Mount Heng of the Northern Yue and the Hanging Temple

Mount Heng of the Northern Yue has long been famous, and the Hanging Temple is an even more attractive spot for visitors. Returning here after 25 years, the mountain is still the same, the temple remains, but the appearance of the scenic area has completely changed. I vaguely remember that back then, in front of the Hanging Temple was a pebble riverbed, and the bus drove along the gravel road right up to it. The silent Hanging Temple stood weathering the elements in the desolate mountains, still waiting for the right moment to welcome visitors like flowing water. This time, it was very different. A grand visitor center was built far away, and you have to take a shuttle bus to reach the Hanging Temple or Mount Heng. For seniors over 60, entrance and temple admission are free; however, the daily quota for senior temple tickets is limited to 300, and by noon they were already sold out with no more tickets available. After getting off the shuttle bus, it’s about a 1-kilometer walk to the front of the Hanging Temple. Visitors come in an endless stream, with laughter and cheerful voices. Workers are installing electric tiered dams on the cement riverbed. People who bought tickets to enter the Hanging Temple line up in a long queue, patiently waiting 40 minutes to an hour. Those who cannot enter can still enjoy the visual experience by viewing and photographing the temple from different angles. At the end of the valley, the dam of the Hengshan Reservoir is visible. There used to be a plank road from the Northern Wei Dynasty there, but unfortunately, it was damaged due to reservoir construction, and the remaining part completely collapsed three years ago. The production team of the game "Wukong" found inspiration here, with a huge billboard displaying various incarnations of Wukong. Even without the plank road, Wukong can freely come and go. A large flood discharge tunnel halfway up the mountain may overflow during the high water season, flowing into the Hun River, creating another scenic view. It takes about ten minutes by car from the Hanging Temple to the foot of Mount Heng, where you can take a cable car or hike to the summit. Compared to the other Five Great Mountains, Mount Heng of the Northern Yue is the easiest to climb. Due to time constraints, we only strolled around the foot of the mountain. The newly built Cihang Hall, Sanyuan Palace, and other temples are magnificent, though only serving as a backdrop, they are still fine buildings. Coming out of Sanyuan Palace, standing on the platform in front of the hall and looking around at the distant mountains and nearby rooftops, with thousands of floating clouds, even without fully grasping the profound meaning of "Tao follows nature," it is rare to achieve "quietness and non-action." Just quietly staying for a moment can sweep away worries and sorrows, leaving the body and mind refreshed.