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Guangling Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com
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Crowded at the Hengshan Hanging Temple?
When people think of ancient hanging architecture in Datong, most immediately think of the Hengshan Hanging Temple. However, hidden away in Guangling, Datong, is a lesser-known ancient cliffside temple—Shengquan Temple, known as the "Little Hanging Temple." The temple was first built during the Taihe era of the Northern Wei Dynasty and was renovated during both the Ming and Qing dynasties. The pavilions are firmly embedded in the sheer cliff face, with wooden structures cantilevered in mid-air, showcasing the magnificent scale of the ancient architecture. There are no endless streams of tour groups, no need to wait in line, and admission is free. With grottoes and halls nestled together, supported by beams inserted halfway into the rock, standing at the foot of the cliff and looking up, you can still feel the perilous ingenuity of ancient construction from a thousand years ago. ⚠️ Tips Due to geological hazards, the halls on the cliff are not always open to the public. Whether you can climb to the top depends on luck; I couldn't go up during my visit, and most of the time, you can only view it from afar at the foot of the mountain. 📍 Navigation: Guangling Shengquan Temple 🎫 Admission: Free 🅿️ Parking: Free
Staying at Life Hotel in Shanxi was an experience with lasting impact
I thought the aesthetics of scenic spots were all ruined until I came to Shanxi‼️ ~~~~~~~~~ Here, there are no monotonous internet-famous check-in spots, no excessive commercialization. The beauty here is an ingrained Eastern romance. The cliffs of Yungang Grottoes seem carved with countless statues weathered by the Northern Wei dynasty; the Wang Family Courtyard with its blue bricks and black tiles, and the three carvings (brick, wood, stone) embody the craftsmanship of Shanxi merchants. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda’s mortise and tenon joints have kept it standing for a thousand years; the suspended sculptures of Xiaoxitian shimmer, revealing the Pure Land in a small space. Every brick and tile tells a legend, every step reveals a millennium of scenery. It turns out that top-tier aesthetics are never about following trends but about inheritance and reverence. Wang Family Courtyard in Lingshi Xiaoxitian in Xixian County Xianshen Tower in Jiexiu Glazed Archway / Taiheyan Archway in Jiexiu Shuanglin Temple in Pingyao Pingyao Ancient City Jinci Museum Taiyuan Ancient County Town Twin Pagoda Park - Yongzuo Temple Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Jingtu Temple in Yingxian Yungang Grottoes Huayan Temple Datong Ancient City Prince’s Mansion Shanhua Temple Datong Earth Forest Hanging Temple Shengquan Temple Accommodation 🏨Lost Village of Pingyao An original loess plateau cave dwelling village, 35 minutes by car from Pingyao Ancient City, a secluded paradise created by two passionate young people. 🏨DeLian Chinese-style Resort Homestay (Pingyao Ancient City Scenic Area Branch) Located on West Street inside the ancient city, sharing the street with Rishengchang, a three-courtyard estate covering 800 square meters, one of the few historic buildings left in Pingyao Ancient City. 🏨Ming and Qing Courtyard in Pingyao Ancient City (Rishengchang Branch) No. 17 West Street in the ancient city’s central area, right opposite the Rishengchang attraction, very convenient for night and sightseeing tours, blending folk customs. 🏨Yixin Court Leisure Resort Courtyard (Pingyao Ancient City Scenic Area Branch) Near Pingyao Ancient City, featuring the Pingyao show again, a new Chinese-style family-themed room, enjoy the experience of dressing up as a Shanxi merchant’s young lady, with full charging stations.
Shocking! This millennium-old ancient building in Shanxi has been hidden deep in the mountains, standing out for 800 years
Come check out the masterpiece of Shanxi on my phone! 📸 The ancient building hidden deep in the mountains in the photo is just amazing! Under the blue sky ☀️ and white clouds, the rustic stone steps wind upward The eaves rise high as if piercing through a thousand years of time ⏳ Every brick and stone tells forgotten stories ✨ 📍This is exactly the kind of authentic ancient architecture I want to capture Not an internet photo, not photoshopped Purely a real scene traveling through a thousand years! (Proud.jpg) Feels like the next moment a blockbuster of "Black Myth: Wukong" is about to unfold 🎬 The architectural details, the light and shadow effects Absolutely stunning!!!
