Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si)

Xuankongsi, known as the Hanging Temple, is one of China's most surprising monuments, located in Shanxi Province, built into a cliff of Mount Heng. This temple, appearing to be suspended in the air more than 60 metres above the ground, was built over 1,500 years ago and is famous for its incredible architecture, supported by wooden pillars embedded in the rock. Xuankongsi is unique because it combines three religious traditions of China: Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, something very unusual in a single temple. Visitors can walk along its narrow wooden walkways, contemplate the ancient halls built directly into the mountain and admire the impressive engineering that has kept the temple standing for centuries. Due to its cliff-side location, it is recommended to wear comfortable, appropriate walking footwear, and to visit the site at a relaxed pace, as the corridors are narrow and the temple often receives many visitors. Xuankongsi is one of the most spectacular and unique places in China's cultural heritage, an essential visit for those who want to discover the country's most extraordinary history and architecture.