Cathy’s Travel Story: Marvel at Hanging Temple of Mount Heng, Datong

Hanging Temple or Hanging Monastery is one of the impressed sites on my trip to North of China at the end of  2011.The temple, about 65 kilometers from Datong city, was built into a cliff near Mt.Hengshan over 1500 years ago. It is notable not only for its location on a sheer precipice but also because it includes Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. The structure is kept in place with wooden crossbeams fitted into holes chiseled into the cliffs. The main supportive structure was hidden!

Splendid China Hanging Temple

The construction of Hanging Temple started at the end of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386 – 557). Many repairs and extension from different dynasties were made. But, it was damaged during the Cultural Revolution. Most parts of the current structure dates from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1921).

Magnificent Buddha figure

Nowadays, it becomes a popular tourist sites. Due to its wooden construction, the numbers of tourists have been limited for security reasons during the peak season.

The Inside of Hanging Temple

Local people said it is much comfortable to stay in the temple in summer. I agree. When I was in the temple, I feel it is much colder in winter, but the nearby scenery is amazing!

Sarina’s Travel Journal in Nov 2011: Holy Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a holy mountain full of legends is a must-see in Lijiang. The blue sky, floating fog and the pure snow contribute a picturesque fairy land. Every sight brings you a surprise and every step takes you to a new scene.

Landscape at the foot of the mountain.

Another 10 minutes bus from the entrance to the cable car station.

We were taking the car up to the mountain.

Like a jade dragon lying in the snow, to protect the local Naxi people.(Ancient local legend)

We met a couple taking their wedding photos on this holy mountain.Long time ago, Jade dragon Snow Mountain was said to be a place where young lovers sacrifice their life to approve their true love and escaped from the arranged marriage by their parents. Now this place is favored by lovers.

Like a holy place up to heaven, so amazing.

Had fun on the mountain. We can play the snow activities.

Sarina’s Travel Journal in Yunnan: Yan Family Courtyard in Xizhou

Bai Ethinic Minority group is an attraction in Dali, Yunnan. Yan Family Courtyard in Xizhou is the most representative of Bai-style residence. The breathtaking architectural style will give you a strong impression.

The courtyard

I wore the dress of Bai ethic girls, standing in the second floor of the courtyard. The customs and culture there impressed me.

A phoenix is on the top of the architecture. This means women take a high position in the family of Bai ethnic minority.

“Sandaocha” is a traditional regional tea ceremony consisting of three unique tea flavors. First bitter, then sweetness, and finally a bitter sweetness (also a bit spicy). A bitter tea represents a hardship in life. A sweet tea stands for happiness while the mixed flavor is for pondering life.

This show comes up when the host presented us the third tea, the bitter sweetness tea. Life is full of bitterness, but sweetness. This show is called Qiaxinniang( it means pinching the bride).

Sarina’s Hiking along Tiger Leaping Gorge in Winter Yunnan

Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canons in the world, is tucked between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Haba Snow Mountain. It is near the beginning of the Yangtze River (world’s third longest river). The spectacular scenery makes it be a really wonderful place for hiking enthusiasts.

Tiger Leaping Gorge is divided into three parts, the upper, middle and the lower. As time is limited, so we took the hiking on the middle part only (1 day tour). The middle part is the most beautiful part of Tiger Leaping Gorge. Our itinerary is Tina’s House – Zhang Teacher’s House – Sky Ladder – Bridge – Tina’s House.

There are places where you have to walk carefully next to a cliff, and the path gets very narrow in some places. For safety, it is best to go with a group.

The Sky Ladder, maybe not suitable for everyone. Below it follows the cliff, then the Tiger Leaping Gorge. When climb it, maybe you should not look back.

Travel Tips:
1. Hiking in this area requires strong physical strength as the trail is narrow and steep in many places.
2. Don’t take too many things with you. Just as simple as possible.
3. Sun glasses and sun block lotion are necessary. The Sunshine is really strong from April to November.
4. Chocolate and water are good things for you. They will fresh you up a lot after a long time hiking.

Safety Warning:
1. Though the trail is well used, it is safer not to hike it alone. It might be best to travel with a partner or in a group.
2. The hiking trail is a little bit slippery in many places, please take care.
3. Hospitals and clinics are not available in the mountain area. Also, in the area there may not have someone who speaks English. It is easy to get lost if you are alone.
4. The Sky Ladder is not suitable for someone whose psychological bearing capacity is poor. It is a little bit dangerous.