Mount Heng｜Climbing once left my legs weak from being amazed by the "Hanging Temple"! A hidden gem among the Five Great Mountains

🌄Mount Heng｜Climbing once left my legs weak from being amazed by the "Hanging Temple"! A hidden gem among the Five Great Mountains

Dear friends! Finally checked in at Mount Heng, one of the Five Great Mountains. I thought it would be boring, but I was deeply impressed by the thrill of the Hanging Temple and the views from the summit! Few people and stunning scenery—if you love culture + nature, you must come~

✨Must-see highlight: The Hanging Temple really makes your heart race!

The shock is totally beyond what photos can show! The entire temple hangs on a cliff, wooden pillars embedded in the rock. Walking on it you can feel a slight sway, and looking down is a hundred-meter deep valley. Legs get weak but you can’t stop taking photos!

• Best photo spot: The viewing platform opposite the temple. Between 9-10 AM the sunlight is just right to capture the full "Hanging Temple + mountain view," avoid noon (light is too harsh and overexposed). To shoot details, buy the climbing ticket (100 RMB) to enter the temple and photograph the wooden corridor and cliff connection, the ancient vibe is fully enhanced.

• Avoid scams: Don’t trust roadside “guides” who say they’ll take you for full panoramic shots! The viewing platform is free and open, you can find your own angles to get great shots, no need to waste money~

🏔️Mount Heng Main Peak: Easy climb, breathtaking views!

Compared to other famous mountains, Mount Heng is very friendly to climb. The steps are not steep, and a slow 2.5-hour walk will get you to the main peak, Tianfeng Ridge (altitude 2016 meters). Along the way, you can also visit ancient temple clusters~

• Highlights en route: You’ll pass Kuixing Pavilion and Chunyang Palace. The red walls paired with pine forests in the mountains are very Zen, especially in autumn when pine needles turn golden, contrasting with the gray temples. Every snap is like an “ancient style wallpaper.” Don’t miss the “Hengding” stone stele at the summit, where you can overlook the entire Hunyuan County. The village under blue skies and white clouds is super healing.

• Supply tips: There are small vendors on the mountain selling instant noodles (15 RMB) and bottled water (5 RMB), so no need to carry too much. Light packing makes the climb easier~

🚩Practical tips (follow these to avoid pitfalls!)

1. Transportation: The easiest way is from Datong city. Self-driving takes 1.5 hours (navigate to “Mount Heng Scenic Area Parking Lot,” 10 RMB/day). For public transport, take the “Datong Bus Station - Hunyuan” bus (35 RMB/person), then transfer to bus 603 to the scenic area.

2. Tickets: Mount Heng ticket is 45 RMB, Hanging Temple ticket (viewing only) 25 RMB, climbing ticket 100 RMB. It’s recommended to buy the “Mount Heng + Hanging Temple Climbing Combo Ticket” (140 RMB), which is 10 RMB cheaper than buying separately. Book one day in advance on the official “Mount Heng Tourism” WeChat to skip the line.

3. Visiting time: Half a day (3-4 hours) is recommended. Visit the Hanging Temple in the morning, then climb Mount Heng. Descend before 3 PM to avoid windy mountain roads in the evening (wind is strong in autumn and winter, can be chilly).

4. Clothing: Wear non-slip sports shoes (steps sometimes have fallen leaves, avoid slipping). Bring a light jacket in spring and summer (it’s windy at the summit). In autumn and winter, wear a windbreaker, preferably in light colors (white, light blue) to match the mountain scenery in photos~

Mount Heng is truly the “low-key player” among the Five Great Mountains. It’s not as crowded as Mount Tai or as dangerous as Mount Hua, but it has its own cultural charm and relaxed vibe. The climb isn’t tiring at all, and you can leisurely explore the Hanging Temple. Great value for money! If you’re going to Datong, be sure to stop by and check it out~