Hanging Temple
悬空寺 · Hunyuan County, Datong, Shanxi, China
The whole temple is set into a cliff recess about 75 m above the ground, with some 40 halls and pavilions linked in mid-air; its Hall of Three Religions enshrines Sakyamuni, Laozi and Confucius together, a rare hall shared by Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.
Know before you go
- Crowding or pushing on the walkways
- leaning on the railings or out over the edge
- making noise inside the halls
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
Legend
The monk Liaoran builds it alone
Legend says that at the end of the Northern Wei, a monk named Liaoran began building the temple on the cliff by himself in 491. Accounts of when the temple was founded still differ; this date comes from legend and is not settled.
Source: Wikipedia: Hanging Temple
History
Restoration and reopening
In September 2015, China's State Administration of Cultural Heritage approved a project to restore the temple's paintings and lacquer decoration. The temple was closed during the work and did not reopen to visitors until May 2016.
Source: Wikipedia: Hanging Temple
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The Hanging Temple stands on the cliff of Cuiping Peak on the west side of Jinlong Gorge, Mount Heng, in Hunyuan County, Datong, Shanxi Province, about 64 km from central Datong. The temple is set into a cliff recess about 75 m above the ground, with some 40 halls and pavilions in its northern and southern sections. Its main buildings rest on 27 wooden beams, reinforced by crossbeams fitted into holes in the rock and by iron chains; the real support is hidden inside the cliff. In the northern section, the Hall of Three Religions enshrines Sakyamuni (centre), Laozi (left) and Confucius (right); the southern section has the Chunyang Palace (dedicated to Lü Dongbin), the Sanguan Hall (the largest in the temple, with Ming-dynasty clay statues of the Three Officials) and the Leiyin Hall. The walkways are narrow and wind up and down, so climbing feels like walking in mid-air. One explanation holds that the name "Xuankong" combines the Taoist "xuan" (mystery) and the Buddhist "kong" (emptiness), echoing the harmony of the three teachings. Backed by the cliff and sheltered by the summit above, the temple is protected from rain erosion and harsh sun. In 2010, Time magazine listed it among the world's ten most precarious buildings.
Local customs
- First view the whole temple from across the gorge to see how it clings to the cliff
- then climb the walkways from south to north, passing the Chunyang Palace, Sanguan Hall and Leiyin Hall before reaching the Hall of Three Religions. Allow plenty of time, walk slowly in one direction at narrow points, and look down over Jinlong Gorge from the railings.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Crowding or pushing on the walkways
- leaning on the railings or out over the edge
- making noise inside the halls
- forcing yourself to the top
Locals appreciate DO
- Walk in one direction and keep in line
- keep quiet inside the halls
- follow on-site photography rules
- know your limits, and if you fear heights or have limited mobility, enjoy the view from across the gorge
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Visitor numbers are limited, so confirm reservations and opening status before you go, subject to official information. Wear non-slip shoes
- rain, snow or strong wind may affect opening, subject to official information. The temple is compact and large bags are awkward, so travel light.
- From central Datong it is about 64 km by road to Hunyuan County, then on to the Mount Heng scenic area
- buses and chartered cars run between Datong and Hunyuan, details subject to official information. You can visit year-round, with spring, summer and autumn the most pleasant
- in the rainy season mist fills the gorge and is atmospheric, but watch for slippery paths
- in winter watch for ice on the walkways and changes to opening, subject to official information.
Sources & verification notes
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