Hanging Monastery

In Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province, China, next to Mount Heng, there is a temple known as The Hanging Temple, also known as Hengshan Hanging Temple, Hanging Monastery, or Xuankong Temple. It is erected onto a cliff 75 meters (246 feet) above the ground. Datong, 64 kilometers (40 miles) to the northwest, is the nearest city.

The Hanging Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations and historic locations in the Datong region, along with the Yungang Grottoes. This temple, which was constructed more than 1,500 years ago, is significant not only for its placement on a steep cliff, but also because it is the only one still in existence that combines the three classic Chinese philosophies or faiths of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

Oak crossbeams that are inserted into cliff-cut holes hold the building in place. The bedrock serves as the primary sustaining framework. The body of the monastery hangs from the center of the cliff beneath the conspicuous peak, shielding it from rain erosion and sun burn. The monastery is situated in the little canyon basin. The Hanging Monastery is shielded from the weather in a tiny canyon basin and overlooks a stunning valley with Mount Heng visible in the distance.

Location: Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province, China