Datong (part 3)- The Hanging Monastery

This was one of the coolest sites on the trip- The Hanging Monastery. As you can see it literally is hanging off this side of a mountain cliff (the series of wide, medium and tight shots are for you Paulie!) It was built back in 491 using a series of crossbeams inserted in to the rock. The buildings were then constructed on the beams and held up with stilts.

To get to the top (165 feet) you have to walk, very carefully, along a narrow stone stairway. It is only wide enough for one person at a time. (The ants go marching one by one- hurrah, hurrah!) I just can't believe that logs, no wider than my leg, are holding these three buildings up.

So what are the three buildings for, you might ask? Each one is for a different form of religious worship: Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Inside the rooms are statues carved of iron, copper, terracotta and stone. The buildings and rooms within are linked by a series of bridges, winding stairwells and platforms that precariously hang on the mountainside.

Our guide said there are two theories as to why the monastery was built on the cliffs. Around the corner is a river that floods the valley. The architects, therefore, wanted something high enough to stay dry. Another theory is that the location is about halfway between 2 sacred sites. It would make a good resting point for religious travelers. Either way, this is one architectural wonder I am glad I got a chance to see.

PS- No trip to a religious site would be complete without buying a hat in the bathroom. Keepin' it classy Kerry!