About 1.5 hours’ drive from Datong, Hanging Temple, also named Xuankong Temple, is a unique architectural wonder dating back around 1,500 years to the Northern Wei Dynasty.
Perched on a cliff approximately 75 meters (246 feet) above the ground, the entire temple appears suspended in the air. Astonishingly, no nails were used in its construction and the buildings are held together using the traditional mortise and tenon joint system.
Another remarkable feature is that the temple integrates three major Chinese philosophies and religions: Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. So it has been a must-visit attraction on any Datong tour.
Hanging Temple Facts
- Chinese Name: 悬空寺
- Location: At the foot of Mount Heng, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) away Southeast of Datong City, Shanxi Province, China.
- Opening time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (April to October); 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (November to March).
- Ticket price: entrance ticket: CNY 10/USD 1; temple climbing ticket:CNY 100/USD 14
- Time needed: About 2 to 3 hours.
- Best visiting time: Spring and Autumn.
- Best for: History and culture lovers, architecture lovers, and photographers.
Content Preview
- Why Can the Hanging Temple Cling to the Cliff
- How to Visit
- How to Get to
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Plan a Tour
- Travel with China Xian Tour
Why Can the Hanging Temple Cling to the Cliff – Architecture Features
When marveling at the Hanging Temple, you may wonder how it can cling to the cliff. Its secret lies in the thick wooden beams (crossbeams) inserted horizontally in the crag.
During construction, the craftsmen carved out a row of 1-meter-deep square stone holes on the cliff. Then, they inserted crossbeams into the holes, and the exposed parts supported the entire floor slab of the temple.
As the wood absorbs the moisture and slightly expands, the beams stick more closely to the walls. Other important reasons include its lightweight wooden structure and the perfect site of the natural concave shape of the cliff, which can shelter the temple from the sun and rain.
Most people think it relies on the vertical columns, but in fact, they were added later to protect the building and ease the nervous mood of tourists exploring it.
Marvel at the gravity-defying Hanging Temple, explore Yungang Grottoes' magnificent Buddhist carvings, and wander Pingyao's perfectly preserved Ming-Qing streets.
How to Visit the Hanging Temple
The two main ways to explore Hanging Temple are climbing up the temple and viewing on the ground, and they offer completely different perspectives and experience.
Option 1: Marvel on the Ground
Recommended for: Elders, children, tourists with limited time and those who are afraid of height and fail to get a climbing ticket.
As the climbing tickets are very difficult to get, most tourists will have a ground-level visit. But don’t feel disappointed. Only from below can you truly capture the awe-inspiring panorama of the temple clinging to the cliff. Most impressive photos are actually taken on the ground.
Besides, you can enjoy it at ease without being urged by the people queuing behind you.
Best Photography Spots:
- The viewing platform across the valley: Allowing travelers to take the whole temple, cliff and valley in a frame, this viewing platform is widely considered the best spot for a panoramic view.
- The square below the temple: With a low-angle shot, it creates a visual impact as if the temple is about to fall. You can also frame the entire temple and the cliff.
- Beside the stone carving of “壮观(spectacular) ”: The two large red characters inscribed by famous Tang poet Li Bai is carved at the stone wall below the temple. A classic photo of Hanging temple is to take the calligraphy against the cliffside temple in the background.
Option 2: Climb the Temple
- Recommended for: Young tourists, adventurers
For tourists, walking along cliffside wooden plank road of Hanging Temple is an exciting and slightly thrilling experience. Because the narrowest part can only accommodate one person and it will shake slightly when the wind blows.
Along the route, you will pass by South Tower, Changxian Bridge, North Tower and Three Saints Hall. The most unforgettable should be Three Saints Hall where Confucius, Laozi, and Shakyamuni’s statues are enshrined together.
During the hiking, observe the details of traditional mortise and tenon joint structure closely and overlook the valley and villages below to experience why it is called the “Hanging” Temple.
