Written by Veronica |
Hanging Temple of China, also named Xuankong Temple, is a unique architectural wonder. It is located on a cliff approximately above the ground 75 meters (246 feet). Hanging Temple, built in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534 AD), is supported by wooden beams inserted in the cliff, showing an impression that it is suspended in the air.
This building structure is different from the traditional construction practice. Hanging Temple integrates the ideas of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. There are 40 halls and pavilions, which are connected by bridges and corridors, with statues of Buddha, Confucius Laozi, etc. inside.
Hanging Temple is not only an outstanding architecture, but also shows China’s ancient unique craftsmanship. Tourists are willing to visit there.
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: CNY 125 per person (April to October); CNY 117 per person (November to March).
- Time needed: About 2 to 3 hours.
- Best visiting time: Spring and Autumn.
- Best for: History and culture lovers, architecture lovers, and photographers.
What to See at Hanging Temple
In the Hanging Temple of China, tourists will be amazed at the extraordinary architectural structure because it is built on a cliff and supported by wooden beams inserted into the rock. This temple integrates the styles of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism, which can be reflected by the 40 halls and pavilions.
There are various statues and cultural relics with religious and cultural significance. Tourists can also appreciate the surprising nature sights near the Hanging Temple, including Jinxia and Mount Heng.
What’s more, in Hanging Temple we can not only witness China’s ancient construction craftsmanship but also have the opportunity to know the history and cultural meaning of this impressive site.
Best Visiting Time of Hanging Temple
The best time to travel to Hanging Temple is from April to October. At that time, it is warm and comfortable, and the surroundings are full of vitality and variety.
Datong belongs to a temperate continental climate, with four distinct seasons, a small quantity of rainfall, short summer days, and long and cold winter days from November to March.
It is the ideal travel day in Spring and Autumn with moderate temperate, a small quantity of rainfall, and a clear and sunny sky.
How to Get to Hanging Temple
1. By Bus
Take the No. 603 bus from Datong Bus Station to Hunyuan Bus Station for about 1 hour, 15 yuan per person; then take the Line 8 bus from Hunyuan Bus Station to Hanging Temple scene for about 20 minutes, 3 yuan per person.
2. By Taxi
Taxi is available from the city center of Datong to Hanging Temple. The ticket price of each taxi ranges from 150 yuan to 200 yuan 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 reserve a private car service. For this service, provide one licensed driver and one comfortable car. The driver can pick up the tourists from a hotel or anywhere in Datong, and then take them directly to the Hanging Temple in Datong.
Nearby Attractions of Hanging Temple
- Mount Heng: One of the five Sacred Mountains of Daoism, 15 kilometers (9 miles) away from the Southeast Chinese Hanging Temple, with amazing natural sights history, and cultural landmarks. You can go there by bus, taxi or together with a tour group.
- Hukou Waterfall: The largest waterfall on the Yellow River, 150 kilometers (93 miles) away from the Southwest of the Hanging Temple of China. You can witness the grand scenery of the roaring sea pouring down from the narrow opening and can go there by bus, taxi, or together with a tour group.
- Yungang Grottoes: UNESCO World Heritage, have more than 51,000 statues and scriptures from 5 to 6 centuries; 44 kilometers (27 miles) away from the hotel. You can go there by bus or taxi.
- Nine-Dragon Screen Wall: China’s largest Dragon Wall, built in 1392 during the Ming Dynasty. It is 45.5 meters long and 8 meters high and depicts the picture of nine dragons playing with pearls in the clouds and waves. 58 kilometers (36 miles) away the hotel. You can go there by bus or taxi.
- Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: China’s oldest and highest wooden pagoda with 67 meters high (220 feet); built in 1056 without using nails or metal fasteners. 26 kilometers (16 miles) away from the hotel. You can go there by bus or taxi.
When you travel to Datong, Hanging Temple is a must-visit place. Among the various cultural sites of Datong, the Hanging Temple is one of the most favorite attractions for tourists. Whether you are traveling with family or friends, we can provide you with private Datong tours to meet your needs.
