The Hengshan called the Sacred Mountain: Visit China

The Hengshan also called the Holy Mountain or Mount North Beiheng, is part of the five sacred mountains in China . Located north of the province of Shanxi , about sixty kilometers from the city of Datong , the Hengshan is dotted with small templse Buddhist and Taoist and offers a ride to calm his visitors.

History

Heng Mountain was long regarded as a natural barrier for Beijing and the central plains to the north of the Yellow River as well as a fortress leading to the Mongolian plateau. Hengshan was indeed an important military battlefield.

In the history of Buddhism and Taoism, temples were built in this mountain in order to teach the two religions .

Characteristic of Hengshan

The mountain range extends for 150 km and rises to an altitude of 2,017 meters at its highest point.

The incredible Mount Heng runs along the ancient northern border and is hailed as one of the best natural mountainous frontier with its 108 peaks. The main summit of the name of the Peak of celestial summit which rises to 2017 meters above sea level is known as the Summit north between heaven and earth .

The peak of the heavenly summit stands at the side of the peak of the green screen and are connected by the Dragon of the Col d'Or , a winding driveway that was once a strategic pass.The Golden Dragon Gorge surrounded by steep cliffs is indeed a narrow 10 meters wide and forms a natural barrier.

Discover Mount Heng

Also called Mount Beiheng not to be confused with the Hengshan in Hunan province , this mountain is often visited from the city of Datong before or after visiting the monastery Xuankong suspended .

The landscape of Mount Heng is made up of imposing peaks, deep gorges, rugged trails, lush vegetation, a variety of animal species of all kinds, temples, pagodas, strange rocks and Of caves. An old saying goes that the mountain sheltered "a pagoda every meter, a pine tree on each floor, three monasteries, four ancestral rooms, seven pavilions, nine palaces, eight caves and fifteen temples."

Today, Mount Heng still retains great old structures and many precious cultural relics. You can actually visit and discover nearly 20 sites and temples built into the historical and cultural heritage of the Hengshan .

Can popular with tourists, the discovery of Hengshan promises a quiet hike in harmony with the surrounding nature.

For those who lack time or who can not walk too long, a cable car was set up for quick access and effortlessly to the summit of Mount Heng .

Monastery suspended

The suspended or monastery Hanging Temple is located at the foot of Mount Heng hung on the west side of the cliff in the collar of the Golden Dragon. This monastery is the only building in China that unites Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism in one place.

The temple impresses visitors for its unique architecture. Back to the cliff, suspended in the void, the monastery seems to be maintained by magic. The temple is made from a wooden structure that maintains three floors and 40 rooms, connected by wooden bridges.

You will notice very quickly the influence of the three religions which is found on wall paintings and some sculptures.

The sight of this suspended temple will not leave you indifferent.

Temple Beiyue Miao

Also called the Temple of the northern mountains , this large complex is located south of the Celestial Peak summit. Built in 1501 during the Ming Dynasty, the temple is the most majesticbuilding of Mount Heng .

After years of destruction and reconstruction, the temple has retained some ancient structures such as the Imperial Perfume Pavilion, the Soaring Gate, the Flying Stone Hall and the Dening Hall.

Corridors connect the halls to each other and add charm to places. You will enjoy your visit to see the statue of the Great North Sacred Mountain and a tablet on which the Qing Emperor Kangxi has registered some letters of respect.

Cave of the Flying Stones

This cave located on the side of Mount Heng is an imposing natural cavern of 200m ² surrounded by stone wall on three sides and cliff on the last.

The cellar houses Hall of the Northern Mountain as well as Hall Hengzong.

How to get there

Buses and taxi service to Hengshan from Datong city.

There are also tourist buses from Beijing.

Schedules and rates

Entrance ticket : 30 RMB

Cable car : 35 RMB for up to 25 RMB per person down. 45 RMB per person for round trip.

Ticket for the temples: 35 RMB per person

Credit to: http://www.voyage-chine.com