Hanging Monastery stands at the foot of Mt. Hengshan, 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Hunyuan County, and 65 kilometers (40 miles) from downtown Datong City. Since it hangs on the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge more than 50 meters above the ground, it is called Hanging Monastery.
It is believed that monks built the monastery on the cliffs to protect it from floods. The mountain peaks also provide a shield from snow and rain.
There is a total of 40 rooms and halls that hold 80 statues and stone carvings from different dynasties that have occupied the temple over the years.
It’s incredible that it has stood the test of time and still remains in top condition after 1,500 years.
It is the only temple remaining that combines three traditional Chinese religions – Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
Wooden pillars are the only support of the temple.
The structure seems to defy gravity suspended on the side of Mount Hengshan.
It’s one of the main tourist attractions and historical sites in the Datong area.
Source: lifebuzz.com
Dantheman