Pingyao vs Datong Ancient Walls vs Cave Temples

If you're torn between visiting Pingyao Ancient City and the historic wonders of Datong, like its ancient walls and the Yungang Grottoes, let’s break it down with real traveler insights, history, and hard data—so you can pick what suits your travel vibe.

Pingyao, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Shanxi Province, is one of China’s best-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty cities. Its 12-meter-high walls stretch over 6 kilometers, enclosing over 400 traditional courtyards. Last year, Pingyao welcomed around 1.8 million tourists, with visitor satisfaction hovering at 4.6/5 on travel platforms like Ctrip and Mafengwo.

Datong, also in Shanxi, offers a different flavor. Rebuilt in 2008, its ancient city walls now stand at 14 meters high and span 3.2 km—but they’re largely modern reconstructions. The real gem? The Yungang Grottoes, carved in the 5th century, housing over 45,000 Buddhist statues across 252 caves. In 2023, Datong reported 2.1 million visitors, with the grottoes alone pulling in nearly 1.3 million.

So which should you choose? Let’s compare:

Key Comparison: Pingyao vs Datong

Here’s the deal: If you love walking through time—where every alley feels like a scene from imperial China—Pingyao Ancient City wins hands down. It’s not just about looks; it’s authenticity. You’re stepping into a financial hub that once processed half of Qing-era China’s banking.

But if grand artistry and spiritual scale excite you more, Datong’s cave temples are unmatched. The Yungang Grottoes feature five colossal Buddha statues, some over 17 meters tall. Restoration efforts since 2010 have stabilized erosion, preserving them for future generations.

Travel tip: Combine both! They’re only 1.5 hours apart by high-speed train. Do Pingyao in a day, then head to Datong for the grottoes and night views of the illuminated city walls.

In short: Choose Pingyao for heritage depth, Datong for monumental art. Or better yet—don’t choose. See both and level up your Shanxi adventure.