Explore the Hanging Temple: A Thousand-Year-Old Miracle on a Cliff

Step into this architectural gem left behind by the Northern Wei Dynasty, touch the textures of history, and feel the wisdom and ingenuity of the ancients. Pre-trip Preparation • Documents: Bring your ID card. Students, seniors, and others can bring relevant discount certificates. • Clothing: There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so even in summer, it is recommended to bring a jacket. Wear long sleeves and trousers in spring and fall, and thick cotton clothes, scarves, and gloves in winter. • Shoes: Choose non-slip and comfortable sneakers. The plank road of the Hanging Temple is steep, so safety comes first 👟. • Other: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential for sun protection. Also, bring a power bank and a water bottle. Three-Day Itinerary • Day 1: First Encounter with the Hanging Temple: After arriving in Datong, drive for 1.5 hours or take a bus (CNY 20) to Hunyuan. In the afternoon, go straight to the Hanging Temple. The first admission ticket is CNY 15, and the climbing ticket is CNY 100. The hillside outside the temple is an excellent spot for taking panoramic views. Enter the temple, shuttle along the narrow plank road, and feel the thrill. However, be aware that the passage only allows one person to pass at a time, so be careful. There is a daily limit of 700 people, so it is recommended to arrive as early as possible. • Day 2: Climb to the Top of Hengshan: After breakfast, go to Hengshan. Tickets are CNY 45. If you are in good physical condition, you can choose to walk all the way up the mountain and enjoy the beautiful scenery of strange pines, rocks, and secluded caves along the way. You can also walk up the mountain + take the cable car down (CNY 70 one way) and overlook the magnificent mountain scenery on the cable car. Don't miss the popular check-in spots, the Qinqi Platform boulder and the Tianfeng Ridge altitude monument. • Day 3: Cultural Exploration + Return Trip: In the morning, visit Yong'an Temple. With a CNY 20 ticket, you can admire the shocking Yuan Dynasty murals. It is recommended to hire a guide (CNY 50) to learn more about the stories behind the murals. Then prepare for the return trip and end this wonderful journey. Local Cuisine • Hunyuan Jelly: Crystal clear potato jelly, served with special chili oil, lotus beans, and dried tofu, is sour, spicy, and refreshing. The "Xiaoxifu Jelly Main Store" is worth a try. Remember to add chili oil 🌶️. • Hengshan Stewed Mutton: The meat is tender and the soup is rich. You can taste authentic flavors at "Beiyue Farmhouse Banquet." • Copper Hot Pot: All kinds of ingredients are stewed in a copper pot, steaming hot. At "Liji Copper Hot Pot Restaurant," you can eat super full for an average of CNY 50 per person. Accommodation Recommendations • High-End Experience: Hanging Temple International Hotel, located near the scenic spot, also provides breakfast, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant vacation. • Cost-Effective Choice: Hengshan Hotel, located only a 5-minute walk from the scenic spot entrance, is convenient for travel. • Photo Check-In: Guiyuantianju Homestay, an ancient courtyard with a super high rate of photogenic shots. Precautions • Safety: The passages of the Hanging Temple are narrow and steep, and the railings in some areas are relatively low. Those with a fear of heights should be careful when climbing. Some sections of Hengshan are steep and slippery, so be sure to wear non-slip shoes and avoid crowding. • Photography: The sunlight is just right before 9:30 am, which is the best time to photograph the Hanging Temple. Photography is prohibited in some areas of the temple, so be sure to comply with the regulations. • Other: The signal on the mountain is poor, so bring cash to buy water or cable car tickets. If you use a drone, you need to report it in advance. Do not take pictures in no-fly zones.