The Hanging Temple, located at the foot of Hengshan Mountain in Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province, China, is an ancient architectural wonder built on a cliff, with a history of more than 1,500 years.
The Hanging Temple, located at the foot of Hengshan Mountain in Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province, China, is an ancient architectural wonder built on a cliff, with a history of more than 1,500 years. It is not only one of the few existing temples in China that combines Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, but also the 'first scenic spot' among the eighteen landscapes of Hengshan. The Hanging Temple attracts countless visitors with its unique architectural style and exquisite craftsmanship.
The Hanging Temple, originally named 'Xuan Kong Ge', derives its name from its clever construction that adheres to the cliff. The temple's structure utilizes the principles of mechanics, employing semi-embedded flying beams supported by the rocks, making the entire complex appear to hang in the air. Within the temple, there are more than 40 halls, divided into southern, northern, and central parts, interconnected by walkways, forming a staggered and three-dimensional architectural cluster. Visitors can enjoy exquisite colored sculptures and suspended sculptures during their ascent, feeling the wisdom and courage of ancient craftsmen.
There are several ways to reach the Hanging Temple:
Self-Driving: It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Datong city center to the Hanging Temple, with beautiful scenery along the way, suitable for independent travelers.
Public Transportation: Take the 901-1 bus to Hunyuan Bus Station, then take a taxi to the Hanging Temple, approximately a 20-minute ride. It is recommended to check the bus schedule in advance to avoid delays.
Tourist Shuttle Bus: There are direct buses from Datong Ancient City to the Hanging Temple, with a ticket price of about 39 yuan for convenience.
There are two types of tickets for the Hanging Temple:
Entrance Ticket: Adult ticket price is 15 yuan, student ticket is 8 yuan, and entrance tickets only allow viewing from outside the temple.
Climbing Ticket: Adult ticket price is 100 yuan, student ticket is 50 yuan, and climbing tickets allow visitors to enter the temple for sightseeing. Since the number of climbing tickets is limited each day, it is recommended to make online reservations in advance. Climbing tickets usually become available for purchase at 8 AM, so it's best to prepare personal information beforehand for a quick purchase.
Ticket Purchase Channels:
Online Ticket Purchase: Reserve through the 'Hengshan Scenic Area' WeChat official account, requiring the purchase of an entrance ticket before buying a climbing ticket.
On-Site Ticket Purchase: There are also ticket windows on-site, but the number is limited, so early arrival is recommended.
Architectural Wonder: The Hanging Temple's architectural design is ingenious, allowing visitors to walk on the walkways, experience the feeling of hanging in the air, and appreciate the wisdom of ancient craftsmen.
Cultural Experience: The temple hosts statues of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian figures, allowing visitors to learn about the cultural background of the three teachings.
Natural Scenery: Situated against Hengshan Mountain and overlooking deep valleys, the surrounding natural landscape is beautiful and ideal for memorable photographs.
Plan Ahead: Due to the limited number of climbing tickets, it is advisable to make reservations a week in advance, especially during holidays.
Safety First: During the climbing process, the walkways are narrow, and visitors should pay attention to safety, especially those who are afraid of heights should walk cautiously.
Weather Preparedness: The temperature on the mountain is relatively low, so it is recommended to prepare suitable clothing based on the weather, as there is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening.
Visiting Time: It is suggested to visit in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds, allowing for a better experience.
The Hanging Temple is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual cleansing. Whether it's a love for historical architecture or a yearning for natural beauty, the Hanging Temple can fulfill your expectations.
