Xuankong Si (Hanging Temple)
This temple, clinging to the side of a cliff, is composed of some 40 connected halls that appear to be supported by toothpicks. Looking more like a wooden model than anything weight-bearing, it is actually supported by sturdy timbers that extend deep into the mountain. Founded in the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534), the temple contains Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian chambers, along with a chamber, the Sanjiao Dian, that combines all three. Sakyamuni is in the center with Confucius to his right and Laozi to his left. While the temple is marvelous, be prepared for the particularly unattractive surroundings -- a huge parking lot and, beyond that, a dam and reservoir.
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| Hours | Summer 8am-6pm; winter 8am-6:30pm | |
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| Location | 62km (39 miles) south of Datong | |
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| Transportation | Minibuses to Hunyuan (near the monastery) leave from the station opposite the railway station when they fill up. Price isn't fixed, so bargain; expect to pay ¥8-¥12 ($1-$1.50). From Hunyuan, it's another 6km (4 miles) to the monastery by minibus (about ¥5/60¢) or taxi (about ¥9/$1.15) | |
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| Prices | Admission ¥60 ($7.30) | |