Datong'sairportwas scheduled for completion in 2003, but funding problems left the project sitting on the ground. At press time, the airport was expected to open for business at the end of 2005, connecting the city to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenyang.
The overnighttrainfrom Beijing Xi Zhan to Datong (N205) is convenient, leaving Beijing at 11:13pm and arriving in Datong at 6:50am the next morning. Sleepers cost ¥91 to ¥170 ($11-$21). The return train (N214) leaves Datong at 12:27pm, and arrives in Beijing Xi Zhan the next day at 6:32pm. Useful trains from Taiyuan are the express K746 and K748, arriving in Datong at 2:36pm and 8:28pm. Heading west, the Beijing-Baotou line connects Datong with Hohhot (K43/K44; 5 hr.; ¥25/$3); trains on the Beijing Xi Zhan and Hohhot line (K89/K90) can be difficult to book in Datong.
Bustrips between Beijing and Datong take 3 or 4 hours. Large, deluxe buses now travel between the two cities, departing several times a day from the old long-distance bus station, near the railway station, and dropping passengers off at the Liuliqiao Bus Station in the west part of Beijing. Call tel.0352/603-6784for information; tickets costs about ¥90 ($11). Another "new" station is on Yantong Xi Lu near Xingjian Bei Lu. Air-conditioned buses connecting with Hohhot arrive and depart from the old bus station (¥50/$6.10; 3 hr., 40 min.) Departure from Datong is at 8am; the return bus departs Hohhot's long-distance bus station at 2:30pm. Air-conditioned buses also connect with Wutai Shan (4 hr.; ¥50/$5.60) and Taiyuan (3 1/2 hr.; ¥51-¥70/$6.20-$8.50).
Getting Around
Although the city is spread out, it can be toured on foot because the few tourist sights are in a fairly compact area south of Da Xi and Da Dong Jie. Rates for the two types oftaxisare ¥5 (65¢) for the first 3km (2 miles), then ¥1.20 (15¢) per kilometer. Beyond 10km (6 miles), the fare is ¥1.80 (20¢) per kilometer. Between 10pm and 7am, the first 3km (2 miles) are ¥5 (65¢), then ¥1.50 (20¢) per kilometer. Most trips within 3km in the city are ¥5 (65¢). Beyond 10km (6 1/4 miles), the fare is ¥2 (25¢) per kilometer, but the price can be negotiated before you set off.
Tours
ACITSoffice just inside the main entrance to the railway station (tel.0352/510-1326;fax 0352/712-4882) offers useful 1-day tours to the Hanging Monastery and the Yungang Buddhist Caves, or to the Hanging Monastery and the wooden pagoda in Ying Xian. The tour starts at 8:30am from the Yungang Hotel, and departs at 9am from the station; the cost is ¥100 ($13), or ¥210 ($26) including entrance fees and lunch. Some visitors arrive overnight from Beijing, take this tour, and return overnight. CITS also has offices in the Yungang Hotel (tel.0352/510-2265), located in a small building on the right-hand side as soon as you walk through the main gate.
Fast Facts
Banks, Foreign Exchange & ATMs-- The mainBank of China(Yingbin Lu near Hongqi Nan Jie; Mon-Fri 8am-noon and 2:30-6:30pm) has full-service foreign exchange. There is no ATM.
Internet Access-- Internet cafes can be found throughout the city; a convenientwangbais directly opposite the railway station. Dial-up is tel.169.
Post Office-- The main post office is on Hongqi Square (7am-7pm).
Visa Extensions-- ThePSB(Gonganju;open Mon-Fri 8am-noon and 3-6:30pm) is on Xinjian Bei Lu. Visas can be extended while you wait.