|
|
 |
| |
|
Home > Travel China > China Attractions > Hanging Temple
Hanging Temple
China, an East Asian country is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. It has a vast cultural history of more than five thousand years and an outstanding natural beauty. On the other hand, this country has remained a comparatively isolated and secluded one, and being a land of mystery, this country is not known to the western half of the world. However, China is rapidly developing and has grown in the phase of modernization, with an immense speed and is also welcoming the outer world to interact and do business with them.
Hanging Monastery stands at the foot of Mt. Hengshan, 5 kilometers south of Hunyuan County, and 65 kilometers 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. The Hanging Temple was built in 491, to survive more than 1400 years, during the late Northern Wei Dynasty. The Hanging Temple is one of the most dramatic sights at Hengshan, a wooden temple clinging to the cliff side, appearing to defy gravity with only a few wooden posts as support.
The buildings were restored in 1900 and there are 40 wooden halls and structures linked by an ingenious system of pillars, posts and walkways. Hanging Monastery, a great cultural achievement by the Chinese people, mixes mechanics, aesthetics, and Buddhism, as a rare architectural wonder. Crossbeams were half-inserted into the rock as the foundation, while the rock in back became its support. Seen from below, Hanging Monastery appears to be a tumble-down castle in the air. Inside, Hanging Monastery provides the same scene as other temples.
The Hanging Monastery unusually represents Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism with the sculptures of Sakyamuni, Confucius and Laotzu appearing together inside. There are 40 halls and cabinets, which contain about 80 sculptures made of copper, iron, terracotta, and stone. The builders followed a principle in Taoism, no noises, including those from rooster crowing and dog baying, so from the upper ground, all noises drop away. The cliff could shield it from floods, the mountain peak protects it from rain and snow and the mountain around it also diminishes damage from long-time sunshine.
China is a popular travel destination for visitors and globe trotters from all over the world who appreciate its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, delicious local cuisine, hospitality and safety. Quality is China's top priority.
Back to China Attractions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|