2015 China

15 April, Datong
Hanting Express Hotel 138CNY

Built more than 1,500 years ago, the Hanging Monastery is suspended from the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge more than 70 metres above ground and is the only existing temple to combine three Chinese religions: Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Architecturally, the monastery is unusual. Holes cut into the cliff face are fitted with oak crossbeams which support the weight of the various halls and cells; the connecting catwalks and corridors are also supported by long wooden stilts. Originally conceived and built in 491, the monastery buildings were rebuilt and maintained during the Ming and Qing dynasties, 1368 to 1644 and 1644 to 1911 respectively. Into just 125 square metres are squeezed 40 halls and rooms, some containing sculptures of Sakyamuni, Laotzu and Confucius. The buildings are located beneath a prominent summit which protects them from weather erosion.

We boarded the local bus which was to return us to Datong about 15 minutes before it departed. After we had been seated for around five minutes, we were approached by one of the passengers. He posed what was clearly a question. We know only how to say “Hello”, “Thank you” and “South Africa” in Chinese. Without knowing what the man was in fact asking, Charl answered “South Africa”, which proved to be the correct answer in more ways than one. The man beamed and exclaimed and made his way back to the front of the bus, palm held out. Into his palm another man counter 80 yuan – they had been discussing and betting on us and, much to his delight (and surprise), he had won.