2008-01-30

The Hanging Monastery in Datong, Shanxi Province [photo source: 17u.com]

--Intro:

The Hanging Monastery, built in 491, has survived for more than 1,400 years. The Monastery stands at the foot of Mt. Hengshan, about 40 miles from downtown Datong City of Shanxi Province in North China. Since it hangs on the west cliff of the Golden Dragon Gorge more than 50 meters above the ground, it is called the Hanging Monastery.

The peculiar wood-structured Hanging Monastery offers a breath-taking view of Chinese architecture.

--Attractions:

1. "A tumbling-down castle in the air"

Seen from below, the Hanging Monastery appears to be a tumbling-down castle in the air. One pavilion of this monastery is as high as 15 stories above the ground.

Construction experts from countries including Britain, Germany, and Italy, have come to see the monastery. In their words, the Hanging Monastery, a mixture of mechanics and aesthetics expertise and Buddhism elements, is quite rare. The monastery, with everything it symbolizes, is a great cultural achievement of the Chinese people.

2. The Hall of Three Saints

There is no better highlights than The Hall of Three Saints where Buddha, Confucius and Lao-tzu, the founder of Taoism, sit side by side.

--Why Does it "hang"?

A unique mechanical theory was applied in building the framework of the monastery. The pavilions "hang" partially because long timber poles support them from underneath. However, the greatest structural support comes from the hidden rocks upon which parts of the pavilions sit, and from the cantilevered wooden beams deeply imbedded into the cliff. Moreover, we are unable to find out whether the holes the pillars sit in are natural or man-made.

--How could a building like this withstand the winds and storms of so many years?

The Hanging Monastery, built in 491, has survived more than 1,400 years. However, it is constructed almost entirely of wood, except for the decorative multi-hued roof tiles. This makes the Hanging Monastery more of an architectural wonder.
Building the monastery on the cliff could shield it from floods. In addition, the mountain peak protects it from rain and snow; and the mountain around it also diminishes damage from sunshine.

--Why build a monastery like this?

The builders followed a principle of Taoism: no noises, including those of rooster crowing and dog barking; so a space above the ground was chosen to keep the noise level low.

--What to buy:

1. Egg carving

As its name implies, egg carving means carving on thin and fragile egg shells. Similar handicrafts can be seen in western countries on Easter Day. However, Datong egg carvings are very different from those in western country for its Chinese styles. Chinese calligraphy, facial paintings and Chinese paintings are carved on the egg shells. With well designed compositions and delicate carvings, Datong egg carvings boast of high artistic value.

2. Corn Husk Plaited Articles

Smooth, soft to the touch and very pliable, processed corn husk can be used to create many useful articles such as cushions and mats, which are highly breathable.

--How to get there:

-Beijing to Datong,
By train: 6 hours, about $11 for a soft seat and $7 for a hard seat
By air: 1 hour, $50

-Datong to Hunyuan,
By bus (at the Dating long-distance bus station), 2 hours, no more than RMB10 or $1.5.
From Hunyuan, there are numerous tourist minibuses to take you to the spot. The last bus leaves at around 4pm for town. A taxi trip between Hunyuan and the monastery should cost about RMB30 or $4.

--Accommodation:

There are few hotels in or around the Mt. Hengshan Scenic Spot, so we suggest you go back to the downtown area for lodging. The price is from $25 to $66.

--Tips:

1. Admission Fee: RMB 60 or $8
Opening Hours: 9:10 to 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: Two hours

2. Mt. Hengshan is one of the most famous "Five Sacred Mountains", or Wu Yue, in China, and the Hanging Monastery is just one of its scenic spots. So you can also enjoy other sights close by.