Perched precariously on a near-vertical cliff face of the Golden Dragon Gorge (Jinlong guan) is the Hanging Monastery or the Monastery in Mid-Air (Xuankong si). This is an early architectural feat that is stunning, particularly when you know that the original temple was built in the Northern Wei Dynasty over 1,400 years ago (although later renovated in the Tang, Jin, Ming and Qing Dynasties).

The monastery has many peculiarities that make it uniquely exciting, although in season there is so little room within the narrow complex, that it can be hard to appreciate. The temple was gradually built on pillars that were thrust into natural or man-made holes in the rockface behind. Despite being built upon one of China's four most sacred Taoist mountains, Hengshan, the monastery has also had many influences in its belief system. This is no better highlighted than in the Three Religion's Hall (Sansheng dian) where Buddha, Confucius and Laotzu (Taoism's founder) sit side by side.

Those driving to the sight will arrive in the car park on the opposite side of the Golden Dragon River (Jinlong he), a shallow blue stretch of water that meanders between mountains. The monastery, seeming to cling half way up the cliff, is approached over a bridge and up a stone staircase that has been chiseled from the rockface. The total of 6 main halls and various side rooms above are linked by winding corridors, bridges, and boardwalks, with some amazing glimpsed views of the world below. The temple contains a good, although small, collection of bronze & iron work, various collections of wood and stone carvings and some clay statues.

How to get Hanging Monastery : From either the new long-distance bus station or the old one, take a bus that goes to Hunyuan 75km southeast of Datong. The two-hour bus ride should cost no more than RMB10. From Hunyuan, there are numerous tourist minibuses taking you on. The last bus back to town leaves at around 4pm. A return taxi trip between Hunyuan and the monastery should cost about RMB30.
Tours: CITS can organise tours to both the monastery and the Yungang Grottoes (see Grotto overview).
Hotels: It is possible to stay overnight in Hengshan. Try either the Huayuan Jiguan No.1 Hotel (Huayuan jiguan diyi zhaodaisuo) or the Hengshan Guesthouse (Hengshan binguan).
Opening hours: 09:00-17:00.
Cost: RMB15 for entry into the Hengshan Mountain Scenic Area. RMB20 for the Monastery.