Must-see section
Cave 5 and Cave 6 were designed as a pair and are now open to visitors on a rotating basis, so you may only be able to enter one of them during your visit.
Cave 5 is all about size. It houses the tallest indoor Buddha statue in China, even larger than the famous Luoyang Longmen Buddha. The statue’s blue hair stands out clearly, and its body is covered with a layer of mud to protect it.
Cave 6 is known for its beauty and dedicate carvings. Over 33 carved relief panels show scenes from the life of Shakyamuni. You won’t find a single untouched surface here. Every corner of the cave is covered in carvings.
Yungang Grottoes, Cave 6Many visitors see it as the artistic peak of the Yungang Grottoes, and it’s easy to understand why once you step inside. Recommended tour: 4-Day Datong Yungang Grottoes and Pingyao Tour.
Cave 7 and 8: The earliest adjoining caves
Caves 7 and 8 are the first two grottoes at Yungang built as a pair. They sit side by side and share a similar structure, but each has its own highlights.
Above the southern doorway of both caves, you’ll notice six small figures. In Cave 7, these figures are especially famous. Their calm poses and graceful lines earned them the nickname “The Six Beauties of Yungang”.
Cave 8 is home to a very special bodhisattva. Unlike any other statue in the grottoes, this one has a gentle smile with dimples and showing small teeth. People call it the “Cute Bodhisattva”.
Cave 9-13: Five Magnificent Caves
Caves 9 to 13 are known together as the “Five Magnificent Caves “(五华洞, Wu Hua Dong). These caves are famous for their vivid colors, many sculptures here are coated with clay and painted. These are the only caves at Yungang where you can still see large-scale painted figures.
Cave 12 is the most famous among them. It’s often called the Music Cave. Inside, you’ll find a whole world of carved musicians and dancers. Some play flutes and drums, others dance mid-step. Look up and you’ll even spot a conductor carved into the ceiling. The whole space feels like a snapshot of a royal concert from the Northern Wei court.
Yungang Grottoes, Music CaveCave 13 is also interesting. A large seated Maitreya Buddha (over 13 meters tall) sits with crossed legs in the cave. You’ll notice a 1.8 meters tall strongman figure under its right arm, carved to look like he’s holding up the Buddha’s arm.
Maitreya Buddha and strongman figure in Cave 13Cave 16-20: The Face of Yungang
Caves 16 to 20 were often called the “Tanyao Five Caves” (昙曜五窟). They were the first caves built at Yungang, carved between 460 and 470 under the guidance of the monk Tanyao. Each cave centers on a giant Buddha statue, said to represent one of the first five emperors of the Northern Wei dynasty.
These caves are partially exposed to the air. Cave 20 is the most striking. Its front wall collapsed long ago, leaving the massive Buddha fully open to the sky. It’s the only open-air cave in Yungang and the giant Buddha has become the symbol of the Yungang Grottoes. You’ll see it on tickets, posters, and guidebooks.
The Buddha in Cave 20 stands for Tuoba Gui, the founding emperor of the Northern Wei Dynasty. It’s 13.7 meters tall and has a calm, commanding presence. The face is carved with deep-set eyes, a high nose, showing features that influenced by Central Asian or European style. And if you look closely, you can even find a faint handlebar mustache.
The Buddha in Cave 20In Cave 19, the Buddha in the side cave sits with one hand raised, palm facing out. Many visitors like to take a photo here as if they’re high-fiving the statue. Get the right angle, you can take a playful shot of yourself high-fiving the Buddha too.
Buddha in the side caveTips for Exploring the Caves
1.Visiting order: If you notice fewer visitors when you arrive, it’s fine to follow the usual route from east to west (from Cave 1 to Cave 20). But if you want to avoid crowds and get better photos, you can go straight to Cave 20 and explore from west to east.
2.Shuttle buses available: If you follow the usual order, you can take a shuttle to near Cave 1 and walk through to Cave 20. From there, catch a shuttle at the nearby Yungang Museum and back to the exit. The whole cave area is about 1 km long.
3.Other sights in the area: Besides the caves, there are a few other sites like Lingyan Temple, Yungang Museum, and Yungang Art Gallery. You need to walk to most of them.
4.Focus on Cave 1-20: Caves 21 to 45 are quite small and don’t offer much for visitors.
