Yungang Grottoes
One of China’s Four Great Grottoes, Yungang was first carved during the Northern Wei dynasty. Its 45 caves contain more than 50,000 statues,…
Yungang Grottoes, Datong · AI illustration for China Trip
Key facts
- Admission
- ¥120 (April–October); ¥100 (November–March)
- Opening hours
- 9：00—17：00
- Time needed
- 4–5 hours
- Getting there
- Near Yungang (bus stop)
- Guidebook rating
- 5 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 1843. Open in Google Maps
About Yungang Grottoes
One of China’s Four Great Grottoes, Yungang was first carved during the Northern Wei dynasty. Its 45 caves contain more than 50,000 statues, most of which were completed before the Northern Wei capital moved to Luoyang. The outdoor Great Buddha (a seated Shakyamuni) in front of Cave 20, about 14 metres tall, is the most representative work at Yungang. Unfortunately, pollution around the grottoes is severe, and many statues are covered in coal ash.
Key caves at Yungang include Cave 3, the largest; Cave 5, which houses the largest statue; Cave 6, which is highly representative; Cave 15, the Cave of Ten Thousand Buddhas; Caves 16–19, the earliest carved; and the aforementioned Cave 20.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Yungang Grottoes cost?
Admission to Yungang Grottoes is ¥120 (April–October); ¥100 (November–March), as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Yungang Grottoes?
Yungang Grottoes is open 9：00—17：00.
How do I get to Yungang Grottoes?
Near Yungang (bus stop)
How long should I spend at Yungang Grottoes?
Plan on 4–5 hours for Yungang Grottoes.
Where is Yungang Grottoes?
Yungang Grottoes is in Datong, Shanxi Province, in the North China of China. Located 16 km west of central Datong
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