Don't just crowd the Hanging Temple! This ancient temple complex on a cliff in Shanxi is less crowded, quieter, and even more stunning!
Everyone rushes to the Hanging Temple on Mount Hengshan, but actually in Guangling, Datong, there is an even more thrilling and photogenic cliffside ancient temple wonder! This is the site of an ancient Northern Wei temple, with the temple clinging to the cliff mid-air, and a deep valley right below. The best part is it’s less crowded and perfect for photos, offering a full immersive experience! 🌟 If the Hanging Temple is a “delicate” aerial pavilion, then Shengquan Temple is a “thrilling” cliffside suspended hall! The three-story pavilion is embedded in a hundred-meter cliff, supported by slender wooden pillars holding up the heavy structure. Just looking at it makes your legs weak—it's wilder and more dangerous than the Hanging Temple! There are also cliffside grottoes and flying beam structures, each view breathtaking! 🗺️【Special Forces One-Day Tour Highlights】 It’s recommended to start from the top and go down, first taking a vehicle to the mountaintop entrance, then walking downwards to save energy and avoid detours! 1. Mountaintop Viewing Platform Start here for a panoramic check-in! A wide-angle shot captures the cliffside flying temple masterpiece, with windmills, mountains, and the ancient temple all in one frame, instantly boosting the atmosphere. 2. Upper Temple (Maitreya Cave + Cliff Flying Beam) The core check-in spot! The halls are half suspended in mid-air, relying entirely on wooden beams inserted into the cliff for support. Walking on the corridor slightly sways—if you’re timid, close your eyes and push through. The photos come out amazing. 3. Cliffside Trail + South Heavenly Gate The cliff stone steps connecting the upper and lower temples are narrow and cling to the cliff, with one side against the mountain and the other facing the void—hikers love it. 4. Lower Temple (Three Caves Grotto) The Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Guanyin caves are here, with statues and paintings that are ancient and full of character. It’s quiet and less crowded, perfect for a leisurely visit. 5. Mountain Base Viewing Point Finally, take a panoramic shot from the mountain base. The temple looks like an artwork hanging on the cliff, and every casual photo is a masterpiece. 🚗【Transportation Guide】 · Self-driving: Navigate to Guangling Shengquan Temple, about 2 hours from Datong city center. Drive carefully on the winding mountain roads. · Public transport: Take a bus to Guangling County, then taxi for about 30 minutes directly to the temple. 💰【Cost Details】 · Admission: Free! No tickets, no shuttle buses, pure sightseeing with no tricks. · Others: No mandatory spending, just travel light. ⚠️【Avoid Pitfalls】 1. Wear: Be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes; the cliff steps are steep and slippery. 2. Travel: The mountain road is narrow; slow down when passing other vehicles if driving. 3. Photo: Don’t get too close to the edge when taking photos; safety first. Hold the railing firmly when it’s windy.
A trip to hidden gems in Shanxi | The persistence of ordinary people is moving
Guangling County in Datong, Yunzhou, is home to a super niche, hidden gem route✨ I visited 4 historical sites in one go during the National Day holiday, and each one was a delightful surprise! 📍Jianxi Village (National Heritage Site) 📍Shuishen Hall (National Heritage Site) 📍Shengquan Temple (National Heritage Site) 📍Anjian Temple (Provincial Heritage Site)
The stunning Eight Great Wisdom Kings clay sculptures, a legacy of the Khitan, exude a wild, untamed energy.
