Mount Hengshan (Hunan)

Introducing Mount Hengshan (Hunan)
Mount Hengshan is one of the Five Great Mountains of China, located in Hunan Province. Mount Hengshan is also known as Nanyue (Southern Mountain). The name Hengshan, meaning ‘balancing mountain,’ derives from its association with the star Zhen (轸星), which represents the beam of a balance scale within the Twenty-Eight Mansions asterism system.

Famous for its stunning scenery, Mount Hengshan holds deep religious significance for both Buddhists and Taoists. Its towering peaks and serene temples offer a glimpse into a rich history intertwined with mythology and imperial patronage. From the panoramic views atop Zhurong Peak, its highest point at 1,300 meters (4,300 ft), to the tranquility of the Nanyue Grand Temple, the largest temple in southern China, the mountain’s many attractions reflect this enduring legacy.

Mount Hengshan (Hunan) Fast Facts
• AKA: Mt. Heng
• Chinese Name: Hengshan 衡山
• Elevation: 1,300 meters (4,265 ft)
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 days
• Things to Do: Photography, Hiking, Nature
• Opening Hours: 7:00-17:30
• Entrance Fee: CNY110 (Mount Hengshan), CNY30 (The Giant Couldron of Longevity). CNY58 (Nanyue Grand Temple)
• Address: Jinsha Road, Nanyue County, Nanyue District, Hengyang, Hunan Province

What to Expect at Mount Hengshan (Hunan)
Mount Hengshan rises as a symphony of stone and green. Conquer its rugged trails, where lush forests give way to breathtaking granite panoramas. Witness the sunrise ignite the sky, a spectacle that will steal your breath. Find your inner peace in the hushed stillness of ancient temples, their walls whispering tales of centuries past, it’s a journey for the body and the soul.

Zhurong Peak
Zhurong Peak, the highest point of Mount Hengshan, is often considered the mountain’s quintessential experience. As the saying goes, “If you haven’t been to Zhurong Peak, you haven’t truly experienced Mount Hengshan.” Rising to a majestic 1,300 meters (4,265 ft) above the Xiangnan Basin, this peak is dedicated to Zhurong, the Chinese God of Fire, a deity representing “Eternal Brightness.”

Enveloped by lush, verdant slopes and frequently veiled in mist, Zhurong Peak offers a dynamic panorama that transforms with the seasons. Visitors can witness breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, the golden spectacle of sunrise, the ethereal expanse of the sea of clouds, and the pristine beauty of winter’s snow-covered landscape. Adding to the allure of the summit is a two-courtyard granite temple, a fitting tribute to Zhurong that underscores the peak’s rich cultural heritage.

Tianzhu Peak
Among the seventy-two peaks of Mount Hengshan, Tianzhu Peak captivates visitors with its distinctive silhouette. Rising to a striking 1,061 meters (3,481 ft), this imposing peak stands remarkably erect, resembling a colossal pillar piercing the clouds, seemingly holding up the heavens — hence its name, “Tianzhu” (Heavenly Pillar).

Atop the summit, a small, circular platform supports an octagonal, two-story pavilion with gracefully overhanging eaves. Standing approximately four meters (13 ft) tall and crafted entirely from granite, the pavilion was originally built as a fire watchtower. Today, it offers tourists a breathtaking panoramic view. Below the pavilion, four powerful Chinese characters, “南天柱石” (Southern Heavenly Pillar Stone), are carved into a stone pillar. Each character, rendered with vigorous strokes and a commanding presence, imbues this natural wonder with a rich cultural significance.

Huiyan Peak
Huiyan Peak, one of the scenic wonders of Mount Hengshan, rivals the towering heights of Zhurong Peak and the tranquil beauty of Mount Yuelu. Its name, meaning “Returning Goose Peak,” originates from the legend that migrating geese from the north would stop here to rest for the winter, resuming their northward journey when spring returned. Atop the peak stands the ancient Yanfeng Temple, boasting a history spanning over 1,500 years. It is a place of fervent worship, where the air is filled with the chanting of sutras.

Mount Yuelu
Yuelu Mountain, the final peak of the Hengshan mountain range, rises to a height of 300 meters (984 ft) and is a place of both scenic beauty and historical significance. Renowned for its vibrant autumn foliage, it embodies the spirit of ancient Chinese culture. The mountain is home to ancient temples, including the revered Yuelu Academy, a millennium-old institution of learning, and the famed Lushan Buddhist Temple. Picturesque pavilions, tranquil lakes, and lush forests further enhance its natural splendor, making it a truly captivating destination.

The Giant Couldron of Longevity
Perched atop Jiahe Peak, the Cauldron of Longevity is a breathtaking sight. Weighing 56 tons and standing 9.9 meters (32.4 ft) tall, this monumental tribute symbolizes unity and good fortune. Its interior and exterior are adorned with a mesmerizing display of ten thousand unique “寿” (shòu) characters, each representing “longevity” and showcasing the art of Chinese calligraphy.

The Nanyue Grand Temple
The Nanyue Grand Temple, a south-facing complex dedicated to Mount Hengshan, is renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture and impressive size. Occupying a vast rectangular site of 98,500 square meters (24.4 acres), the temple is the largest in Hunan Province. The temple complex is celebrated for the exquisite craftsmanship of its clay sculptures, wood carvings, and stone engravings. It comprises a series of structures, including the Lingxing Gate, Kuixing Pavilion, Zhengchuan Gate, Imperial Stele Pavilion, Jiaying Gate, and the Main Hall, as well as other religious buildings.

How to Get to Mount Hengshan (Hunan)
• The Mount Hengshan is located approx. 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of Changsha.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Mount Hengshan.

Additional Travel Advice on Mount Hengshan (Hunan)
• Please wear comfortable hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. Prepare other climbing equipment if necessary, such as gloves, trekking poles, head torch, etc.
• Mount Hengshan is always rainy in spring. Please prepare raincoat or umbrella.
• The temperature on the mountain is about 10℃ lower than that at mountain foot. Please prepare warm clothes.