Datong attractions are mainly historical. The city had been a military stronghold and a Buddhism center for centuries, and its past importance are evidenced by the numerous historical heritages scattered around the region. Datong has two of China's best attractions, the Yungang Grottoes, the largest Buddhist sculpture clusters in China, and the Hanging Monastery, an architectural wonder. Modern Datong is the center of China's coal production . Jinhuagong Coal Mine, one of China's large coal mines, is open to travelers.
Datong is a worthwhile destination for travelers who wish to dig deeper into China's history and culture.