Stepping into the main hall, I was instantly struck with awe. ✨ This set of Eight Great Wisdom Kings sculptures carries the unique, rugged spirit of the Liao and Jin Khitan dynasties, delivering maximum visual impact. The multi-armed Wisdom Kings glare with wide, angry eyes, their muscular forms radiating tension. With fangs bared and faces contorted in rage, their expressions are fierce and majestic, with every inch of muscle brimming with power. Whether wielding weapons or forming mudras, their countless arms stretch out in layers, imposing and aggressive, as if they are about to break through the walls at any moment. Beside them, the Bodhisattvas and guardian deities offer a gentle, serene contrast. Their crowns are intricate and ornate, while the remnants of gold leaf and mottled paint, weathered by centuries, show the marks of time in every crack of the lacquer. Fierce, wrathful visages and compassionate, solemn countenances—one hard, one soft—meet within the same hall. The four walls of the hall are covered in ancient murals, and the painted beams remain brilliant. Free from the artificial look of over-restoration, the hall retains the weathered, authentic appearance polished by time. Liao and Jin craftsmen perfectly captured the bold, martial spirit of the Khitan people, solidifying it forever in these clay sculptures. In their wrathful gazes lies the power of faith from a thousand years ago. Standing before the statues, you can truly appreciate the masterful level of ancient craftsmanship. Unlike the gentle, delicate sculptures of Jiangnan, these embody the unique, majestic wildness of the North—a sight that leaves you stirred long after you leave. 📝 Tips for visiting historical sites ▪️ View them up close to appreciate the Wisdom Kings' facial expressions, musculature, and multi-armed gestures—the details are incredible. ▪️ The hall is dimly lit; lower the exposure when taking photos to better capture the atmospheric feel of the ancient sculptures. ▪️ Please do not touch the statues; show respect for these preserved ancient treasures.
3-Day Guangling County Travel Guide
Guangling is a severely underrated "Jiangnan of the North" in northern Shanxi. It's uncrowded, beautiful, and almost all core attractions are free. With a budget of CNY 1,500, you can enjoy a very relaxed trip here and even save quite a bit. Note that August–September is the flood season, with frequent showers, humidity, and many mosquitoes, so it's best to avoid this time. The best times to visit are spring (April–June) and autumn (October–November). 🗓️ Itinerary Suggestions: Ancient Architecture, Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Hidden Landscapes Day 1: County Town Cultural Route (Ancient Architecture + Intangible Cultural Heritage) After arriving in the morning, head to Shuishentang. This is the landmark of Guangling, a complex of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings built on an island in the middle of a lake. Known as the "Number One Garden in the North," it is free to enter (with ID, 8:00 AM–6:30 PM). It is most beautiful in the early morning mist, when local seniors often come here to exercise or sketch. In the afternoon, visit the Guangling Paper-Cutting Art Museum, which is free all year round (8:30 AM–5:00 PM). Guangling paper-cutting is an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In the museum, you can learn about the complete process from design to finished product, and the prices for small cultural souvenirs are very reasonable. Afterward, you can stroll around the county town and experience the local atmosphere. In the evening, try the buckwheat noodles (he-le), which is the most common local flavor, as popular here as knife-cut noodles are in Datong. Day 2: Hanging Ancient Temple + Qing Dynasty Castle In the morning, head to Shengquan Temple. Built on a 100-meter cliff, it is known as the "Little Hanging Temple" and is currently free to enter. It is recommended to drive to the entrance at the top of the mountain and walk from top to bottom to see the panoramic view first, then walk down the stone steps along the cliff. The stone steps are steep and slippery, so be sure to wear non-slip shoes. Some areas may be under renovation, so it is best to confirm the opening status before you set off. In the afternoon, visit Jianxi Castle (also known as Jianxi Ancient Residences), which is only about a 5-minute drive from Shuishentang and is free. This is a well-preserved complex of Qing dynasty residential buildings with very little commercialization, perfect for a quiet walk and exploration. Day 3: Sky Grassland or Jile Temple, and a Relaxed Return If you like natural scenery, you can go to the Dianding Mountain Sky Grassland (free) in the morning, where the alpine meadow offers expansive views. If you are interested in temples, you can visit Jile Temple, a large-scale Pure Land Buddhist temple with free admission (8:00 AM–6:00 PM). Return to the county town at noon to eat Sizi Zahui (a local specialty dish made by stewing egg strips, tofu strips, daylily strips, etc.), buy some Guangling dried tofu and millet as souvenirs, and then head back in the afternoon. 