Suspended in the Heavens: The Spiritual Danxia Marvel of Beichan Temple

The Hanging Marvel of Xining

1.Perched majestically on the red: Danxia cliffs of Beishan (North Mountain) in Xining, Beichan Temple, also known as Tulou Guan, is a breathtaking architectural feat. Historically recognized as the second largest hanging temple in China, this site integrates religious structures directly into the natural cliffside. The temple is built bordering the mountains and water, where the well-developed Danxia landforms have receded to form caves of various sizes.

Nine Caves and Eighteen Holes

The temple complex is famously categorized by its "Nine Caves and Eighteen Holes," a series of chambers and grottoes carved into the crimson rock faces. These halls and pavilions are suspended high above the ground, interconnected by a network of winding walkways and corridors that cling to the precipice. This vertical layout allows visitors to transition between subterranean caves and lofty towers, creating a "caves within caves" experience.

A Fusion of Buddhism and Taoism

One of the most distinctive features of Beichan Temple is its harmonious coexistence of Buddhism and Taoism. The grottoes house statues representing both traditions, reflecting a rare spiritual pluralism in the region. On the eastern side of the complex stands a colossal cliff carving known as the "Open-air Vajra" (or "Inside Buddha" to Buddhists and the "Queen Mother of the West" to Taoists), which reaches a magnificent height of 30 meters.

Beishan Smoky Clouds

The temple is not only a center for worship but also a place of immense natural beauty, housing more than 200 caves across its red walls. The summit of the mountain is crowned with the Tuer Pagoda, a landmark that overlooks the city of Xining. During periods of rain or mist, the temple and its surrounding peaks are often enveloped in a ethereal haze known as "Beishan Smoky Clouds," one of the classic scenic wonders of the area.