Nanyue Hengshan Scenic Area is located in Nanyue District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province. As one of the "Five Great Mountains" in China, it is a national key scenic area, a 5A-level tourist attraction, and a national natural and cultural heritage. The scenic area covers a total area of 181.5 square kilometers, with a core area of 100.7 square kilometers. The main peak, Zhurong Peak, stands at an altitude of 1,300.2 meters. Known as the "Unique Beauty among the Five Great Mountains," Hengshan has a forest coverage rate of 74.75%, with 2,019 plant species belonging to 762 genera and 174 families. Among them, 21 species are rare and endangered, such as the Hairy Honeylocust and Cathaya, making it an important biological resource gene bank in southern China. The mountain body is composed of granite and gneiss, with a terrain higher in the south and lower in the north, presenting a geomorphic feature of "arrayed peaks with majestic momentum." It has a subtropical monsoon humid climate, with an average annual temperature of 17.5°C, abundant rainfall, and distinct four seasons.
History and Culture
Hengshan has a long history. It was a place where ancient monarchs Tang Yao and Yu Shun patrolled, hunted, and sacrificed to the gods of land and grain. King Yu climbed Hengshan to control floods. After unifying China, Qin Shi Huang dispatched Prime Minister Li Si to Hengshan in 219 BC to carve inscriptions for meritorious deeds. Since the Han Dynasty, Hengshan has been regarded as a Taoist paradise. In the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Buddhism was introduced, forming a religious and cultural pattern where Buddhism and Taoism coexisted.
Hengshan is one of the important birthplaces of Huxiang culture. Neo-Confucian masters such as Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi once gave lectures here, leaving behind the story of the "Zhu-Zhang Lecture." Historically, literati and poets like Li Bai, Du Fu, and Han Yu climbed Hengshan multiple times, leaving a large number of poems and essays, such as Han Yu's "Paying Homage to Hengyue Temple and Staying Overnight to Inscribe the Gatehouse."
Nanyue Grand Temple, the most important historical building in Hengshan, was first built in the Tang Dynasty. The existing building was reconstructed in the 8th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1882). It is the largest and best-preserved palace-style architectural complex in southern China, covering an area of 98,500 square meters. Modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, it is known as the "Little Forbidden City in Jiangnan."
Main Attractions
Zhurong Peak
Zhurong Peak, the main peak of Hengshan, is 1,300.2 meters above sea level. It is named after the Fire God Zhurong, who was buried here. At the peak stands Zhurong Hall, first built in the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty. The hall enshrines a statue of the Fire God Zhurong. From the peak, visitors can overlook the surrounding mountains and enjoy natural landscapes such as sunrise and sea of clouds. It is the best place to watch the sunrise in Hengshan, attracting a large number of tourists every year.
Nanyue Grand Temple
Nanyue Grand Temple is located at the northern end of Nanyue Ancient Town, serving as the largest ancient architectural complex in Hengshan. Covering an area of 98,500 square meters, the temple features a nine-prefecture and four-layer courtyard layout along the central axis, sequentially arranging Lingxing Gate, Kuixing Pavilion, Zhengnan Gate, Imperial Stele Pavilion, Jiaying Gate, Yushu Building, Main Hall, Qin Palace, and North Back Gate. On the eastern side, there are eight Taoist temples, while the western side houses eight Buddhist temples, presenting a unique pattern of "coexistence of Buddhism and Taoism, and integration of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism". The temple preserves a large number of cultural relics such as inscriptions and plaques from the Ming and Qing dynasties, among which the inscription "Longevity of Nanyue Hengshan" is particularly famous.
Water Curtain Cave
Located in the northeast of Hengshan, Water Curtain Cave is one of the famous natural landscapes of Hengshan. In front of the cave, water pours down from a 70-meter-high cliff, forming a waterfall like a bead curtain, hence the name. Below the waterfall is a deep blue pool. Many cliff inscriptions surround Water Curtain Cave, among which "Zhuling Taixu Cave Heaven" was written by Mi Fu, a calligrapher of the Song Dynasty. It is the location of Zhuling Cave Heaven, one of the "Thirty-six Caves" in Nanyue Taoism.