💰 Budget Breakdown (Total approx. CNY 1,200–1,400) · Long-distance transport (approx. CNY 100): There is a convenient express bus between Datong and Guangling. The total distance is about 75 km, the fare is CNY 25, and the trip takes about 1.5 hours. There are 8 departures daily, and you can book tickets via the "Shengyun Zhuanche" mini-program. · Local transport (approx. CNY 200–300): Attractions are relatively scattered. Shengquan Temple is in Yixing Township; it is recommended to take a taxi or charter a car, which takes about 30 minutes one way. · Accommodation (approx. CNY 240–360): There are many choices for budget hotels in the county town. Thank Inn Chain Hotel (Guangtai West Street Branch) is located in the central area, making shopping convenient. GreenTree Inn (Guangling Branch) is by the river in the new district, offering a quieter environment, and is about a two-kilometer walk to Shuishentang. Based on CNY 120/night, two nights cost about CNY 240. · Admission tickets (approx. CNY 20): Core attractions are almost all free! Shuishentang, Shengquan Temple, Jianxi Castle, the Paper-Cutting Museum, and Jile Temple are all free; only a few individual experience items may have minor costs. · Dining (approx. CNY 600): The budget is very sufficient. A bowl of buckwheat noodles costs only a few yuan, and you can eat very well for CNY 30–50 per person with dishes like Sizi Zahui, dried tofu, and fried cakes. 🍜 Local Specialties · Buckwheat noodles (he-le): Guangling's "local delicacy," available in sweet buckwheat and bitter buckwheat varieties. They are pressed and cooked to order, served with simple salt water and chili oil, soft in texture and hearty to chew. · Sizi Zahui: The most characteristic local home-cooked dish, made in every household during the Chinese New Year, rich and juicy. · Guangling dried tofu: A century-old spiced soy product made with black beans and water from the Huliu River, chewy and flavorful. · Guangling millet: "Dongfangliang" millet is famous at home and abroad. A bowl of golden millet porridge for breakfast is very comforting. 💡 Practical Tips · Best season: April–June and October–November are the most beautiful. Try to avoid August–September, as the flood season brings rain, humidity, and many mosquitoes, which will detract from the experience. · Transportation: Driving is the most convenient. From Datong city center, take the Tongyuan Expressway and transfer to the Guangyuan Expressway, which takes about 1.5 hours. If you are not driving, you can take the convenient express bus to the county town and then take a taxi to the various attractions. · Clothing reminder: The stone steps on the cliff at Shengquan Temple are steep and slippery, so be sure to wear sports shoes with deep, non-slip treads. · Special reminder: Shengquan Temple and some areas may occasionally be under renovation, so it is best to confirm the opening status before you set off. The charm of Guangling lies in the ancient buildings on the lake at Shuishentang, the thrill of the cliff at Shengquan Temple, and the solid satisfaction brought by a bowl of buckwheat noodles that costs just a few yuan. Hope this guide helps you~
🏺 An Immortal World, Hidden in Two Centimetres
Of all the treasures in the exhibition “Clouds in Flight: Culture and Art of Lacquered Wood from Guangling in the Western Han Dynasty,” I found myself unexpectedly drawn to one of the smallest. Not the magnificent Wenming funerary lamp. Not the lacquer funerary fan. But these tiny painted se-like zhu, or movable bridges used to adjust the strings of an ancient Chinese se. There are 26 pieces in the group, dating to the mid-Western Han Dynasty. Each is barely more than two centimetres in height. And yet, if you lean close enough, an entire universe appears. Painted across their wooden surfaces are celestial gates, clouds, mythical creatures and auspicious beasts. The decoration continues around all four sides, so delicately executed that it is surprisingly easy to miss when viewing them from a normal distance. I certainly did the first time. Only when I looked closely did I realise that these tiny wooden pieces were not merely functional components of a musical instrument. They were miniature landscapes of the Han imagination. A world of immortals. A world somewhere beyond the human realm. During the Western Han, the search for the legendary islands of immortality—Penglai, Fangzhang and Yingzhou—was deeply woven into the imagination of the age. The Records of the Grand Historian describes rulers sending expeditions in search of these mythical mountains and the elixir of immortality. The desire to escape death was not confined to emperors. It permeated Han society. The fear of impermanence was answered with visions of an eternal realm populated by immortals, divine beasts and celestial mountains. And somehow, that enormous cosmology was compressed into objects scarcely two