What to Pack for Datong. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Air Travel to Datong

Datong Yungang Airport DAT

This is the primary domestic airport serving Datong. Airlines like China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, and others operate flights here.

Flight Information

Direct flights mainly connect Datong to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an, Taiyuan, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Kunming.
No direct international flights operate to Datong. International travelers typically fly into major international hubs within China (e.g., Beijing Capital PEK, Shanghai Pudong PVG) and take a connecting domestic flight or high-speed train.
Flight frequency and rates vary with Chinese national holidays plus busy tourist season (May-October). Booking in advance is good.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Datong Yungang Airport is a regional airport with basic facilities, including check-in counters, security, a few shops, and restricted dining.

Transfer Options

Airport Shuttle Bus: Connects to Datong city center (e.g., Datong Civil Aviation Hotel). Cost is typically ¥15-¥20.
Taxi/Didi: Taxis are available outside the terminal. A ride to the city center costs ¥60-¥80 and takes 30-40 minutes. Didi Chuxing (ride-sharing app) is an option.
Flight booking tools include Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner. AirHelp assists with flight compensation.

Train Travel

Datong has conventional rail (Datong Railway Station) and high-speed rail (Datong South Railway Station). High-speed rail connects to Beijing (1h 40m - 2h 10m, ¥140-¥180) and Taiyuan (2h, ¥80-¥100). Book using 12306.cn or Trip.com.

Long-Distance Bus

Datong Bus Station (Central Bus Station) offers intercity services to cities within Shanxi and neighboring provinces. Buses vary in comfort and speed; trains are generally chosen for longer distances.

Self-Driving Not Recommended

Foreigners cannot legally drive in mainland China without a local Chinese driving license. IDPs are not recognized. Private car with a local driver is an option. Use DiscoverCars.com for rental options with drivers.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road Quality

Major highways are generally well-maintained.
City roads can experience congestion, especially during peak hours.
Traffic safety can be a concern due to aggressive driving and varied adherence to rules.
A high number of motorcycles and scooters share the road.

Pedestrian Safety

Exercise caution as a pedestrian.
Look both ways, even on one-way streets.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable

Ferry Services

Datong is an inland city; ferry services and a cruise ports are not pertaining to this destination.

River Transportation

No river transportation options are available or applicable for travel to or within Datong.

Immigration at Seaports

Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable, as Datong has no coastal or major river access.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No separate exit fees or taxes are typically levied for departing China. These are generally included in your airfare or train ticket price.

Timing Recommendations

Airport (Datong Yungang Airport): Arrive at least 90 minutes before your scheduled domestic flight.
Train Station (Datong Railway Station or Datong South Rail Depot): Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
High-speed rail stations are often larger and mean more walking.

Airport/Station Facilities

Datong Yungang Airport has basic waiting areas, some shops selling snacks and local souvenirs, plus few food stalls.

Train Station Amenities

Both Datong Railway Station and Datong South Railway Station have waiting rooms and lavatories.
Small shops and eateries are at both stations.
Datong South Station, being newer, possesses more modern facilities and a comfortable waiting environment.

Important Travel Notes

Station Identification

Datong has two main train stations. Know which station you are departing from for accurate travel planning.

Station Types

Datong Railway Station: For conventional rail.
Datong South Railway Station: For high-speed rail.
They are in different parts of the city.

Group Travel Advantage

For day trips outside the city (e.g., to the Hanging Temple), group travel offers benefits.

Cost Sharing

Consider forming a small group.
Share the cost of a private taxi or Didi.
This approach offers flexibility and comfort.

Booking Services

Flight Booking

Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for flight deals.

Train Tickets

Official 12306.cn (Chinese only) or Trip.com (English interface).

Car with Driver

DiscoverCars.com for private car with driver services.

Travel Insight

Planning your journey to and from Datong means choosing between efficient high-speed rail, budget-friendly buses, or convenient air travel via domestic connections. Factor in seasonal changes and Chinese holidays for best prices and availability.

What to Pack for Datong