Nanyue Hengshan Scenic Area is located in Nanyue District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province. It is one of China's "Five Great Mountains" and is a national-level scenic area, a national 5A-level tourist attraction, and a national natural and cultural dual heritage site. The scenic area covers a total area of 181.5 square kilometers, with a core scenic area of 100.7 square kilometers. The main peak, Zhurong Peak, has an elevation of 1,300.2 meters. Hengshan is known as "the most beautiful of the Five Great Mountains," with a forest coverage rate of 74.75%. It has 2,019 species of plants in 762 genera and 174 families, among which there are 21 rare and endangered tree species such as Chinese honeylocust and Cathaya argyrophylla. It is an important biological resource gene bank in southern China. The mountain body is composed of granite, gneiss, and other rocks, with the terrain high in the south and low in the north, presenting the landform feature of "peaks arrayed in rows, majestic and magnificent." The climate belongs to a subtropical monsoon humid climate, with an average annual temperature of 17.5°C, abundant rainfall, and four distinct seasons.
Historical Culture
Hengshan has a long history. It was a place where the ancient rulers Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun patrolled the frontiers, hunted, and offered sacrifices to the gods of land and grain. King Yu also climbed Hengshan when controlling floods. After Qin Shi Huang unified China, in 219 BC he sent Chancellor Li Si to Hengshan to carve stones and record his achievements. Since the Han Dynasty, Hengshan has been regarded as a cave-heaven and blessed land of Daoism. During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Buddhism began to spread there, forming a religious cultural pattern of coexistence between Buddhism and Daoism.
Hengshan is one of the important birthplaces of Huxiang culture. Neo-Confucian scholars such as Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi once lectured here, leaving behind the famous story of the "Zhu-Zhang Meeting and Lecture." Historically, literary figures such as Li Bai, Du Fu, and Han Yu also climbed Hengshan many times, leaving a large number of poems and prose, such as Han Yu's "Offering Sacrifice at Hengyue Temple and Then Staying Overnight at the Temple, Inscribing on the Gate Tower."
The Nanyue Grand Temple is the most important historical building in Hengshan. It was first built in the Tang Dynasty. The existing buildings were rebuilt in the eighth 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. It imitates the layout of the Beijing Imperial Palace and is known as the "Little Forbidden City of Jiangnan."
Main Attractions
Zhurong Peak
Zhurong Peak is the main peak of Hengshan, with an elevation of 1,300.2 meters. It is named after Zhurong, the god of fire, who was buried here. At the summit is Zhurong Hall, first built in the Tang Dynasty. The existing building was rebuilt during the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty. Inside the hall is a statue of the fire god Zhurong. From the summit, visitors can overlook the surrounding mountains and enjoy natural sights such as sunrise and seas of clouds. It is the best place in Hengshan to watch the sunrise and attracts a large number of tourists every year.
Nanyue Grand Temple
The Nanyue Grand Temple is located at the northern end of Nanyue Ancient Town and is the largest ancient architectural complex in Hengshan. The temple covers an area of 98,500 square meters. Along the central axis are arranged nine rows and four courtyards, including the Lingxing Gate, Kuixing Pavilion, Zhengnan Gate, Yubei Pavilion, Jiaying Gate, Yushu Tower, Main Hall, Sleeping Palace, and North Back Gate. On the east side are eight Daoist palaces, and on the west side are eight Buddhist temples, presenting the unique pattern of "coexistence of Buddhism and Daoism, integration of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism." The temple preserves a large number of steles, plaques, and other cultural relics from the Ming and Qing dynasties, among which the inscription "The Longevity of Nanyue Hengshan" is especially famous.
Water Curtain Cave
Water Curtain Cave is located in the northeastern part of Hengshan and is one of the famous natural landscapes of Hengshan. In front of the cave, water pours down from a cliff more than 70 meters high, forming a waterfall that looks like a curtain of pearls, hence the name. Below the waterfall is a deep green pool of unfathomable depth. Around Water Curtain Cave are many cliff inscriptions, among which "Zhuling Taixu Cave Heaven" was written by the Song Dynasty calligrapher Mi Fu. It is the location of Zhuling Cave Heaven, one of the "Thirty-Six Cave Heavens" of Nanyue Daoism.
Sutra Library Hall
Sutra Library Hall is located at the foot of Xiangguang Peak in Hengshan. It was built by Master Huisi in the second year of the Guangda reign of Emperor Fei of the Chen Dynasty in the Southern Dynasties (568). It was initially named "Great Prajna Temple" and later renamed Sutra Library Hall because Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, bestowed the Tripitaka there. The existing building was rebuilt in 1933. The hall originally stored ten thousand volumes of Buddhist scriptures, but now only some volumes remain. Surrounded by ancient trees and with a quiet environment, it has the reputation of "the beauty of Sutra Library Hall" and is one of the most beautiful places in Hengshan.
