Hengshan, or Mount Heng, which is located in Shanxi province, is
one of China’s Five Great Mountains. Pinned to the side of its cliff face is
the Xuan Kong Si, also known as the Hanging Monastery. Despite its
precarious position, the monastery has been ‘hanging’ in its original position
for more than 1,500 years, a testament to the ingenuity of its builders. It is a least an engineering marvel, even if you are not much for this architectural style (I love it myself).
The Hanging Monastery is said to have been built in 491 AD,
during the late Northern Wei Dynasty. It is commonly believed that the building
of the monastery was initiated by a single individual, a monk by the name of
Liao Ran. In time, however, Liao Ran received help from Taoist builders, who
were drawn to the site due to its peaceful and serene atmosphere. The site was
perfect for those engaged in meditation, as noises from the ground did not reach
such lofty heights. In addition, its height ensured that the monastery was safe
from floods. The Hanging Monastery is also protected from rain, snow and sun as
it is sheltered by the mountain’s peak. This is one of the reasons for the
monastery’s continual existence over the centuries.
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