Datong tours

Temples perched precariously on the cliffside. Intricate Buddhist carvings hewn from the rockface. Welcome to Datong. This Chinese city in Shanxi province is massive - more than three million residents call it home - so to avoid being overwhelmed, book a private Datong tour with a local guide to escort you through the hubbub to the unforgettable Yugang Grottoes and the Hanging Temples. For centuries, camel caravans stopped in Datong as they made their way through the mountains to Mongolia, but today's travelers head straight for the hotspots. The Yugang Grottoes house more than 51,000 Buddhist statues, so your guide will focus on the highlights. Then climb high to the Hanging Temple - the embodiment of diversity, representing Buddhist, Taoist and Confucianist faiths. Constructed 1400 years ago, this three-story wooden complex sits 75 metres off the ground. Following your guide along the narrow walkway is an exhilarating - and unforgettable - experience. Don't forget to snap photos!