The Hanging Monastery was built in 491 ( the Northern Wei Dynasty in the 7th century) and has survived more than 1400 years. The temple was constantly renovated in the later Tang, Jin, Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Hanging Monastery is a stunning architectural feat built on a near-vertical cliff face. A unique mechanical theory was applied to building the framework. Crossbeams were half-inserted into the rock as the foundation, while the rock in back became its support, Seen from below, Hanging Monastery appears to be a tumble-down castle in the air. Inside, Hanging Monastery provides the same scene as other temples.

The monastery is also an important religious site reflecting the combined influence of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Inside the monastery, the sculptures of Sakyamuni, Confucius and Laotzu appear together, which is unususl. There are 40 halls and cabinets, which contain about 80 sculptures made of copper,iron,terracotta, and stone. The features are vividly carved.