Clinging to a sheer cliff face 75 meters above the ground, the Hanging Temple near Datong is one of China's most remarkable feats of architecture. Built over 1,500 years ago, it seems to float against the mountain wall, supported by wooden beams and stuck tightly into rocks.
This temple is truly unique, not just because of its gravity-defying construction, but also for its spiritual inclusiveness. It's the only temple in China that combines Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism under one roof.
Facts:
- Chinese name: 悬空寺 (Xuánkōng Sì)
- Location: Hunyuan County, Datong (About 1.5 hours' drive southeast of Datong)
- Built in: late Northern Wei dynasty, around the 6th century CE
- Opening: 8:00–17:30
- Ticket: RMB 15 (USD 2 / SGD 2.80) for viewing from below; RMB 100 (USD 14 / SGD 18.50) for climbing
- Duration: 1–2 hours
Content Preview
- How to Get to Hanging Temple
- Why It Was Built on the Cliff?
- 2 Ways of Visiting
- Visiting Tips
- How to Plan a Day Trip
How to Get to the Hanging Temple from Datong
The Hanging Temple is about 70 km (43 miles) south of Datong city. There are two main ways to get there.
By Car (Recommended)
Driving takes about 1.5 hours from Datong. You can choose to stop at the pedestrian entrance, which is closer to the temple (needs a 10-minute walk).
Or, if you prefer not to walk, you can stop at the visitor center (about 6km to the Hanging Temple) and take a RMB 20 (USD 2.80 / SGD 3.70) shuttle bus to reach the temple.
For the easiest and most flexible tour, we recommend booking a private tour. We will arrange a car to pick you up at your hotel, take you directly to either entrance, and provide a smooth and stress-free trip with a knowledgeable local guide.
See our 4-Day Datong and Pingyao Tour from Beijing.
By Bus
You can also take a direct bus from Datong Ancient City to the Hanging Temple visitor center. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs RMB 39 (USD 5.50 / SGD 7.20) per person. From the visitor center, you need to take a RMB 20 shuttle bus to reach the temple.
Why It Was Built on the Cliff?
You may wonder, why was the temple built in such an unlikely place?
The Hanging TempleFor the monks who once lived here, it offered seclusion and spiritual focus, far from the noise of the world and closer to the heavens.
For the builders, it was a masterpiece of physics and faith. Using rock as hidden support, they carved deep, hourglass-shaped holes into the cliff, then hammered in horizontal beams made of Chinese hemlock. These acted like expansion bolts.
On this wooden skeleton, they laid planks, raised pillars, and assembled pavilions and corridors, created this legendary temple. See our 4-Day Essence of Datong and Pingyao Tour.
2 Ways for Visiting the Hanging Temple: How to Choose
Option 1: Climb Up the Temple
Climbing the Hanging Temple is more than sightseeing, it feels more like an adventure. As you walk along narrow wooden steps and cliffside planks, you're surrounded by ancient halls suspended in mid-air.
Pillars and narrow path of the Hanging TempleThe climb brings you to China's only temple where Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism are honored together. One of the most memorable moments is reaching a small hall where Confucius, Laozi, and Shakyamuni's statues sit side by side.
Statues inside the templeThough it may seem that the tall wooden pillars hold everything up, the original structure was actually supported by horizontal beams hidden deep in the cliff. Those support posts were added later to preserve and protect the building (also to give visitors a little more peace of mind).
Climbing tips:
- Because of the strict visitor limits, planning your trip well in advance is essential if you want to explore inside.
- Before you start climbing, make sure to use the restroom, as there are no toilets or resting spots along the way.
- This route does require a moderate level of fitness, and takes around 10 to 20 minutes in total. The stairs are narrow and often crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays when waiting times can get long (1-2 hours).
- The walkways have low handrails (only about 1 meter high), which may feel daunting if you're afraid of heights. Facing the temple as you walk can ease the nerves a little.
