Overview
The Hanging Temple (悬空寺, Xuankong Si), perched 58 meters above Jinlong Gorge on Mount Hengshan (Datong, Shanxi), is the only surviving temple integrating Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Constructed in 491 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty, its 40 wooden pavilions cling to the cliff using 27 oak cantilevers drilled into rock—a technique predating modern expansion bolts.
Architectural Genius
- Gravity-Defying Design: The temple appears suspended by 12 decorative pillars, but its weight rests on hidden beams inserted 2–3 meters into the cliff.
- Natural Protection: Built in a concave rock face, it avoids floods, rain, and falling rocks.
- Structural Features:
- Three Sections: Southern (Taoist halls), Northern (Confucian/Buddhist halls), and the Three Religions Hall (enshrining Laozi, Confucius, and Buddha).
- Multi-Level Layout: Includes drum towers, prayer halls, and zigzagging staircases across 472 m².
Cultural Significance
- Religious Harmony: The Three Religions Hall symbolizes peaceful coexistence—a rarity in ancient China.
- Artistic Treasures: Houses 80+ statues (bronze, clay, stone) and Ming Dynasty murals.
- Historical Praise: Poet Li Bai inscribed "壮观" (Zhuangguan, "spectacular"), while geographer Xu Xiake called it a "world’s tremendous wonder".
Preservation & Recognition
- UNESCO Tentative List (2012) and National Protected Site (1982).
- Conservation Challenges: Anti-erosion measures and visitor limits (max 80 people/day) protect its fragile structure.
Visitor Information
- Hours: 7:00–18:30 (summer); 8:00–17:30 (winter).
- Tickets: ¥100 (entry + access to cantilevered sections).
- Best Time to Visit: April–October for clear views of the gorge.
Did You Know?
The temple’s original name, Xuankong Ge ("Mysterious Air Pavilion"), reflects its Daoist roots before embracing three religions.
