Pingyao offers a complete Ming-era walled city with China's first bank. Datong offers the Yungang Grottoes (51,000 Buddhist statues) and the cliff-side Hanging Temple. Both are day-trip distance from each other.
Quick Comparison: Pingyao vs Datong
| Factor | Pingyao | Datong |
|---|---|---|
| Era | Ming Dynasty (14th-17th century) | Northern Wei (5th-6th century) |
| Top site | Ancient City Wall (UNESCO) | Yungang Grottoes (UNESCO) |
| Atmosphere | Lantern-lit old town | Industrial city + ancient sites |
| Unique feature | China's first bank (1823) | Hanging Temple on a cliff |
| Recommended stay | 1-2 days (overnight in old town) | 2 days |
Historical Significance
Pingyao was China's financial center in the 19th century — the Rishengchang Exchange (founded 1823) was China's first bank, and at its peak, Pingyao's banks controlled 50% of China's silver trade. The city wall, built in 1370, is one of China's best-preserved. Datong was the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534 AD) and the site where Buddhism was systematically introduced to China. The Yungang Grottoes, with 51,000 statues, represent the peak of early Chinese Buddhist art.
| Factor | Pingyao | Datong |
|---|---|---|
| Historical peak | 19th century (banking) | 5th-6th century (Buddhist art) |
| UNESCO site | Ancient City (1997) | Yungang Grottoes (2001) |
| Key innovation | First Chinese bank | Buddhist rock carvings |
| City wall | 6km, intact, walkable | Reconstructed, walkable |
Visitor Experience
Pingyao's experience is immersive — you sleep in a converted courtyard guesthouse inside the walled city, walk cobblestone streets past Ming-era buildings, and at night, red lanterns hang from every eave. It feels like time travel. Datong's experience is more conventional — you stay in a modern city hotel and visit the grottoes (30 min away) and Hanging Temple (75 min away) as day trips. The grottoes are breathtaking, but the city itself is a coal-mining town.
| Experience | Pingyao | Datong |
|---|---|---|
| Old town stay | Yes (courtyard hotels) | No (modern city) |
| Night atmosphere | Magical (lanterns) | Ordinary city |
| Main sites | Within walking distance | Require taxi/bus |
| Time needed | 1-2 days | 2 days (including travel) |
Practical Tips
Pingyao is on the high-speed rail line between Beijing (3h) and Xi'an (3h) — an easy stop. Datong is 2 hours from Beijing by high-speed rail. If coming from Beijing, you can do Datong as a 2-day trip (Day 1: Yungang Grottoes, Day 2: Hanging Temple + return). Pingyao is best as an overnight stop between Beijing and Xi'an.
| Factor | Pingyao | Datong |
|---|---|---|
| From Beijing | 3h by train | 2h by train |
| From Xi'an | 3h by train | 6h by train |
| Airport | None (use Taiyuan 1h) | Datong airport (limited) |
| Best combined with | Xi'an, Beijing | Beijing, Wutai Mountain |
Our Verdict
Choose Pingyao for atmosphere and a walk-through Ming Dynasty city. Choose Datong for world-class Buddhist art and the Hanging Temple. If in Shanxi, visit both — they are 3 hours apart by train.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can I visit both Pingyao and Datong in one trip?
Yes — they are about 3 hours apart by train. A good itinerary: Beijing → Datong (2 days) → Pingyao (1 night) → Xi'an. Total: 5-6 days.
2.Is the Hanging Temple worth the trip?
Absolutely. The Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si) clings to a cliff 50 meters above ground, supported by wooden poles, and has survived 1,400 years of earthquakes. It is one of China's most extraordinary architectural wonders. Allow a half day from Datong.
3.Which is better for photographers?
Both are excellent. Pingyao for atmospheric old-town shots (lanterns at night, cobblestone streets). Datong for the massive Buddha statues at Yungang and the dramatic cliff-side Hanging Temple.