Hengshan Travel Guide: Exploring the Magnificent Mountains and Rivers

Hengshan, located in Nanyue District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, is renowned as the Southern Mountain among the Five Great Mountains. It is famous for its unique natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Whether you want to admire the beautiful scenery or experience the historical culture, Hengshan can meet your expectations. Here is a Hengshan travel guide to help you have an unforgettable trip. 1. Pre-trip Preparations - ID: Bring your ID card for ticket purchase and accommodation check-in. - Clothing: Spring (March-May): The temperature is moderate, so bring a light jacket. Summer (June-August): It's cool and suitable for short sleeves and shorts, but the temperature on the mountain is low, so bring a thin coat. Autumn (September-October): There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so wear long sleeves and a thin sweater. Winter (November-February): It's cold, so bring a down jacket, thermal underwear, scarf, gloves, and non-slip, waterproof hiking shoes. - Items: Backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen, umbrella or raincoat, water bottle, portable charger, tissues, and some snacks. If you are visiting in winter to see the rime, also bring ice claws. Hiking poles are optional. 2. Transportation Guide - High-speed Rail: Hengshan West Railway Station is the nearest high-speed rail station to Hengshan. After exiting the station, take bus No. 1 at the west square. The fare is CNY 6, and it takes about 25–30 mins to reach the Nanyue Hengshan Scenic Area Tourist Center. - Train: If you choose to travel by train, after arriving at Hengshan Railway Station, take a passenger minibus to Nanyue at the square outside the station. The fare is CNY 8–10, and the journey takes about 30 mins. If you arrive at Hengyang Railway Station, go to Hengyang Central Bus Station first, and then transfer to a tourist bus to Nanyue. - Car: If you are driving, navigate to "Nanyue Hengshan Scenic Area". The parking facilities around the scenic area are well-equipped. Parking fees are charged based on the vehicle type and parking duration. Generally, the parking fee for a small car is around CNY 20–30 per day. 3. Ticket Information - Hengshan Main Scenic Area: Peak season (May 1–October 31): CNY 110/person. Off-season (November 1–April 30): CNY 80/person. - Nanyue Grand Temple: Peak season: CNY 60/person. Off-season: CNY 40/person. Tickets for Nanyue Grand Temple and Hengshan Main Scenic Area are sold separately. Discounts: Seniors aged 65 and above, active military personnel, and people with disabilities can enjoy free admission with valid IDs. Minors aged 14–18, students, and seniors aged 60–65 can enjoy half-price tickets with valid IDs. 4. Tour Routes One-day Tour - Morning: After arriving at the tourist center, take the scenic area shuttle bus to Banshanting. If you are energetic, you can also choose to hike up the mountain from Shenglifang, enjoying the scenery of Huayan Lake, the Martyrs' Shrine, and other attractions along the way, experiencing the tranquility of the mountains and forests and the profound history. It takes about 2–3 hrs to reach Banshanting. - Noon: Have lunch at Banshanting or take a bus to a restaurant near Nantianmen to taste local specialties and take a break. - Afternoon: From Banshanting, you can choose to take the cable car (if open) to overlook the magnificent scenery of Hengshan and go to Nantianmen. You can also choose to hike along the winding mountain road, passing Xuandu Temple, Yeh Hou Academy, and other attractions to reach Nantianmen. Then head towards Zhurong Peak, climb to the top of Hengshan, and enjoy the panoramic view of the rolling mountains and the vast sea of clouds. Then take the shuttle bus down the mountain to end the fulfilling day. Two-day Tour - Day 1 Morning: First, visit Nanyue Grand Temple, the largest ancient architectural complex in southern China, which integrates Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. With red walls and black tiles, it is solemn and majestic. Stepping into it is like traveling back in time to ancient times. - Day 1 Noon: Explore the streets around the temple for food and taste Hengshan tofu, Hengshan sesame cakes, and other local snacks. - Day 1 Afternoon: Stroll to Zhusheng Temple and experience the profound Buddhist culture. Then go to Huayan Lake, where the water is clear and green, surrounded by green mountains, a great place to take photos. Stay at a unique homestay at the foot of Hengshan and experience the tranquility of the countryside at night. - Day 2 Early Morning: Get up early and take the shuttle bus to the top of the mountain to wait for the sunrise at Zhurong Peak. When the dawn breaks through the night sky and the golden sunlight shines on you, the shock and emotion will make you feel that all the waiting is worthwhile. - Day 2 Morning: After watching the sunrise, go to Huixian Bridge. Surrounded by clouds and mist, it is like stepping into a fairyland. Take photos here. - Day 2 Noon: After lunch, slowly descend the mountain, enjoying the natural scenery of Hengshan and the beauty of nature, and end the pleasant journey. 5. Must-see Attractions - Nanyue Grand Temple: This thousand-year-old temple carries a rich history and culture. The buildings inside have overhanging eaves and brackets, carved beams and painted rafters. Every detail demonstrates the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. Here, you can feel the solemnity and mystery of religious culture. It is an outstanding representative of Hengshan's cultural landscape. - Zhurong Peak: The main peak of Hengshan, with an altitude of 1,300.2m. Standing on Zhurong Peak and looking into the distance, the mountains rise and fall, and the sea of clouds churns, as if you are in a fairyland. This is not only an excellent place to watch the sunrise and the sea of clouds, but also allows you to feel the majesty and magnificence of nature. - Fangguang Temple: This temple is hidden deep in the hinterland of Hengshan, surrounded by mountains, with a gurgling stream in front of the temple. The environment is extremely quiet and peaceful. It has a long history, and the buildings inside are simple and elegant. It is a good place to seek tranquility and spiritual comfort. 6. Food Recommendations - Hengshan Braised Chicken: Different from the common braised chicken, Hengshan braised chicken uses local free-range chicken, which has firm meat and delicious flavor. The chicken is carefully cooked, with a bright red color, soft and tender texture, and rich soup. Served with rice, it is a delicacy. - Nanyue Cloud Mist Tea Cake: Made with Hengshan's specialty cloud mist tea, this tea cake has a fragrant aroma. Take a bite, and you will taste the fragrance of tea and the crispness of the cake. It is sweet but not greasy, a very unique dessert. - Hengshan Dried Small Fish: Made from small fish from the local river in Hengshan and dried in the sun. After frying or stir-frying, the small dried fish has a golden color, crispy outside and tender inside, salty and delicious. It is a good appetizer and also a good souvenir.