Ancient sites in Shanxi's Datong enthrall with rich history

Xuankong Temple: the hanging marvel

Xuankong Temple, or the Hanging Temple, is built into a cliff at Hengshan Mountain, about 60 meters above the ground. It stands as a cultural landmark of Datong and a unique example of ancient Chinese architecture.

Constructed during the late Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), about 1,500 years ago, Xuankong Temple is renowned for its daring location. In 2010, Time magazine listed it as one of the 10 most dangerous buildings in the world.

At first glance, it might seem that the temple is supported by some 30 vertical wooden pillars; the true support, however, comes from horizontal beams embedded in the rock.

"The construction team of the Xuankong Temple is admirable for its boldness and perseverance in architecture. It's astonishing that people from 1,500 years ago had such incredible building skills and techniques," said Fan Yang-chi.