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Mount Heng in Shanxi with Magnificent Hanging Temple on Steep Cliff — Mountain of Ancient Battlefields and Fusion of Three Religions

Mount Heng in Shanxi, also named Hengshan Mountain or Beiyue, is the Northern Mount of the Five Great Mountains in China. 

 

Apart from its beautiful natural views and the splendid Hanging Temple, it also stands as a significant mountain on the northern border between the Middle Kingdom and nomadic regimes in history, leaving behind many ruins related to ancient battlefields.

Hanging Temple or Xuankong Temple on Mount Heng

Over 1500 Years Old Hanging Temple or Xuankong Temple on Mount Heng, Photo from Official Site of Hengshan.

Mount Heng Facts and Important Data

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  • Mount Heng is in Shanxi Province, the middle north of China.

 

  • It has 108 peaks, and the highest is 2016 meters above sea level.

 

  • There are many ancient temples, and the oldest well-preserved one dates back to 435.

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  • There are many important military passes in the Hengshan Mountain Range area, as well as battlefield-related ruins like castles and beacon towers.

Ruins of Ancient Great Wall on Mount Heng

Ruins of Ancient Great Wall on Mount Heng, Photo by Yang Jianmin.

Cultural Importance of Mount Heng in Shanxi

 

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  • As an important military site, 13 emperors led the army and fought in this region throughout history.

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  • Ancient buildings, frescoes, and inscriptions hold great historical and cultural value.  

Ancient Buildings and Stone Inscriptions on Mount Heng

Ancient Buildings and Stone Inscriptions, Photo from Official Site of Hengshan.

Deity of Mount Heng in Shanxi

 

Beiyue the Great, or Beiyue Dadi, is in charge of stars, rivers, and animals.

Taoist Temples on Mount Heng

Taoist Temples on Peak

Exceptional Hanging Temple: Unique Features and Charms

 

Hanging Temple, or Xuankong Si, is one of the most spectacular views of Mount Heng in Shanxi. 

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Constructed in the year 491, the Hanging Temple stands 50 meters above the ground and spans approximately 32 meters in length, featuring 40 halls.

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Moreover, it is the only temple in China with three religions (Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism) coexisting, with a big hall enshrining Lao Zi, Confucius, and Sakyamuni. 

Hanging Temple or Xuankong Si on Mount Heng in Shanxi

Hanging Temple or Xuankong Si, the Stone Inscription "Magnificent" Below was Believed Written by the Great Poet Li Bai (701 — 762) During His Visit.

Important Cultural Sites of Mount Heng

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Hengshan Temple Complex

 

First constructed during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386 — 534), many Taoist temples were built, destroyed, and reestablished throughout history. 


The temples that stand today mainly date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 — 1912).

Hengshan Temple Complex

Hengshan Temple Complex, Photo from Official Site of Hengshan.

Yong'an Temple

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At the foot of Mount Heng, the Yong'an Temple was rebuilt in 1289.

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Besides ancient buildings, the earliest calligraphy works and frescoes in Yong'an Temple were from the Yuan Dynasty (1271 — 1368). 

Main Hall of the Yong'an Temple

Main Hall of the Yong'an Temple

Part of the Frescoes inside the Yong'an Temple

Part of the Frescoes inside the Yong'an Temple

Impressive Natural Scenic Views of Mount Heng in Shanxi

Magnificent Peaks of Mount Heng

Magnificent Peaks of Mount Heng, Photo from Official Site of Hengshan.

Mysterious Cave "Baiyun Lingxue" or Cloud Cave, From Where Sometimes have Cloud Flow Out

Mysterious Cave "Baiyun Lingxue" or Cloud Cave, From Where Sometimes have Cloud Flow Out, Photo by Gao Wenchuan.

Shenxi National Wetland Park at the foot of Mount Heng

Shenxi National Wetland Park at the foot of the mountain, Photo from Official Site of Hengshan.

Seas of Cloud on Mount Heng

Seas of Cloud, Photo from Official Site of Hengshan.

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