Hanging Temple in Datong

Attractions Overview: The temple hanging on the cliff
Attraction Type: Temple
Chinese Name:大同悬空寺
English Name: Hanging Temple in Datong
Best Time to Visit: All Year Round
Recommended Visiting Time: 2 Hours
Open Hours: 08:00-17:00
Admission Fee: 115 RMB / Person
Address in English: Mt. Hengshan in Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi province, China.
Address in Chinese: 大同市浑源县东南郊恒山脚下

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Why is Hanging Temple So Special?

Since it hangs on the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge more than 50 meters above the ground, it is called Hanging Temple. It is the most famous scenic spot in Mt. Hengshan area. Originally constructed in Northern Wei Dynasty (386-557) by only one man, a monk named Liao Ran, Hanging Temple has been standing right at the foot of Mt. Hengshan for over one thousand years. The temple is also the only remaining integrated temple of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism.

Where is Hanging Temple?

Hanging Temple was built into a cliff (75 meters above the ground) of Mt. Hengshan in Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi province. The temple lies about 90 km from Datong Railway Station, and about 74 km from Datong Yungang Airport.

How to Get to Hanging Temple?

Travel with China Dragon Tours (top recommended)

If you want to get rid of hustle of transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Hanging Temple with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on travel.

Independent Travel

For independent travelers you can

Get to Datong City first. Datong Coach Station in Yantong Road has buses to Hunyuan County. Then take bus 8 or take taxi to the monastery.

What to See in Hanging Temple?

Construction

The temple was originally built without the wooden pillars, that’s supporting the buildings. But they were added later for security measures. The pillars are actually moveable and can be taken away without the temple falling off the cliff. Hanging temple is an architectural wonder. A unique mechanical theory was applied to building the framework. Crossbeams were half-inserted into the rock as the foundation, while the rock in back became its support. Seen from below, it appears to be a tumble-down castle in the air.

Coexistence of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism

Hanging Temple is the only remaining integrated temple of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. This is the special monastery in which you could find not only the elements of Buddhism but also Taoism and Confucianism. Inside the monastery, the sculptures of Sakyamuni, Confucius and Laotzu appear together, which is unusual. There are about 40 halls with 80 sculptures which are vividly carved from copper, iron, terracotta and stone in this temple.

Changxian Bridge

Changxian Bridge is a 10 meters long hanging plank road that connects the southern part and northern part of the temple. Along the bridge there are temples and Buddhas, the bridge is a combine scenery of bridge and temple.

Useful Travel Tips

Datong bus station has a direct bus to the hanging temple, which departures every half an hour from 6:30 to 11:00.
Hanging Temple is located in between two gorges, so the best time for photography.