Sutra Depository Hall
Located at the foot of Xiangguang Peak in Hengshan, the Sutra Depository Hall was built by Monk Huisi in the second year of Guangda (568) during the reign of Emperor Fei of the Chen Dynasty in the Southern Dynasties. Originally named "Dabore Temple," it was renamed Sutra Depository Hall because Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty bestowed the Tripitaka here. The existing building was rebuilt in 1933. The hall originally housed ten thousand volumes of Buddhist scriptures, but only part of them remain now. Surrounded by towering ancient trees and a quiet environment, the Sutra Depository Hall enjoys the reputation of "the beauty of the Sutra Depository Hall" and is one of the most beautiful places in Hengshan.
Fangguang Temple
Located at the foot of Lianhua Peak in Hengshan, Fangguang Temple was first built in the second year of Tianjian (503) during the Liang Dynasty in the Southern Dynasties. It was destroyed by war many times, and the existing building was rebuilt in 1983. The temple has buildings such as the Mahavira Hall and Sutra Depository. In front of the temple is a stone arch bridge with a stream under it. Surrounded by peaks and lush ancient trees, it is known as "the depth of Fangguang Temple" and is one of the most secluded attractions in Hengshan.
Food
Hengshan Tofu
Hengshan Tofu is a local specialty made from high-quality soybeans using traditional techniques, featuring delicate texture and delicious taste. Common dishes include Mapo Tofu and Pan-Fried Tofu, which can be tasted in restaurants around Hengshan, priced at about 30-50 yuan per portion.
Nanyue Vegetarian Cuisine
Nanyue Vegetarian Cuisine has a long history. Represented by temple vegetarian food in Hengshan, it uses mountain delicacies and soy products as raw materials to make exquisitely shaped and delicious vegetarian dishes. Representative dishes include vegetarian ham and vegetarian fish, mainly concentrated in vegetarian restaurants around Nanyue Grand Temple, with an average per capita consumption of about 50-80 yuan.
Hengshan Cloud and Mist Tea
Hengshan Cloud and Mist Tea is one of China's famous teas, named for growing in the cloud and mist-covered high-altitude areas of Hengshan. The tea has a tight and fine shape, green color, clear soup, fresh aroma, and mellow taste after brewing. It is sold in various attractions of Hengshan, with prices ranging from about 200-800 yuan per catty depending on quality.
Hengshan Bacon
Hengshan Bacon is a local traditional food made from high-quality pork through pickling, smoking, and other processes, featuring golden color and rich taste. It can be cooked in various ways such as steaming, stir-frying, and stewing, and is common in farmhouses around Hengshan, priced at about 40-60 yuan per portion.
Tickets
Tickets are sold separately for each attraction.
The core scenic area ticket is 110 yuan/person, Nanyue Grand Temple ticket is 58 yuan/person, Wanshou Great Tripod ticket is 29.5 yuan/person, and Water Curtain Cave ticket is 30 yuan/person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "南岳衡山风景名胜区" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open year-round, with opening hours of 08:00-18:00 (summer) and 08:30-17:30 (winter). Nanyue Grand Temple is open from 08:00-17:30, and Water Curtain Cave is open from 08:00-18:00.
Tour Routes
Recommended one-day tour route: Start from Nanyue Ancient Town in the morning, visit Nanyue Grand Temple to learn about the history and culture of Hengshan, about 2 hours; then take the scenic area environmental protection vehicle to Zhurong Peak, climb Zhurong Peak and enjoy the mountain top landscape, about 3 hours; go to Water Curtain Cave in the afternoon to admire the waterfall landscape, about 1.5 hours; finally return to Nanyue Ancient Town to end the trip.
