The Hanging Monastery
About
The Hanging Monastery (悬空寺 Xuánkōngsì), (Located 65 km to the southeast of Datong. From Datong train station, fifth stop on bus line 15 takes you to 市供排水集团 Shìgōng Páishuǐ Jítuán. From there, walk ahead to crossroads, turn left and main bus station 大同汽车站 Dàtóng Qìchēzhàn is just ahead on left. Window 2 sells 26 yuan tickets to 悬空寺 Xuánkōngsì. Buses leave frequently. After nearly a 2 hour journey you will be transferred to a free taxi for the final few miles.). Lodged precariously on a cliff-face, this monastery is one of the more remarkable sights in China: a complex of 40 rooms linked by mid-air walkways. It appears to be stuck into the side of the cliff, but is actually supported by stilts. There is a '3 Religions Hall' with all of Buddha, Confucius and Laozi (founder of Daoism). Built in 490, renovated several times, most recently in 1900, much of the current structure dates from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Less than an hour to visit. If waiting in the car park for a suitable taxi, tasty vegetarian food available at stall. Entry full 130Y summer, 125Y winter. Students, 60-69 half price. Disabled (残疾人), military, (doesn’t specify just Chinese military ;-), 70+, less than 1.2m tall children free. Discounts require documents..
