Datong Shanxi, China Travel Guide
Datong's distinct seasons mean a versatile wardrobe. Layering is always a good strategy to adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Easy-to-wear shoes is good for extensive walking at attractions.
Datong generally has a relaxed dress code. However, when visiting religious sites like temples (e.g., Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple) and the Yungang Grottoes, modest attire shows respect.
Cover your shoulders and knees. Avoid overly revealing clothing. This applies to both men and women. For general sightseeing, comfortable Walking shoes or sneakers are good.
Keep these organized and secure.
Original passport with valid visa. Photocopies of passport & visa (separate). Digital copies of documents.
International Driving Permits (IDP) are not recognized in mainland China. Foreigners cannot legally drive without a local Chinese license.
For peace of mind.
Your travel protection details (physical & digital). Vaccination records. Doctor's letter for prescription medications (translated to Chinese).
Emergency contact info (family/friends, embassy/consulate, local emergency numbers).
Access your plans easily.
Printed and digital copies of flight, hotel, train, and tour bookings. Student/Senior/Press IDs for discounts.
Store digital copies of all documents on your phone, in cloud storage, or email.
China uses 220V, 50Hz. Plug types A, C, and I are common. A Universal travel adapter with Type A, C, and I compatibility is good. Most modern smartphones are compatible with Chinese networks (GSM/WCDMA/LTE). SIM cards are available at airports, official carrier stores, or via online travel agencies. You need your passport for registration. China Unicom and China Telecom often set up easily and offer good data plans for foreigners. Consider Airalo eSIMs.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is required for accessing many international websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp). Install and test a reputable VPN (e.g., ExpressVPN, NordVPN) Before arriving within China. Pack your standard Travel camera gear. Bring extra batteries and memory cards (B&H Photo has options). A Portable charger is excellent for day trips. Use cloud storage or an External hard drive for data backup.
The Baidu maps app (百度地图) or Gaode Maps (高德地图) are accurate. Apple Maps has some English functions. Google Maps has limited functions without VPN.
Pleco (offline dictionary). Google Translate (VPN needed for full functionality).
WeChat (微信) for daily life, payments, messaging. Alipay (支付宝) for payments.
Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行).
Cloud storage, external hard drive, or memory stick for photos and documents.
Tailor your gear to your planned adventures. Consider items to take and what might be available locally, though specific rentals for tourists are not common for many items.
For hiking or exploring extensive sites like Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple, some items are good to have.
Capture Datong's breathtaking vistas and intricate historical details. Make sure your pictures kit is ready for diverse conditions.
For assistance with legal or administrative issues in Datong, contact the Foreign Affairs Office of Datong. Ask your hotel for the current area number. For serious issues or lost passports, get in touch with your nation's's embassy or nearest consulate in China (likely in Beijing or Shanghai).
