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Hanging Monastery

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Hanging Monastery, also known as Xuankong Temple, is an architectural marvel located at the foot of Mount Hengshan in Shanxi Province. Built in 491 AD during the late Northern Wei Dynasty, it clings to a sheer cliff face approximately 75 meters above the ground. The monastery is unique for combining elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism within a single complex. Its structure is supported by oak crossbeams inserted deep into holes chiseled into the rock, while the buildings themselves are cleverly integrated into the cliff's natural niches. Over 40 halls and pavilions are interconnected by a dizzying system of boardwalks and stairs that give visitors the sensation of floating between heaven and earth. The location protects the temple from seasonal floods of the river below and minimizes direct sunlight exposure, which has contributed to the remarkable preservation of the woodwork for over 1,500 years. It is widely regarded as one of the most daring engineering feats of the ancient world.

Location: China
Top sights: Hanging Temple · Mount Heng · Hunyuan Confucian Temple
Nearby: Mount Wutai (30 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-12	-8	-1	6	13	18	20	18	13	5	-3	-11
Rain mm	3	7	12	26	41	75	123	107	70	30	14	3

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Hanging Monastery near Mount Heng in Shanxi is a unique structure built into a cliff. Visitors can explore the wooden walkways, halls, and statues that house the only surviving combination of three Chinese traditions.

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Typical hours

The monastery is typically open daily from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, standard for most attractions in China. However, it is advisable to check the exact times before your trip as they may vary seasonally.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the monastery, but flash should be avoided in rooms with delicate statues. The best angle for a full shot of the monastery clinging to the cliff is from the opposite side of the road.

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Time needed

Allow about one to two hours to walk through the halls and along the wooden walkways. The narrow corridors and many stairs can extend your stay, especially during peak visitor times.

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Combine with

The Hanging Monastery is near Mount Heng, one of China's sacred mountains, which you can also climb. Other historical sites in the area include the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, about two hours away.

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Insider tip

Visit the monastery early in the morning to avoid the crowds that arrive around midday. Wear sturdy footwear for the narrow steps and walkways, and be prepared for slippery surfaces, especially after rain.

Geography

Coordinates

39.66400, 113.70900

Facts

The Hanging Monastery was completed in the year 491 AD.
It is situated approximately 75 meters above the floor of the Jinxia Canyon.
The entire complex consists of more than 40 individual halls and pavilions.
Oak beams soaked in iron oxide serve as the primary horizontal supports in the cliff.
It is the only temple in China that integrates Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
In 2010, Time magazine listed it as one of the world's top ten most dangerous buildings.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mount Wutai30 km · SEExplore →

Datong Coal Industry49 km · SWExplore →

Yungang Grottoes67 km · SExplore →

Shijiazhuang116 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Hanging Monastery (6)

Hanging Temple 📍 landmark

This ancient wooden temple is built directly into a cliff face 75 meters above the valley floor.

Mount Heng🌿 nature

One of the Five Sacred Mountains of China, renowned for its steep cliffs and deep Taoist heritage.

Hunyuan Confucian Temple📍 landmark

A well-preserved 14th-century educational complex in Hunyuan featuring traditional timber-framed halls.

Mount Heng Scenic Area🌿 nature

This protected area encompasses the rugged peaks and the famous cliff-side Hanging Monastery of Mount Heng.

Yong'an temple 📍 landmark

This temple is known for its massive Yuan dynasty main hall and animated Buddhist wall paintings.

Dayun Temple⛪ religious

An ancient temple site in Hunyuan known for its historic stone stelae and traditional North China architecture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How is the monastery held up?

It is supported by wooden beams inserted into holes carved into the cliff face.

When was it built?

The monastery was built about 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei Dynasty.

Is there a visitor limit?

Yes, for safety reasons, only a limited number of people are allowed on the monastery at once.

Which religions are practiced there?

It is the only monastery that combines Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

Is it dangerous?

The paths are narrow but secured by railings; a head for heights is beneficial.

Hanging Monastery: where is it located?

Hanging Monastery is located in China.

Hanging Monastery: what is there to see?

Highlights include Hanging Temple, Mount Heng, Hunyuan Confucian Temple.

Hanging Monastery: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Hanging Monastery: why is it worth visiting?

The Hanging Monastery, also known as Xuankong Temple, is an architectural marvel located at the foot of Mount Hengshan in Shanxi Province.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Hanging Monastery

Best time to visit & climate