Datong is not really known for its beauty. Indeed it is quite a horrible city. However, in the nearby there are a couple of places that really deserve a stop there. One for all, the Hanging Monastery...
Hanging Monastery, near Datong

This splendid monastery, set on a stunning canyon, boasts some 1400 years of history and besides built on (mainly) wood can still be visited without risk. Sure, that what we were told...

Hanging monastery, near Datong

Even if standing up at more than 50 meters from ground, there are not really effective protection. That's more, to bring fortune, people leave money hanging-on-the hanging monastery. Hope you're not walking down the canyon when there's some wind around.

Hanging monastery, near Datong

Entering the monastery is an experience, it sounds really weird that people may have liked and enjoied living in such extreme conditions. Everything seems unstable, corridors are so narrow, rooms quite small and the view, well that's just beautiful.

Hanging monastery, near Datong
Hanging monastery, near Datong
Hanging monastery, near Datong

On the same day it is possible to pay a visit to Yongang caves. A huge number of grottoes escavated in the rock with -mainly- Buddah statues.

Yungang, near Datong
Yungang, near Datong
Yungang, near Datong

However, If you think these Buddahs are big... well, take it easy. There are more Buddahs to come in a week or so, and some of them are really special...

Yungang, near Datong

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