- Since the paths are one-way only, there's no chance to go back if you miss a photo opportunity. So if you want to take photos, don't hesitate, just pause briefly when you see a good angle.
- If you're uneasy with heights, consider visiting the first level of the temple only. It still gives you a close-up view of the temples structure and setting.
Not suitable for:
- Young children
- Elderly travelers with mobility issues
- Travelers uncomfortable with heights
Option 2: Stay Grounded and Enjoy the View
If you're afraid of heights or miss out on climbing tickets, the view of the Hanging Temple from across the valley is also amazing.
In fact, the Hanging Temple is often most impressive when viewed from a distance. From the valley floor, you can clearly see how the structure is built into the cliff, seemingly floating between the sky and the mountain wall.
The Hanging TempleThe best place to take photos is the viewing platform across the valley. From here, you can frame the entire temple with the surrounding peaks, or take the Hanging Temple as your background in the photo.
Near the inscribed stone or from the pavilion's eave beneath the temple, you'll also find great angles for dramatic upward shots.
Our clients taking photo with the inscribed stoneThis ground-level visit is easier and less time-consuming. Most people spend about 20 to 30 minutes here, taking photos and walking around the base. It's a good option if you're short on time or want a less physically demanding experience.
Visiting Tips
1.Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Hanging Temple is from December to April (winter and early spring), as they are the least busy seasons, offering a quieter experience and cooler weather.
Hanging Temple in snowSummer tends to be the busiest, so plan accordingly if you prefer fewer visitors.
2.Avoiding Long Queues
Tickets to climb the temple are strictly limited for safety and preservation. Only 3,200 climbing tickets are sold each day, and you must book at least a week in advance. Even with a ticket, expect to wait in line for an hour or more before entering, especially during peak seasons.
You can start very early (reach at about 7:00 am) or get there in the late afternoon to avoid long queues. If you want to go in the afternoon, you can visit Yingxian Wooden Pagoda or Yungang Grottoes in the morning.
3.Accessibility Situation
If you don't plan to climb up, the site is accessible for wheelchair users. The viewing platform offers a clear and striking perspective of the temple's cliffside structure without the need to climb.
4.Let Us Help You
We can help you book your Hanging Temple tickets online in advance, so you won't need to queue at the ticket office or worry about last-minute availability.
Our guides visit the temple regularly with guests and are very familiar with the layout, entrance rules, and crowd patterns at different times of day. They'll adjust your visit time accordingly to avoid peak crowds and help minimize your waiting time.
With our private tours, you'll also enjoy flexible transport arrangements. Whether you're coming from Datong or continuing to other nearby sites, we'll make sure your trip runs smoothly.
How to Plan a Day Trip with Hanging Temple
If you're short on time, the first option lets you see Datong's two most famous attractions in one day. If you have more than one day in Datong, the second offers a deeper look into what makes this region so fascinating.
Option 1: Yungang Grottoes in the Morning, Hanging Temple in the Afternoon
Start your day in Datong with a visit to the Yungang Grottoes. These giant stone carvings are only about 45 minutes from the city center and take 2–4 hours to explore.
The Buddha statue in the Yungang GrottoesAfter lunch, drive 1.5 hours to the Hanging Temple. You'll avoid the morning crowds and enjoy the gentle light on the cliffs in the late afternoon.
Option 2: Hanging Temple in the Morning, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda in the Afternoon
Leave early from Datong and head straight to the Hanging Temple. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. Arriving before 9:00 a.m. gives you the best chance to beat the crowds and climb in cooler weather.
Afterward, continue south for about 1 hour to visit the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the oldest and tallest wooden pagoda in China. After the visit, you can heading back to Datong, then go to Pingyao or Xi'an by bullet train.
Yingxian Wooden PagodaDiscover More with China Highlights
If you'd like to make the most of your time, see more than just the surface, and travel without the hassle, our experienced guides and travel specialists are here to help.
Contact us for a private tour tailored to your requirements, or check out our tours for a deeper journey into China's ancient heart: