Overview
The Hanging Temple, nestled on the cliff face of Cuiping Peak in Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province, was built over 1500 years ago during the Northern Wei Dynasty. It is China's oldest and best-preserved high-altitude wooden cliffside structure. The entire temple is supported by wooden beams inserted into the rock face, appearing suspended in mid-air from a distance. It was named one of the "World's Ten Most Dangerous Buildings" by Time magazine. The temple contains approximately 40 halls, pavilions, and towers connected by walkways. Its unique feature is the coexistence of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian deities within a single temple.
A complete tour takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn (April-June and September-October), when temperatures range from 15-25℃ and the climate is pleasant.
How to Get There
It is recommended to arrive in Datong City first, and then use Datong as a base to visit the Hanging Temple.
High-speed rail + bus: Take the high-speed rail to Datong South Station. After exiting the station, go to Datong New South Bus Station and take a bus to Hunyuan County (approximately 1.5 hours, fare 25-30 yuan). After arriving at Hunyuan Bus Station, take a taxi to Hengshan Visitor Center (approximately 15 yuan).
Scenic Area Shuttle Bus (most convenient): Take the scenic area shuttle bus from Datong Ancient City and Yangmen Square. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, and the round-trip fare is 39 yuan. It goes directly to Hengshan Visitor Center. Buses depart daily at 7:30 and 8:30 during peak season.
Alternatively, you can choose to charter a car for your trip.
When visiting the site, it is recommended to first take panoramic photos from the viewing platform at the foot of the mountain, then purchase tickets to climb up and visit the site in sequence along the one-way route of South Tower → Long Bridge → North Tower → Sanjiao Hall.
What to Expect
The Hanging Temple scenic area has a parking lot (10 yuan/day), a souvenir shop, and restrooms at the foot of the mountain. Most of the area requires walking, with narrow wooden walkways and steep stairs allowing only one person to pass at a time. There are no restrooms inside the temple; please use the facilities at the foot of the mountain before climbing. The entire ascent requires walking, so it is recommended to travel light.
Practical Tips
- Please bring your original passport. Daily visitor numbers to the Hanging Temple are strictly limited to 2475; advance booking is strongly recommended.
- Foreign tourists can register and make a reservation at the window with their passports, and then enter the park by swiping their ID cards or tickets.
- Visitors aged 70 and above, weighing over 100 kg, or suffering from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (hypertension, coronary heart disease, etc.) or moderate to severe respiratory diseases are not advised to visit.
