Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si)
悬空寺
A Northern Wei “temple in the sky” built on the cliffs of Jinlong Gorge on Mount Heng. Its timber beams are set into the rock and it has hung in midair for over 1,500 years. It unites three teachings, and Li Bai inscribed “Magnificent” here.
Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si) sits on the cliffs of Cuiping Peak, on the west side of Jinlong Gorge in Mount Heng, Hunyuan County. It was founded in the late Northern Wei (around 491 CE), and its highest point is about 50 m above the ground. Its more than 40 halls and pavilions are supported by beams inserted into the rock face and dozens of columns, and they take advantage of the recessed cliff to shelter from wind, rain and falling rocks. Over 1,500 years and several earthquakes, the temple has remained intact, making it a rare cliff architecture in the world. The Hall of the Three Teachings enshrines Shakyamuni, Laozi and Confucius together, a rare hall in China that unites the three teachings. The walkways are less than one meter wide at their narrowest. Passing through the halls up and down, you see the gorge beneath your feet, a unique experience. After visiting, Li Bai inscribed the words “Magnificent” on the cliff, and Xu Xiake called it “the greatest wonder under heaven.” There are two ways to visit. From the mountain gate, you can climb stone steps to the viewing platform at the foot of the temple for panoramic photos without going up; this costs only the entrance ticket, about 15 yuan. The ticket for climbing up is sold separately, about 100 yuan in peak season. Entry is capped and one-way, and the full visit takes about 40 minutes. Tickets require real-name booking. On holidays, climbing tickets sell out by the morning, so arrive early. Getting there: a chartered car from Datong city takes about 1.5 hours, or you can take the tourist direct bus from Datong South Station. It is often combined with Mount Heng and the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda in a day trip. Notes: the walkways are narrow, so those who fear heights should think twice. Wear non-slip shoes and avoid large backpacks. Tripods are banned inside. Climbing is closed in winter when the steps ice over or in high winds.
Opening hours
Peak season 08:00–18:00; off-season 08:30–17:30 (climb depends on weather)
Nearby sights
- Mount Heng (Hengshan, Shanxi)
- Yong'an Temple, Hunyuan
- Datong Earth Forest
- Yunzhou Daylily Fields (Wangyou Farm)
- Datong Volcano Group Geopark
- Datong Fantawild Adventure
- Jingtu Temple, Yingxian
- Pagoda of Fogong Temple (Yingxian Wooden Pagoda)