centimetres across. The se itself was an important plucked-string instrument within the Han ritual and musical tradition. These small zhu were placed beneath the strings, allowing the effective string length—and therefore the pitch—to be adjusted. Imagine the musician preparing to play. His fingers would move among these tiny wooden bridges, positioning them beneath the strings. But in this particular instrument, those fingers were also moving through a miniature supernatural landscape. Between the strings and the wooden surface, celestial gates stood among clouds, while mythical creatures seemed to emerge from the painted world. Every adjustment of the string was therefore taking place within an imagined realm beyond ordinary life. There is something wonderfully poetic about this. Music is fleeting. A note exists for only a moment before disappearing into silence. Yet the Han people decorated the very mechanism that determined those notes with an elaborate vision of an eternal universe. Perhaps that was not accidental. Faced with the fragility of life, they sought permanence wherever they could find it—in ritual, music, art, burial and the imagined world beyond death. Two thousand years later, the strings have fallen silent. The instrument itself is gone. The pigments have faded. But these tiny wooden bridges remain. And when you lean close enough to see the clouds and mythical beasts, you begin to understand that what survives here is more than decoration. It is a glimpse into an ancient longing: to impose order on an uncertain universe, and to make something beautiful endure after the human voice has disappeared. 📍 Nanjing Museum, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China 🇨🇳 🏺 “Clouds in Flight: Culture and Art of Lacquered Wood from Guangling in the Western Han Dynasty” 📸 Photography Tip: These pieces reward extreme close-up photography. Don't photograph only the front—the patterns continue around the sides, and the side surfaces can reveal details that are almost invisible from a normal viewing angle. ✨ Twenty-six tiny pieces of painted wood, each barely two centimetres tall, carrying an entire Han Dynasty vision of clouds, celestial gates and mythical worlds. The strings are silent now, but the immortal world once painted beneath them has survived—frozen forever in a few centimetres of wood. 🏺☁️
Angjian Temple in Guangling: a rustic ancient temple preserving Ming dynasty murals and legends
Shanxi is known for having ancient buildings in every village and national treasures in every county. Deep in the countryside of Guangling, Datong, lies a seriously underrated Ming dynasty temple—Angjian Temple. It doesn’t boast grand halls or bustling crowds. Quietly nestled among the villages at the foot of Liulao Mountain, it captivates northern Shanxi ancient architecture enthusiasts with its stunning 153-square-meter Ming dynasty murals, making it a top secret spot cherished by a niche audience—small in fame but breathtaking in impact. Angjian Temple is located in Dongliutuan Village, Jiadou Township, Guangling County. It backs onto the picturesque Liulao Mountain and is near the clear waters of Huliu River Reservoir, surrounded by peaceful mountains and countryside. The ancient temple is far from city noise, embraced by simple rural villages, offering a serene and tranquil environment. The temple’s origins date back centuries. The main existing buildings were rebuilt in the eighth year of the Ming Zhengde era and later restored during the Qing dynasty. With over 500 years of history, it is now a provincially protected cultural relic quietly preserving half a millennium of heritage. The entire temple is small and exquisite. Originally it had two courtyards; now only one well-preserved courtyard remains, simple and authentic. Its most impressive highlight is the rare 153-square-meter Ming dynasty mural, the temple’s treasure, comparable in value to murals in famous ancient temples. Unlike most temples’ religious murals, Angjian Temple’s murals are uniquely themed and richly detailed. On one wall inside the hall, vivid stories of loyalty and righteousness from the Three Kingdoms period come to life. Figures like Guan Yu, Zhou Cang, and Wang Fu are depicted with lively expressions. The scenes of warriors and battles are intricately detailed, fully recreating the grandeur and drama of the Three Kingdoms era with rich detail. On the opposite wall are visually striking murals of the Ming kings, known for their dramatic “face-tearing” and “belly-tearing” depictions. The lines are sharp, colors earthy, and the figures exude a majestic and awe-inspiring presence. The style is bold and free, radiating a powerful aura. Despite 500 years of weathering, the murals still retain warm colors and smooth lines. Natural pigments like cinnabar and azurite remain bright, with no over-restoration, preserving the pure brushwork of Ming dynasty artists. Besides the murals, the temple houses ancient Ming dynasty steles that record local filial piety legends of Liulao Mountain and