Important Tips for Climbing the Temple
- Please note that only about 2,500 climbing tickets are released every day and are almost sold out instantly. To ensure your trip, reserve through the WeChat mini-program of “北岳云游”7 days in advance or arrive early before opening hours to purchase on site.
- For a better experience, it would be better to ascend the temple first and then view on the ground.
- It is strongly advised to use the restroom before climbing, as the one-way hiking trail takes about 1 – 1.5 hours and no toilets or rest areas are available along the route.Also, if you see a good photo op, just take it on the spot.
- Because the steps are narrow and high, children under 6 years old, elders over 70 years old, tourists weighing more than 100 kg, and those with cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or respiratory diseases are not recommended to challenge the narrow roads.
- Non-slip sports shoes or hiking shoes are essential for the steep steps.
- Store your large backpacks for free in the tourist center in advance to free up your hands and avoid bumping into others.
- Theguardrail is quite low, only about 1 meter, don’t lean on, take care of your kids and keep your belongings well.
- To protect the buildings, using flash, touching or carving murals and wooden components are prohibited.
Journey through northern China's rich history from the spectacular Yungang Grottoes to the remarkably preserved Pingyao Ancient City.
How to Get to Hanging Temple from Datong
1. By Direct Bus
Datong Bus Station operates direct buses to Hanging Temple from about 07:00 – 17:00, with a ticket price of around CNY 30/USD 4 and a travel time of 1.5 – 2 hours. Check the latest schedule and purchase the ticket through the WeChat mini-program “大同客运综合枢纽”.
From Datong Ancient City, Datong South Train Station and Yungang Grottoes, there are also direct tourist buses. A single trip costs about CNY 20/USD 3 and takes about 1.5 hours. The WeChat mini-program “晋游宝景区直通车” offer ticket booking service.
2. By Taxi
Taxi is available from the city center of Datong to Hanging Temple. The fare for a taxi ranges from CNY 150 – 200/USD 21 – 28 based on the different routes. It takes about 1.5 hours.
3. By Private Car
To visit the Hanging Temple conveniently and comfortably, tourists can select to arrange a private car service. If needed, China Xian Tour can help you. For this service, we provide one licensed driver and one comfortable car. The driver can pick you up from anywhere in Datong, and then take you directly to the temple.
Discover Datong's colossal Yungang Grottoes with 51,000 Buddhist carvings and the thrilling Hanging Temple clinging to Hengshan cliffs before exploring Pingyao's ancient streets.
Best Time to Visit Datong Hanging Temple
The best time to travel to Hanging Temple is spring and autumn, when the weather is warm and comfortable and the surroundings are full of vitality and variety. It is easy to capture breathtaking photos.
As for the best time of the day, arrive early to be the first batch of tourists. You can not only avoid crowds and long queues, but also gain the best lighting for photography.
How to Plan a Datong Tour Including Hanging Temple
Besides Hanging Temple, the unmissable attractions during your travel in Datong are Yungang Grottoes and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. Other popular attractions are Huayan Temple, Ancient Wall and Mount Heng. To include these highlights, 2 – 3 days is the recommended travel time.
Day 1: Datong Arrival – Datong City Wall
Day 2: Yungang Grottoes – Nine Dragon Screen – Huayan Temple – Datong Clay Forest
Day 3: Hanging Temple – Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
Discover Datong's rich heritage visiting Yungang Grottoes, exploring Black Myth Wukong game scenes at Hanging Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, plus the surreal Clay Forest.
Explore the Cultural Sites in Datong with China Xian Tour
Hanging Temple has great appeal for tourists because of its superb architectural design and unique integration of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. For tourists who are interested in it, China Xian Tour can customize a trip based on your preferences.
To ensure a better travel experience, our travel expert will provide 1-to-1 support from you contacting us to the end of the trip. With us handling transfers, hotels and tickets, you can completely relax and enjoy the trip.