Recommended two-day tour route: Visit Nanyue Grand Temple in the morning of the first day, and go to attractions such as the Sutra Depository Hall and Mojing Platform in the afternoon to experience the natural scenery and cultural landscape of Hengshan; take the environmental protection vehicle to Zhurong Peak in the morning of the second day, then go to Fangguang Temple to experience the seclusion of Hengshan, and return in the afternoon.
Transportation
- Airplane: Arrive at Changsha Huanghua International Airport first, then take an airport bus or high-speed rail to Hengyang City, and transfer to a car to Nanyue Hengshan. It is about 150 kilometers from Changsha Huanghua International Airport to Nanyue Hengshan, with a driving time of about 2.5 hours.
- Train/High-speed Rail: There are Hengyang Station and Hengyang East Station in Hengyang City. It is about 50 kilometers from Hengyang Station to Nanyue Hengshan by bus or taxi, with a driving time of about 1 hour; it is about 45 kilometers from Hengyang East Station to Nanyue Hengshan by high-speed rail special line, with a driving time of about 50 minutes.
- Bus: Nanyue Hengshan has long-distance buses directly to surrounding cities such as Changsha, Zhuzhou, and Xiangtan. It is about 120 kilometers from Changsha Nanyue Bus Station to Nanyue Hengshan, with a driving time of about 2 hours.
- Scenic Area Transportation: Environmental protection vehicles are available in the scenic area, with a fare of 78 yuan/person (round trip), which can be taken to major attractions; you can also choose to climb on foot, about 15 kilometers from Nanyue Ancient Town to Zhurong Peak, which takes 5-6 hours.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Zhurong Peak: The main peak of Hengshan, 1,300.2 meters above sea level, is the iconic attraction of Hengshan. It allows visitors to enjoy natural landscapes such as sunrise and sea of clouds and feel the majestic momentum of the "Unique Beauty among the Five Great Mountains."
- Nanyue Grand Temple: The largest and best-preserved palace-style architectural complex in southern China, covering an area of 98,500 square meters, reflecting the unique culture of "coexistence of Buddhism and Taoism," is a must-visit place to understand the history and culture of Hengshan.
- Water Curtain Cave: A waterfall over 70 meters high flows down like a bead curtain, with many cliff inscriptions around, making it one of the most ornamental natural landscapes in Hengshan.
Tour Tips
- Spring (March-May): Azaleas are in full bloom all over Hengshan, and the scenery is beautiful. It is recommended to wear light clothing and carry rain gear due to frequent spring rains.
- Summer (June-August): Cool climate, an ideal place for summer retreat, but strong ultraviolet rays. Take sun protection measures and carry sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.
- Autumn (September-November): Clear weather and high visibility, suitable for mountain climbing and sightseeing. There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so carry a coat.
- Winter (December-February): It may snow in Hengshan, and rime scenery can be viewed, which is very beautiful. However, the temperature is low, so keep warm and wear thick down jackets, snow boots, etc.
- Wear comfortable sports shoes when climbing, carry enough water and snacks, and lighten the load.
- If you are physically weak, you can choose to take the scenic area environmental protection vehicle to save energy and better visit the attractions.
Notes
- Open fires are strictly prohibited in the scenic area, and smoking is not allowed in non-smoking areas to avoid forest fires.
- Pay attention to safety when climbing, follow scenic area regulations, and do not climb unopened areas.
- In religious places such as Nanyue Grand Temple, respect religious beliefs and customs, and do not make loud noises or litter.
- Some attractions in the scenic area are at high altitudes, such as Zhurong Peak, which may cause mild altitude sickness. Those who feel unwell can prepare in advance.
- During the tourist peak season, there are many visitors in the scenic area. Keep personal belongings safe and avoid loss.
- When taking the scenic area environmental protection vehicle, follow the arrangements of the staff and do not jump the queue or crowd.