The Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes

Our second day in Datong we decided to join the Dutch couple on a tour to see the Hanging Temple (the reason we came to Datong in the first place) and the Yungang Grottoes (also known as the Cloud Ridge Caves) since using public transportation was going to be a hassle and take lots of time. We figured it would just be easier to use a tour, even if it meant having a bit less fun. Either way, I had a great day, but we were definitely very tired afterwards.

Here's Brandon all excited to go see the Hanging Temple!

It was hard to get a good picture, but it was seriously pretty darn cool. It's just a temple hanging out on the side of a mountain held up by a bunch of sticks. They were really paranoid about the place burning down, so they had signs everywhere.

Paranoia to the max

Cool mask... but so out of place in this temple.

Rub the Buddha for good luck and good fortune.

Brandon..... and the random Chinese guy

High up in the air being supported by some wooden sticks.

Buddhas in the temple. You see one, you've seen them all.

One our way out. Pretty nifty huh?

The signature "we were here" pose

Monks!!! This is on the way into the Yungang Caves. There were monks everywhere and the place was all decorated. There was going to be some sort of ceremony/welcoming of the holiday the following day. But I still don't know why the monks were there.

And this is them. The caves full of Buddha carvings. Some of them still have color too.

Little caves

Biggest Buddha there. Not too shabby right (ps be careful when you say shabby in China... apparently it means a bad bad word)

Color Buddha

A MONK ON A CELLPHONE!!! Seriously! I thought monks were supposed to give up all of their worldly possession. I guess not. And to cap it off.... it was a good cellphone! Oooo the things I see in China. Further, this monk actually followed us for a while and was practicing his English with us. He was saying something about the Nine Dragon Gate. We never went to see it in Datong but we saw one in Pingyao.

The small caves made by normal civilians. They weren't as ornate and pretty since normal people obviously don't have millions to help build them.

Impersonating Buddhas.