the temple’s restoration history, adding rich cultural and historical depth to this rural ancient temple. Over five centuries, the temple has absorbed the simple and profound local culture and folk traditions. Liulao Mountain has long been associated with stories of filial piety, nurturing the land’s honest and kind-hearted spirit. For generations, Angjian Temple has rooted itself in the countryside, shunning fame and fortune. It serves as a place of faith where locals pray for peace and as a carrier of rural cultural heritage. Villagers have quietly protected the temple and treasured the murals, allowing this Ming dynasty masterpiece to remain intact and continuing the most genuine local dedication to cultural preservation and folk belief in northern Shanxi. Finally, here are some practical travel tips. Angjian Temple is a niche, pristine ancient site with no admission fee or commercial facilities. It’s ideal for ancient architecture lovers, mural enthusiasts, and travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path historical sites. The temple is not regularly open to the public. Visitors must contact the on-site cultural heritage staff to arrange a visit, making it a truly deep, private secret. The best time to visit is spring or autumn when the countryside scenery is fresh and soothing, perfectly complementing the simple ancient temple atmosphere. A visit takes about 30 minutes to an hour. It’s recommended to slow down, carefully observe the mural details, read the ancient inscriptions, and immerse yourself in the ultimate charm of Ming dynasty murals. Please visit with respect. Touching, flash photography, or marking the murals is prohibited. Protect this 500-year-old artistic treasure with care. A small courtyard holds great beauty, murals that have lasted over a thousand years. Guangling Angjian Temple hides northern Shanxi’s most stunning Ming dynasty mural secret. Avoid the crowds, head to the countryside, and experience a 500-year-old masterpiece of painted art.
An older hanging temple than the Hanging Temple in Hunyuan — Datong Shengquan Temple
When people mention the Hanging Temple, they usually think of the one at the foot of Mount Hengshan in Hunyuan, Shanxi, a wooden structure built during the Northern Wei dynasty. In fact, there are many hanging temples in Shanxi Province. I have seen them at Zhaogao Temple in Daixian and Luyashan in Xinzhou. The one introduced today feels even larger in scale than the one in Hunyuan. Shengquan Temple is located on the cliff of Motianling in Guangling County, Datong. The path is narrow and the temple is deep, far from villages. It was first built during the Taihe period of the Northern Wei dynasty, making it older than the Hengshan Hanging Temple. Because its hanging architecture closely resembles the Hunyuan Hanging Temple, locals call it the "Little Hanging Temple." The temple is divided into upper and lower sections. The lower temple was mostly rebuilt in modern times and includes buildings such as the Caishen Hall and the Mahavira Hall. It is not a tourist attraction and does not sell any incense or offerings, so it is minimally commercialized. Visitors can explore it freely and for free. This area is also part of the Hengshan mountain range. In ancient times, caves were carved into the cliff, divided into upper and lower stone caves. Now, only the Guanyin Cave remains in the lower temple, while the upper temple still preserves four caves. Below the temple is a spring that has never dried up for a thousand years. The water flows continuously without overflowing and is clear and sweet. Shengquan Temple is named after this sacred spring. The upper temple is a wooden structure embedded on a cliff hundreds of meters high, supported by half-inserted flying beams, hidden rock supports, and round rolling logs. The pavilions hang in midair with a delicate and precarious structure. Its scale seems larger than the Hunyuan Hanging Temple, but it remains unknown to most because it is hidden deep in the mountains. From a distance, it looks even more astonishing, like a rainbow hanging off a cliff or a pavilion in the sky, extremely thrilling. This place is best reached by car. It is quiet and secluded with few visitors. Because the upper temple cannot withstand foot traffic, visitors can only climb to a position level with the temple to take photos. From here, you can overlook the Hengshan mountain range and the scenery of Guangling. Nearby, you can also visit another national protected site in Datong, the Water God Hall, along the way.
What people are saying about Guangling
Nuanquan Ancient Town
I heard it's the birthplace of the "Iron Flower" performance, with over 300 years of history, so I went to see it. Compared to other live performances in scenic areas across the country, the show wasn't particularly exciting. All four sections of the "Iron Flower" performance were the same, lacking variation and originality compared to other attractions. However, if you haven't seen it before, it's still worth checking out.
