Datong

China ·Shanxi · Asia ·UTC UTC+8
Cost Low
Safety ★★★★☆
English Limited
Currency CNY ¥

City Overview

Datong, in northern Shanxi where Shanxi, Hebei and Inner Mongolia meet, is a national historic-cultural city and a Northern-Wei ancient capital, world-famous for the Yungang Grottoes (World Heritage), the Hanging Temple and Huayan Temple. Once a "coal capital," it is shifting toward culture-tourism and new energy. Its restored old town gleams anew; knife-cut noodles and copper hotpot stand out. Cost of living and housing are low; summers are cool — a regional center and key tourism city of northern Shanxi.

Cost of Living Snapshot

1BR Apartment ¥1800–4000/mo (center); ¥1200–2500/mo (outer ring)
Dining Out ¥10–20 (eatery/snacks); ¥35–85 (restaurant)
Monthly Transport Transit ~¥80–160/mo; DiDi starts ~¥9–13
Monthly Groceries ¥650–1400/mo (supermarket)
USD Reference: Approx. USD 250–560/mo (1BR center)
Full Cost of Living Report →

Data above is approximate. Actual costs vary by location, timing, and personal lifestyle.

Getting Around

A bus network; city card for buses. HSR to Taiyuan/Beijing/Hohhot. Datong Yungang Airport. ~30 min to the Yungang Grottoes.

Why Live Here

  • A Northern-Wei capital; Yungang Grottoes (World Heritage)
  • A restored old town; culture-tourism shift
  • Cool summers; low cost

Popular Neighborhoods

City Center Pingcheng (old-town core)
City Center Yudong New Area (CBD/new area)
Quiet & Residential Yungang (grottoes/tourism)
Budget-Friendly Outer counties (value)
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Data Updated: 2026-06-19