Bullet Train To Datong Yungang Grottoes from Beijing Private Day Tour

Name: Bullet Train To Datong Yungang Grottoes from Beijing Private Day Tour
Brand: Mark’s Guide & Driver Service
SKU: 6cc5be7b-5119-43d8-8eda-e5edd5f61d63

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Summary

After early pickup from your central Beijing hotel, settle inside your private vehicle. Then, gaze out at the city’s bustling streets as you set off on your journey to the Yungang Grottoes near Datong. Travel west into northern China’s countryside, and during the roughly 4.5-hour journey, relax in the air-conditioned comfort of your car or minivan, and absorb the interesting views of the towns, villages, farms and fields. On arrival in Datong, stop for an early lunch of local specialities such as sliced noodles — bowls of savory, flattened noodles sliced with a knife and mixed with other ingredients. Duly refreshed, travel to your main destination for the day: the Yungang Grottoes. One of China’s three best-known historical Buddhist sculptural sites, this UNESCO-listed treasure dates from the 5th and 6th centuries, and consists of 252 cliffside grottoes and niches, all filled with more than 51,000 statues and depictions of Buddha. Head inside the complex (own expense), and enjoy about four hours to look around the grottoes that stretch along a 0.6-mile (1-kilometre) section of cliffs, seeing everything from miniature statuettes to rock-face sculptures. Stop to marvel at the largest, 55-foot (7-meter) Buddha in the fifth cave, and view some of the smaller caverns and niches to admire everything from colorful wall murals to figurines and other ornamental depictions of Buddha. Having explored this incredible site, hop back into your vehicle and relax on your ride back to Beijing, where an early-evening drop-off at your central hotel brings your tour to a close.

Tour info

Duration

9 hours

Why take this tour?

You cannot imagine until you stand gazing up at them how awe inspiring are the statues and stone-cut architecture of the Yungang Grottos. Over 50 thousand Buddhas in 252 man-made caves punctuate the cliff of Wuzhou Mountain.The statues range in size from tiny Buddhas smaller than an inch, arrayed like tiles in the sandstone, to great carvings 55 feet high (17 meters). UNESCO made this a World Heritage Site in 2001, describing it as “a classical masterpiece of Chinese Buddhist art.” Half a century in the making, involving tens of thousands of workers, this temple like the great cathedrals of Europe is a testament for the ages. It can not but raise our gaze. Your private English-speaking guide will explain it all in detail. This marvel is our destination. But first a more modern adventure: We'll shoot from the city for a roughly two-hour ride on the Beijing-Datong bullet train. From sleek steel to ancient stone – pretty amazing contrast in this day to remember for a lifetime.

What’s included?

Local hand slice noodle lunch
Transport by private vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Round Tickets of Bullet Train between Datong and Beijing
Professional English speaking tour guide
Entry/Admission - Yungang Grottoes
Gratuities

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 9h
Mobile tickets accepted
Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Mark’s Guide & Driver Service

About operator:

Mark's Guide and Driver service has been making it happen since 2004. We rise like a watchtower above the rest because we personalize our service. And we know what we're doing. “Competence personified” wrote one happy customer in a recent review (Hunter of Tacoma Washington). He goes on, “You could go through all the Beijing tours listed and you wouldn't find anyone better than Mark and his excellent staff of drivers.” So relax. Your search has ended. With super-fast response time by phone or email, Mark's simplifies all your planning. With top guides and drivers, we meet and exceed the highest expectations. With care and knowledge, we guide you well on all your Great Wall of China and Beijing journeys. Mark's makes it happen. Why look any farther?