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Buddha Statues, Yungyang Caves, Datong, China
Home Destinations North and Central Asia China Pingyao and Datong

Pingyao and Datong

Easily reached by train from Beijing, Pingyao was China’s most important trading city during the late Ming and Qing dynasties and is now the countries best-preserved ancient walled town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The lanes within the old city walls are pedestrianised and full of characterful single-storey houses. Home to some 30,000 locals, life within them remains charmingly authentic.

The city walls stretch for over six kilometres and the city is home to what is thought to be Chinas first bank as well as a number of interesting museums and temples.

Hanging Monastery, Datong, China
Datong, China

Datong

Once an ancient imperial capital, nowadays the main reason to visit Datong is for the nearby Yungang caves. Stretching for around a kilometre the 252 caves are home to some of the country’s most exceptional Buddhist treasures. Dating as far back at AD 460 the beautifully carved Buddha’s and colourful frescoes draw influences from the melting pot of cultures and people who travelled the Silk Road during its heydey. The carved statues range in size and include one 17 metres seated effigy.

Nearby is the Hanging monastery which as its name suggests is built following the curve of the cliffside. Narrow walkways link the monastery buildings.

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Hanging Monastery, Datong, China
 

Visit the Hanging Monastery

Precariously perched on the cliff face, the hanging monastery in Datong is a temple, built some 75 metres above ground.

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China, Shanxi Province, Wang Family Compound
 

Wang Family Compound

Visit a former Qing dynasty residence close to the ancient walled city of Pingyao.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Pingyao City Wall, Shanxi, China
 

Pingyao City Walls on Foot

Walk the old city walls of Pingyao, dating back to the Ming dynasty.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Yungang Buddhist Caves, Datong, China
 

Yungang Caves

Marvel at the 50,000 Buddhist statues found within the Yungang Caves, close to the city of Datong.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Pingyao, China
 

Visit Pingyao Old Town

Explore the pedestrian-only lanes of Pingyao old town, lined with red lanterns and traditional courtyard houses.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Jing's Residence, Pingyao, China
 

Traditional Accommodation

Stay at Jing’s Residence, a traditional courtyard hotel offering a quintessential Chinese experience.

Suggested accommodation

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Paul Craven in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

I first travelled to Vietnam in 1988, when tourism was barely a concept, and have been visiting Central Asia since it was still behind the Iron Curtain. Such first-hand experience makes all the difference when talking to clients. I know the importance of asking questions, not taking the first answer as gospel, and matching the right destination to the right person.

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Clare Diving in Indonesia
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Clare Wiggins

My love for Asia began with living there. Based in Vietnam and then Malaysia, I also explored the surrounding regions before eventually finding my way back home via China and the Trans-Siberian railway. At Steppes Travel, I get to share that love for Asia every day, helping clients experience the places I know best as if they were locals themselves.

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