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The Hanging Temple, nestled amidst the cliffs of Cuiping Peak, west of Jinlong Gorge on Hengshan Mountain in Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province, is known for its precipitous abyss-like presence, often described as "the Hanging Temple, half as high as the sky, suspended in mid-air by three horsetails." Its unique architectural features and incredible ancient human wisdom make this remarkable gem of ancient Chinese civilization resplendent.
The entire temple is perched on a dangerous cliff, overlooking a deep valley, and nestled against a rock. Its basic features are "strange, dangerous, ingenious, and mysterious," which are reflected in the strangeness of the architecture, the ingenuity of the structure, the dangerous location, the cultural diversity, and the profound connotation. The original intention of building the temple can be described as extraordinary and unconventional, and it is truly unique in the world.
The unique religious and cultural connotation of the Hanging Temple, which integrates three religions into one, is equally splendid. With its ingenious multi-religious and cultural content, it has been preserved intact for more than 1,500 years in the midst of the fusion of ethnic groups in the frontier and the wars of successive dynasties. It is a miracle among miracles.
It is suitable for all seasons, with spring and autumn being the best. The tour time can reach 210 days.
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
Peak season: Full ticket price: 125 yuan (25 yuan for admission, 100 yuan for boarding fee)
Student ticket: 63 yuan (13 yuan for admission, 50 yuan for boarding fee)
Senior citizen ticket: 100 yuan (free admission, 100 yuan boarding fee)
Off-season full ticket price: 117 yuan (entrance fee: 17 yuan, boarding fee: 100 yuan)
Half-price ticket: 59 yuan (entrance fee: 9 yuan, boarding fee: 50 yuan)
6:30-19:00 (Summer)
8:00-18:00 (winter)
The Hanging Temple, also known as Xuankong Si, is a Buddhist temple built into the cliffs of Mount Heng. It dates back to the Northern Wei Dynasty (around 1500 years ago). The temple is famous for its unique construction, with the main halls hanging precariously on the cliffs, supported by wooden beams. It blends Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian influences and is a significant cultural and architectural wonder in China.
The Hanging Temple is located in Hunyuan County, Shanxi Province, about 65 km from the city of Datong. You can reach the temple by taxi or bus from Datong, which takes about 1-1.5 hours. There are no direct metro services, but buses from Datong's main bus station are available. Walking to the temple is not recommended due to its location on the cliffside.
The Hanging Temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. It is best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
The entrance fee for the Hanging Temple is around 130 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the temple or online through various Chinese travel platforms such as Ctrip or Fliggy. Be sure to check availability online in advance during peak seasons.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn) to avoid long lines. Booking 1-2 days in advance is generally sufficient, though booking further ahead is advised during Chinese public holidays or major festivals.
A visit to the Hanging Temple typically takes around 2-3 hours. This allows time to explore the temple, enjoy the views, and take a guided tour. If you plan to visit nearby attractions, you may need more time.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and English-speaking guides can be arranged for larger groups. Audio guides are also available in Mandarin and English, providing detailed historical information about the temple and its significance.
Start your visit at the entrance and take the path that leads to the Hanging Temple. Explore the temple first, walking through the various halls and learning about its history. Afterward, take time to enjoy the views from the surrounding platforms. Finally, walk around the base of the mountain to see the temple from different angles.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not available at the Hanging Temple. However, the temple is beautifully illuminated at night, and visitors can often see it lit from a distance.
The Hanging Temple can get crowded, especially during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are in the early morning or late afternoon on weekdays, particularly in the off-peak seasons of winter and early spring.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available at the entrance and throughout the temple grounds. There are small shops near the entrance selling souvenirs and refreshments. It is advisable to carry water and snacks with you, especially if you plan to hike around the area.
Due to its location on a cliffside and the steep paths leading up to the temple, the Hanging Temple is not very accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. However, there are some areas near the base that are more accessible for families with children.
Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted at the temple, especially for entrance tickets and in the souvenir shops. Cash is also accepted, but it is recommended to use mobile payments for convenience.
There are a few small restaurants and cafes near the entrance of the Hanging Temple, serving local Chinese food, snacks, and refreshments. For more variety, you may want to head back to Datong for more restaurant options.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at the local restaurants near the Hanging Temple, but halal food may be difficult to find in this area.
There are several hotels in Datong, which is around 1-1.5 hours away by taxi from the Hanging Temple. These range from budget guesthouses to mid-range and higher-end hotels. Some visitors choose to stay in Datong for easier access to other local attractions as well.
Souvenir shops near the Hanging Temple offer items like small statues, postcards, religious trinkets, and local crafts such as lacquerware and pottery.
