Climbing the Hanging Temple is capped — book it, or you just look up

Entry to the gorge is unrestricted, but the number of people allowed onto the temple walkways at once is limited and sells out on holidays, so buy that ticket online in advance.

It sits 65 kilometres south-east, and the sensible day pairs it with the Yingxian wooden pagoda another 70 kilometres on: a car for the day, or a tour, covers both. The walkways are narrow, steep and open at the side; not one for anyone unhappy with heights.