5.Time suggestion: Plan for 2-3 hours if you're only visiting the main caves. If you also want to explore the surrounding temples or museums, it may takes 3-4 hours in total.
How to Get to Yungang Grottoes from Datong
Yungang Grottoes is about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from central Datong. You can get there by car or by bus.
By Car
It takes about 40 minutes to drive from Datong to the Yungang Grottoes. If you’re looking for comfort and flexibility, we recommend booking a private tour with China Highlights. You’ll have your own car and driver, and you won’t need to worry about schedules or directions.
By Bus
Take Bus No. 3 from Gongjiao Sigongsi Station (公交四公司站). The ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes and costs RMB 4 (USD 0.55/ SGD 0.75) each way. Get off at the last stop, which is right in front of the entrance to the grottoes.
Visiting Tips
Best Times to Visit
The Yungang Grottoes could be visited all year around, but normally from April to October is the best period to see the grottoes and visit other attractions around Datong. During these months, the weather is mild and dry, not too hot or cold for walking and sightseeing.
Summer in Datong (June to August) is relatively cool compared to other parts of China, with average temperatures between 17–28°C (62–82°F), making it a good summer destination. However, summer also overlaps with school holidays, so it can get crowded.
If you want to avoid large tour groups in Yungang Grottoes, plan your visit for early in the morning around 8 a.m. or after 3 p.m. in the afternoon. These times are quieter and better for taking photos without too many people in the background.
How to Get Tickets
The site no longer offers same-day tickets at the entrance. All visitors are required to book tickets in advance through the official WeChat system.
If you haven’t made a reservation, you can try the emergency ticket window near the gate, but tickets may not be available during busy times. So it’s best to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Is It Necessary to Have an Audio Guide or a Tour Guide?
The site offers audio guides for RMB 30 (USD 4 / SGD 5.50) and live guided tours ranging from RMB 180 to 380 (USD 25–52 / SGD 33–70).
The audio guides are budget-friendly, but they can’t answer your questions. Official tour guides are informative but require advance booking and are often fully reserved. If you travel with us, we can arrange a knowledgeable private guide for you.
Is Yungang Grottoes Wheel Chair Friendly?
The grottoes are not very wheelchair-friendly. You’ll need to climb stairs to reach Caves 1–5. While a shuttle bus can take you to Cave 5, most caves require walking inside and do not allow wheelchairs.
Are There Shops for Souvenirs?
There are a few gift shops near Caves 5 and 6 and by the shuttle return stop.
You’ll find beautiful souvenirs here, like fridge magnets and bookmarks featuring Buddha statues. They’re delicate and affordable (around RMB 30, USD 4 / SGD 5.50), you can take them as gifts for your families and friends.
The themed ice cream is also worth trying. They’re cute, photogenic, and tasty, usually cost RMB 15–25 (USD 2–3.50 / SGD 3–4.70).
What to Bring
- Wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking
- A hat or sun umbrella to protect yourself from strong sunlight
- Water and food, as food inside the spot is hard to get and relatively expensive
How to Plan A Trip With Yungang Grottoes
2-Day Classic Itinerary
This is the best option if you want to explore Datong’s main highlights in a relaxed and comfortable pace.
Day 1: Arrival in Datong + Yungang Grottoes
Arrive in Datong and check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, head to the Yungang Grottoes, about 40 minutes by car from the city center.
Spend 2–4 hours exploring the caves at your own pace. You can stop by the gift shops, museum, and enjoy a leisurely stroll back or take the shuttle if needed.
Day 2: Hanging Temple + Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
Start early and drive about 1.5 hours to the Hanging Temple, a wooden temple clinging to a cliffside. This incredible sight takes about 1–2 hours to visit.
In the afternoon, continue 1 hour west to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the oldest and tallest all-wood pagoda in the world. Built entirely without nails or metal, it has stood for nearly 1,000 years. Spend about 1–2 hours there before heading back to Datong or moving on to your next destination around 5 p.m.
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda1-Day Highlights Itinerary
If you only have one day in Datong, this route lets you see the city’s two most famous sites.
Spend the morning at Yungang Grottoes (2–4 hours), then drive straight to the Hanging Temple in the afternoon (about 1.5 hours by car). Visit the temple for 1–2 hours, then return to Datong and leave for your next destination by bullet train in the evening.
The Hanging TempleThis option is doable in one day but will be quite packed, so plan for an early start.
Discover More with China Highlights
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