Anonymous userShengquan Temple
Shengquan Temple, a unique ancient suspended structure in China, is renowned for its precarious location and exquisite architectural craftsmanship. The following review is based on reliable information: Architectural Features and Historical Value Suspended Structure: Shengquan Temple, located in Guangling County, Shanxi Province, was built over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei Dynasty, 20 years before the Hanging Temple of Hengshan Mountain. The temple rests on 32 pillars suspended from the cliff face. The main structure is supported by beams embedded in the cliff face (using the expansion principle of wooden wedges), demonstrating the superb craftsmanship of ancient craftsmen.12 Risky Experience: Climbing the temple requires climbing narrow steps and chains, with sections reaching near vertical heights, a significant test of both physical strength and courage. Reaching the summit offers breathtaking mountain views, but those with a fear of heights should exercise caution.2 Safety and Touring Recommendations Restricted Areas: For safety reasons, some access roads to the Hanging Temple are closed, preventing visitors from getting a close-up look at the underlying structure, which is somewhat disappointing.1 Best View: The "F" sign midway up the mountain is the recommended spot for panoramic views of the temple. The three-story building is staggered and arranged in a rhythmic pattern, a stroke of genius. Cultural Significance Shengquan Temple is not only a religious site but also a living fossil of ancient engineering. Its thousand-year-old miraculous standing demonstrates the ancients' profound understanding of mechanics and the environment, making it a worthwhile visit for visitors interested in historical architecture.
M43***18Xuankong Temple
Amazing hanging temple on the outskirts of Datong City, you can see it from down for just 15 yuan or (if you are lucky) you can get the entrance to climb the stairs for an extra 100 yuan. Mandatory shuttle buses from the Visitor Center to the site costs 20 yuan roundtrip.
_TI***5lBadaling Great Wall
It's was very crowded place, make sure you get there as early as possible. Avoid Monday if possible (as all other attractions are closed everyone is going to Badaling to see the Great Wall - so it will get very crowded.
Daniel_SuciuThe Palace Museum
I was so lucky to meet such a wonderful and warm-hearted tour guide, Mr. Bai. After successfully booking, he called me at the right time, providing detailed contact information and the meeting point. His attitude was excellent and incredibly kind. During the tour, his explanations were meticulous, comprehensive, lively, and engaging, and he constantly interacted with the visitors. I hope that next time I bring my family to visit the Forbidden City, I can book another time with such a thoughtful, warm, and attentive guide like Mr. Bai! ✌🌹
M14***56Universal Beijing Resort
The park is spacious and the rides are great, especially the Transformer’s Decepticoaster which I have replayed many times. The queue is not too long comparing to the Universal Studios in other countries.
Pithirath PhuripatnaraNational Museum of China
张洋导游讲解的非常好！All visitors should book the national Museum of China trip. It is not easy to book on your own, book through Trip.com and have a guide to share the history with you..
E43***44Shuishen Hall
This is a spiritual place. When you first see the water and the tower in the courtyard, you will find it very exquisite. You will see the stone steps that seem to be randomly stacked in the shade. The tower with exquisite carvings stands in the small courtyard. The murals in the courtyard are very unique. There are also corridors on both sides of the courtyard wall facing the water. It is actually very elegant...
永新松山Heng Shan Mountain
The Hengshan shuttle bus from the east city wall of Datong Ancient City is very convenient. It departs on time, the seats are clean, and it goes directly to the Hengshan Visitor Center, saving you the hassle of transferring. It's good value for money, and choosing it for your trip to Hengshan is worry-free 👍 and they are very responsible.
🍒YingLingYungang Grottoes
First, let's talk about the attractions. Our Shanxi tour started in Ruicheng and traveled north for seven days before arriving in Datong. Trusting the government's rigorous selection process, the Yungang Grottoes were indeed the most expensive and best! We met our enthusiastic tour guide, Liu Jing, who provided a professional two-hour explanation, giving us a deeper understanding of the history of the Northern Wei Dynasty! Afterwards, she even sent us many precious old photos of the grottoes – so thoughtful!
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