Nanyue Hengshan Scenic Area is located within the territory of Nanyue District, Hengyang City. The highest peak, Zhurong Peak, has an elevation of approximately 1300 meters. Among the ‘Five Great Mountains’, Hengshan is situated in the south, enjoying a favorable climate that keeps the mountain lush and verdant throughout the year, with thriving vegetation, earning it the reputation of ‘the unique beauty among the Five Great Mountains’.
The ‘Nanshan’ mentioned in the popular Chinese idiom ‘longevity is as great as Nanshan’ refers to Hengshan. The scenic area mainly consists of the central scenic area and several smaller attractions. What most tourists refer to as ‘Hengshan’ is the central scenic area. The ‘Nanyue Temple’ at the foot of Hengshan in Nanyue Town is an important attraction besides the central scenic area. It is one of the largest palace-style ancient architectural complexes in southern China, hosting grand temple fairs annually, and visitors often visit the central scenic area and Nanyue Temple together. Hengshan is a holy land of Han Chinese Buddhism, where the ‘Nanyue School’ of the Southern School originated, and its teachings have spread worldwide through the Weixiang School and Linji School. Additionally, this place is also a sacred site of the Anti-Japanese War in southern China. Under the Xianglu Peak, the ‘Nanyue Martyrs’ Shrine’ commemorates and buries Chinese soldiers who died in the frontline battles of the Anti-Japanese War. When visiting the central scenic area, you can choose to walk the entire way or combine walking with environmentally friendly vehicles (including cable cars). For most ordinary tourists, it is recommended to choose the latter, which allows for more energy to appreciate the beautiful scenery and experience the cultural connotations of Nanyue.If you choose to combine walking with environmentally friendly vehicles (including cable cars), visiting Hengshan in one day is not a very strenuous task. You can start by visiting the ‘Nanyue Temple’ in Nanyue Town, then purchase a ticket to enter the central scenic area. The basic route is: Martyrs’ Shrine – Half Mountain Pavilion – Magu Wonderland – Mirror Grinding Terrace – Fuyuan Temple – South Heaven Gate – Zhurong Peak. If you have more time, spending two days in Hengshan will yield more rewards. The general route is similar to the ‘one-day tour’ mentioned above. With ample time, after visiting Fuyuan Temple, you can spend some time at the Tripitaka Hall, which is extremely tranquil. You can stay near Shangfeng Temple at night, which is convenient for going to ‘Wangri Platform’ to watch the sunrise early the next day.
Opening Hours: 02/09-02/12 from 08:00 to 14:00; 02/13-02/17 from 07:00 to 17:30; 02/18-12/31 open all day. Due to weather conditions, opening hours and areas may be adjusted according to the on-site situation. The information above is for reference only, please refer to the on-site information on the day. Thank you for understanding.
Preferential Policies: Children: Children aged 6 (inclusive) and under, with ID card or household registration book, are free; minors aged 6 (exclusive) to 18 (inclusive), with ID card, receive discounts. Elderly: Elders aged 65 (inclusive) and above, with ID card, are free; elders aged 60 (inclusive) to 65 (exclusive), with ID card, receive discounts. Students: Full-time undergraduate and below students (excluding adult education, self-study, short-term training institution students, etc.), with valid documents (student ID and ID card), receive discounts. Military: Active-duty soldiers, disabled soldiers, martyr’s families, families of soldiers who died in the line of duty, families of soldiers who died of illness, retired military cadres, with valid documents, are free. Disabled: Disabled individuals with ID card and valid disability certificate are free. Firefighters: Firefighters with valid documents are free. Tour Guides: Tour guides with valid documents and group procedures are free. Journalists: Journalists with valid documents (journalist’s certificate issued by the State Press and Publication Administration, ID card) are free. Buddhist and Taoist clergy: Buddhist and Taoist clergy with valid documents, after verification, are free. Nanyue residents: Nanyue residents with ID card are free. Others: Those who need to enter the scenic area for work reasons, including staff of local or stationed units, stationed troops, etc., should show valid documents and are free after verification; others who are eligible for free tickets according to the regulations of the Nanyue District People’s Government, with ID card, are free.
Additional Notes: The above information is for reference only, please refer to the announcement of the scenic area on the day.
Service facilities parking lot:
【Hengshan Scenic Area Parking Lot】Reference price: within 4 hours, 10 yuan per time; within 24 hours, 20 yuan per time; Address: Next to the Hengshan Scenic Area Visitor Service Center; Spaces: 300
Transportation within the park: Reference price: One-way 45 yuan, round trip 78 yuan
Restrooms: Restrooms are located within the scenic area, with clear signs posted at the entrance and other locations.
