Hanging Temple

Datong Attractions

	Introduction to Hanging Temple (悬空寺) The Hanging Temple is situated at the foot of the mountain Henshan and is one of the most famous attractions of Datong. The temple is situated 80 kilometers from the city Datong. The building of the monastery was started by a monk named Liao Ran, more than 1,400 years ago. The buildings of the temple hang along the mountains side with elevations higher altitude from south to north. The construction method was to install a beam in the horizontally drilled holes in the rock. Then the floors and the columns to support the roof were planked on these beams. The Hanging Monastery has more than 40 rooms. The tourists who visited the temple admire this unique architecture. The Temple pavilions are connected with wooden planks. The tracks are built directly on the rock, so they are very narrow. Only one person, in one direction, can go on the track. Any tourist who comes to this track, starts to worry holding his breath, moves slowly, slowly, as if the slightest false step and the temple collapses and he will fall through to bottom. The Hanging Temple is small due to the limitations of its location. However, the number of images and statues, which are set in the halls of the temple, is not inferior to other churches in China. They are also made of bronze, iron, clay, and, of course, rock. However, due to the small scale of the church in general, the sculptures in its halls are also relatively small, but very proportional. They have unique facial expressions that are highly valued in art. In addition to the original architectural execution, the church is still the only temple in China where there are three religions, recognized together in one and the same church. These three religions are Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

	Location Hunyuan County, Datong, Shanxi Province (at the foot of Mt. Hengshan, 65 kilometers from Datong downtown)

	Main Sights South Pavilion, North Pavilion, Long-line Bridge, Buddhist, Taoist and Confucianist culture, 40 halls and cabinets, 80 sculptures from three different religions

	Travel Information Opening Hours: 8:30am~5:30pm (November to May), 8:00am~6:00pm (June to October) Admission Fee: 130 yuan Visiting Time: 2 hours Best Time to Visit: March to October (when the climate is temperate and it is not that windy and sandy there)

	Transportation Take coach from Datong Bus Station or Xinnan Coach Station to Hunyuan County, or hire a van from Datong to Hanging Temple directly (about 50 yuan).

	Travel Tips 1. The Wooden Pagoda and Hanging Temple are both far from Datong downtown so it is better to hire a van if you would like to visit these two sites together. 2. Be careful to change your clothes accordingly while visit Hanging temple, for the temperature is quite difference there between day and night.