Located 120 km from Changsha, Mount Heng (Hengshan), also known as the Mountain of the South, is a mountain range in Hunan. It is among China's five sacred mountains.

History

Buddhism and Taoism are practiced at Mount Hengshan.

From the end of the Eastern Han dynasty (25–225), Taoists began practicing their rituals at Mount Heng. During the Tang dynasty (618–917), Taoism reached its peak and numerous texts and philosophical theories were developed.

Buddhism was introduced to Hengshan 200 years later. Starting from 421, during the Southern dynasty (420–589), renowned groups of monks came to Mount Heng and performed their own rituals. The Tiantai sect was the most influential in bringing Buddhism to these mountains.

Over the past 2,000 years, many emperors and celebrities have visited Mount Heng and left their marks on the rocks. Poems were carved into the stones, notably by poets Li Bai, Du Fu, and Zhu Xi.

The Hengshan scenic park was proclaimed a national park on November 8, 1982.

Features of Mount Heng

Mount Heng comprises 72 peaks and extends over 150 km from Hengyang to Changsha. Its highest peak, Zhurong Peak, rises to 1,290 meters.

Its natural landscape is composed of over 1,200 plant species and 150 tree species spread across 9 primeval forests.

Beyond its remarkable temples, the mountain also features 9 ponds, 9 wells, 9 pools, 10 caves, 25 streams, and 38 springs, in harmony with lush forests.

Mount Heng

Hengshan is one of China's five sacred mountains and a retreat and leisure destination now highly favored by travelers. The grandeur of the park and the natural beauty of the mountains blend with historic structures, offering visitors rich days of hiking.

Zhurong Peak and Nanyue Temple are among the main attractions of Hengshan.

Zhurong Peak

To reach the summit of Zhurong feng (the Peak of Harmonious Wishes), allow approximately 4 hours of hiking on marked trails through pristine nature.

This highest point allows you to enjoy a fabulous panorama of the mountain ranges. On the way back, you can stop to visit several monasteries, temples, and pavilions scattered throughout the mountain.

The summit can be reached by minibus or cable car for those without time for the hike.

Nanyue Temple

The Nanyue Temple dates from the Tang dynasty but was renovated during the Qing dynasty.

The temple comprises nine courtyards and a grand main hall 22 meters high supported by 72 stone pillars symbolizing the 72 peaks of Hengshan.

It contains two halls: one called Zhusheng belonging to Taoism and the other, Xiashen, belonging to Buddhism.

When to Visit?

Mount Hengshan is pleasant year-round. Travelers can enjoy exotic flowers in spring, stunning sea of clouds in summer, magnificent sunrises in autumn, and snowflakes in winter.

Buses from Changsha travel to Dengshan Lu near the entrance to Mount Heng. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.

Admission Fee

Entry to the Hengshan scenic park costs 80 RMB per person.