We woke to bright, beautiful, blue skies and clean, clear air (while it lasts). It doesn't get much better than this in Datong-or anywhere else in China for that matter. Good karma continues to follow us!
The historic city of Datong dates back nearly 2500 years. Across from the hotel were the massive walls of the (new) old city. In this case not restored but new, an attempt to resemble Xian. Once inside a real poverty site, soon to be demolished and replaced by high end shops and apartment buildings. Surrounding these magnificent walls ate beautiful gardens, parks and a modern rapidly developing city.
The main attraction here is
the Yungang
Grottos, a UNESCO
World Heritage complex of 21
caves containing
over 50,000 statues, some of
which are the
oldest of their type in China. Looking at the rock art we were able to pick out
influences from an amazing variety of different cultures, including Roman,
Greek, Persian, and Indian.
After circling the city trying to find a way out (as usual) we headed for cliffs. Once there we were treated to a magnificent tourist center with adjoining imperial temple complex. The grottos are awesome, touring each cave, being able to take photos, and enjoying a lot of free time. This site was more user friendly Nd less restricted than the Mogao caves. An absolutely spectacular day!
After circling the city trying to find a way out (as usual) we headed for cliffs. Once there we were treated to a magnificent tourist center with adjoining imperial temple complex. The grottos are awesome, touring each cave, being able to take photos, and enjoying a lot of free time. This site was more user friendly Nd less restricted than the Mogao caves. An absolutely spectacular day!
Sent from Leopard's iPhone. Read my blog at www.leopard2013.blogspot.com
