A Must-Visit Destination for Summer Vacation: The Hanging Temple!!!

**I. Essential Pre-Trip Information** 1. **Full Name of the Scenic Spot**: Hanging Temple of Mount Heng (Located in Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province) 2. **Opening Hours**: - Summer (June-August) 08:00-18:00 (Last entry at 17:30) - **Arrive Early!** Long queues during summer vacation—try to arrive before 8 AM. 3. **Ticket Fees**: - Entrance Ticket: ¥15 (viewing from a distance only) - Climbing Fee: ¥100 (Mandatory! Required to access the temple) - *Discounts*: Half-price for students with ID, free for children under 1.2m. --- **II. Transportation Options** **From Datong (Recommended)** - **Self-Drive/Private Car**: - Datong → Hanging Temple: ~1.5 hours (80 km), navigate to "Hanging Temple Parking Lot" - Parking Fee: ¥10-20/day - **Public Transport**: 1. Take a bus from Datong Bus Station to Hunyuan County (¥25, 1.5 hours), then taxi to the scenic area (¥15). 2. **Tourist Shuttle**: Direct buses from Datong Railway Station (round-trip ¥60, advance booking required). **From Taiyuan** - High-speed train to Datong South Station (2 hours), then follow the above options. --- **III. Recommended Itinerary (1-Day Highlights Tour)** **Morning** - **7:30** Depart from Datong - **9:00** Arrive at Hanging Temple, queue immediately to climb (avoid peak tour groups after 10 AM) - **Visit Duration**: ~1.5 hours for climbing + photos (narrow, one-way paths inside the temple) **Noon** - **11:30** Lunch near the scenic area: Try Hunyuan cold noodles (must-eat!) and knife-cut noodles. **Afternoon** - **13:00** Visit Mount Heng (5 km from Hanging Temple, optional cable car or hiking) - Mount Heng Ticket: ¥45, Cable Car (one-way): ¥70 - **16:00** Return to Datong or head to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (1-hour drive). --- **IV. Important Notes** 1. **Safety Tips**: - Steep stairs and low railings at Hanging Temple—wear anti-slip shoes; not recommended for those with acrophobia. - Crowd Control: Only 80 people allowed inside the temple at a time—expect queues. 2. **Weather & Gear**: - Summer temps: 25-30°C, but strong UV—bring a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water. - Rain may cause closures—check the forecast before departure. 3. **Photography Tips**: - Best Spot: Viewing platform at the entrance (for full views) - Drones prohibited inside the temple! --- **V. Nearby Attractions** - **Yingxian Wooden Pagoda** (World’s tallest wooden pagoda, 1-hour drive) - **Yungang Grottoes** (Datong city, half-day visit) - **Datong Ancient City** (Huayan Temple, Nine-Dragon Wall) --- **VI. Accommodation Suggestions** - **Stay in Datong**: Choose hotels near the ancient city (e.g., Jinjiang Inn, boutique hotels) for convenience. - **Stay in Hunyuan County**: Budget hotels (e.g., Hengshan International Hotel) ideal for early Mount Heng visits. --- **Final Reminder**: The Hanging Temple may adjust policies for preservation—check the latest updates on the "Mount Heng Scenic Area" official WeChat account before your trip! Wishing you a joyful journey to experience the thrill and ingenuity of this ancient marvel!