The Stunning Twin Temples Atop China’s Mount Fanjing



Mount Fanjing in southwestern China’s Wuling mountain range is home to one of the most unique sights on the planet — two small temples built atop a split rock spire, connected by an arched bridge overlooking a stunning natural paradise. Perched atop the natural rock spire known as the Red Clouds Golden Peak, the two small temples have a history that goes back over 500 years to the Ming Dynasty. How the monks managed to carry the needed materials up the rock formation without modern technology remains a mystery. Still, the temples are built of sturdy materials like iron tiles in order to resist strong winds and an overall harsh environment. In order to reach the temples, visitors have to first climb more than 8,000 steps to reach the south side of the temple complex. They can then walk across the bridge to visit the north side. Since the Tang Dynasty, which ruled over China from the 7th to the 10th century, scores of temples have been built on Mount Fanjing, but only a few have survived.