The Hanging Temple, or Xuankong Si, clings to a cliff in Hunyuan County, Shanxi, near Mount Heng and about 40 miles (64 km) from Datong. By legend the monk Liaoran began it alone in 491 AD, though the infobox gives only the 6th century. The text also says Emperor Xiaowen ordered a temple built on the cliff. It names no architect.
Oak crossbeams fit into holes chiseled into the rock, and the main support is hidden in the bedrock. The text cites 27 wooden beams under the main halls, reinforced with iron chains. The introduction gives the height as 246 feet (75 m), while another passage says the halls are over 98 feet (30 m) above ground. It has 40 halls and pavilions.
The Hall of Three Religions enshrines Śākyamuni, Laozi and Confucius. Restoration of the paintings was approved in September 2015, and the site reopened in May 2016. The text gives its age as both 1,500 and 1,400 years.
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