Fangguang Temple
Fangguang Temple is located at the foot of Lianhua Peak in Hengshan. It was first built in the second year of the Tianjian reign of the Liang Dynasty in the Southern Dynasties (503). It was later destroyed by war many times, and the existing buildings were rebuilt in 1983. The temple contains buildings such as the Mahavira Hall and the Sutra Pavilion. In front of the temple is a stone arch bridge, below which flows a stream. Surrounded by peaks and with lush ancient trees, it has the description of "the depth of Fangguang Temple" and is one of the most secluded scenic spots in Hengshan.
Suggested Tour Routes：
One-day recommended route: In the morning, depart from Nanyue Ancient Town and visit the Nanyue Grand Temple to learn about the history and culture of Hengshan, about 2 hours; then take the scenic area shuttle bus to Zhurong Peak, climb Zhurong Peak, and enjoy the summit scenery, about 3 hours; in the afternoon, go to Water Curtain Cave to enjoy the waterfall scenery, about 1.5 hours; finally return to Nanyue Ancient Town and end the trip.
Two-day recommended route: On the first day, visit the Nanyue Grand Temple in the morning, and in the afternoon go to Sutra Library Hall, Mirror Polishing Platform, and other attractions to experience the natural scenery and cultural landscape of Hengshan; on the second day, take the shuttle bus to Zhurong Peak in the morning, then go to Fangguang Temple to experience the secluded beauty of Hengshan, and return in the afternoon.
Travel Suggestions：
Spring (March-May): The rhododendrons bloom all over Hengshan, and the scenery is beautiful. It is recommended to wear light clothing and bring rain gear, because spring is rainy.
Summer (June-August): The climate is cool, making it a good place to escape the heat, but the ultraviolet rays are strong, so sun protection measures are needed. You may bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and so on.
Autumn (September-November): The weather is clear and visibility is high, suitable for mountain climbing and sightseeing. There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so bring a jacket.
Winter (December-February): It may snow in Hengshan, and you can see rime scenery, which is very beautiful, but the temperature is low, so pay attention to keeping warm and wear thick down jackets, snow boots, and so on.
When climbing, it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes and carry enough water and snacks to reduce the burden.
If you do not have enough strength, you can choose to take the scenic area shuttle bus to save energy so that you can better visit the attractions.
Precautions：
Open flames are strictly prohibited in the scenic area. Smoking is prohibited in non-smoking areas to avoid causing forest fires.
Pay attention to safety when climbing, abide by the regulations of the scenic area, and do not climb undeveloped areas.
In religious places such as the Nanyue Grand Temple, respect religious beliefs and customs, and do not make loud noises or litter.
Some attractions in the scenic area are at higher altitudes, such as Zhurong Peak, where there may be mild altitude sickness. Those who feel unwell may prepare in advance.
During the peak tourist season, there are many visitors in the scenic area. Take good care of personal belongings to avoid loss.
When taking the scenic area shuttle bus, follow the arrangements of the staff and do not cut in line or crowd.
Transportation：
By plane: You can first arrive at Changsha Huanghua International Airport, then take an airport bus or high-speed rail to Hengyang City, and then transfer to a bus to Nanyue Hengshan. From Changsha Huanghua International Airport to Nanyue Hengshan is about 150 kilometers, and the drive takes about 2.5 hours.
By train/high-speed rail: Hengyang City has Hengyang Station and Hengyang East Station. From Hengyang Station, taking a bus or taxi to Nanyue Hengshan is about 50 kilometers, and the drive takes about 1 hour; from Hengyang East Station, taking the high-speed rail special line to Nanyue Hengshan is about 45 kilometers, and the drive takes about 50 minutes.
By bus: Nanyue Hengshan has long-distance buses directly to and from surrounding cities such as Changsha, Zhuzhou, and Xiangtan. From Changsha Nanyue Bus Station to Nanyue Hengshan is about 120 kilometers, and the drive takes about 2 hours.
Transportation within the scenic area: There are shuttle buses in the scenic area. The ticket price is 78 yuan per person (including round trip), and you can take the shuttle bus to major attractions; you can also choose to climb on foot. From Nanyue Ancient Town to Zhurong Peak is about 15 kilometers on foot, taking 5-6 hours.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open all year round. Opening hours are 08:00-18:00 (summer) and 08:30-17:30 (winter). The opening hours of the Nanyue Grand Temple are 08:00-17:30, and the opening hours of Water Curtain Cave are 08:00-18:00.
Tickets：
Separate tickets are implemented for different attractions.
The core scenic area ticket is 110 yuan per person, the Nanyue Grand Temple ticket is 58 yuan per person, the Longevity Grand Tripod ticket is 29.5 yuan per person, and the Water Curtain Cave ticket is 30 yuan per person.