Home / Shanxi Travel Guide/ Attraction
Hanging Temple
Hanging Temple
Highlights
Hanging Temple is one of the world`s forgotten wonders.It was constructed by drilling holes into the cliffs side into which oak crossbeams and oak poles hold up the temple.Interestingly the temple is dedicated to not just one religion, but three, with Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism all practiced within the temple.
Hanging Temple
Hanging Monastery stands at the foot of Mt. Hengshan, 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Hunyuan County, and 65 kilometers (40 miles) from downtown Datong City. Since it hangs on the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge more than 50 meters above the ground, it is called Hanging Monastery.
Built in 491, it has survived more than 1400 years. The extant monastery was largely rebuilt and maintained in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
How could a building like this withstand the winds and storms of so many years? Hanging Monastery is an architectural wonder. A unique mechanical theory was applied to building the framework.were half-inserted into the rock as the foundation, while the rock inbecame its support. Seen from below, it appears to be a tumble-down castle in the air. Inside, it provides the same scene as other temples.
Sculpture of Sakyamuni and Confucius
Construction experts from countries including Britain, Germany, and Italy, come to see the monastery. In their words, Hanging Monastery, which mixes mechanics, aesthetics, and Buddhism, is rare. The architecture and everything it symbolizes embodies a great cultural achievement of.
The second attraction of Hanging Monastery is that it includes Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Inside the monastery, the sculptures of Sakyamuni, Confucius and Laotzu appear together, which is unusual. There are 40 halls and cabinets, which contain about 80 sculptures made of copper, iron, terracotta, and stone. The features are vividly carved.
Why build a monastery like this? Location is the first reason; building a monastery on the cliff could shield it from floods. In addition, the mountain peak protects it from rain and snow; and the mountain around it also diminishes damage from long-time sunshine. The second reason is that the builders followed a principle in Taoism: no noises, including those from rooster crowing and ; so from the upper ground, all noises drop away.
Travel Map
Recommend Tour
5 Days Datong and Pingyao Tour by Train
5days
This Datong and Pingyao tour package selects many cultural and historical attractions in Shanxi province! In just five days, delve into the Buddhist buildings like Yungang Grottos, Hanging Temple, and Shuanglin Temple. Besides, fully understand splendid residence buildings at Pingyao Ancient City and Wang Family Compound.
Datong Day Tour: Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple
1days
Visit the historical wonders on this private one day tour in Datong. Enjoy ample time to tour grottoes of thousands of Buddhist statues in Yungang Grottoes. Explore the famous Hanging Temple with Buddhas carved on cliff, smaller caverns and niches filled with murals and figurines.
2 Days Classic Datong Tour
2days
The Datong classic tour gives you the chance to explore the prosperous historical and cultural relics, Datong highlights such as the Nine Dragon Screen, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, discover Buddhist statues in the Yungang Grottoes and plus visit the cliff-side Hengshan Hanging Temple, Shanhua Temple with Liao Dynasty architecture style, and Datong Confucius Temple with a profound and splendid history.
Shanxi World Heritage Tour: Pingyao & Mount Wutai & Yungang Grottoes
5days
Shanxi is a rare paradise for cultural fanatics where they can get acquainted with lots of Buddha temples, grottoes, pagodas and villas of ancient commercial tycoons, receiving hundreds and hundreds of overseas Buddhists and architectural buffs every year. Explore World Heritage sites including Pingyao Ancient City, Yungang Grottoes, Mount Wutai, with some historical yet popular sites to complete your wonderful Shanxi tour.
6 Days Datong Pingyao Tour from Beijing
6days
Explore highlight city of Shanxi province from Beijing by train, In Datong, you will trace back to discover ancient architectural wonders and learn about the history, also admire the brilliant Buddhist culture and art in Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple. Wandering from the Ancient City of Pingyao to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere there and learn more about the history and culture of North China.
3 Days Datong Tour from Beijing by Train
3days
Datong must be worthy of a stop for your Beijing side trip! In this 3-day Datong private tour from Beijing by train, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Yungang Grottoes, discover peaceful Huayan Monastery, admire the largest Nine Dragon Screen in China, adventure to the miraculous Hanging Monastery built along the cliff, marvel at Yingxian Wooden Tower.
Answers to questions
Phone:+86-13683536536
WhatsApp/iMessage:+86-13683536536
WeChat:chinatoursnet
Hanging Temple Photos