Nanyue District Tourism, Hengyang City, Hunan Province

Nanyue District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province — a tourist resort centered on Hengshan Mountain, integrating natural scenery, religious culture, and historical sites. It is home to well-known attractions such as Nanyue Hengshan, Zhurong Peak, and Nanyue Grand Temple. Experience the unique charm of "the most beautiful of the Five Great Mountains + thousand-year-old ancient temples + natural wonders" in 2 days.

181
km² Area
70,000+
Permanent Population
6
National and Provincial-Level Cultural Relic Protection Units
2000+
Historical and Cultural Heritage Sites
Zhurong Peak Scenery, Nanyue District, Hengyang
Panoramic View of Zhurong Peak, Nanyue Hengshan - Iconic Scenery of Nanyue District
Zhurong Peak, the main peak of Nanyue Hengshan, has an altitude of 1300.2 meters, the lowest among the main peaks of the Five Great Mountains. It is named after Zhu Rong, the God of Fire, who once inhabited here. Climbing to the top offers a bird's-eye view of the rolling mountains and spectacular sea of clouds.

2-Day Nature and Culture Tour of Nanyue District

Pray at the sacred temple, enjoy the scenery at the main peak, explore the magical cave, and trace the ancient temples

Tour Duration
2 Days
Main Destinations
Nanyue Grand Temple, Zhurong Peak, Water Curtain Cave, Scripture Collection Hall, Fangguang Temple
Suitable For
Mountaineering enthusiasts, religious culture researchers, natural scenery lovers, history buffs
Per Capita Budget
¥300-¥800
1
One-Day Tour of Nanyue's Core Scenery
Nanyue Grand Temple · Zhurong Peak
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Nanyue Grand Temple in the morning to experience the unique culture integrating Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism; climb to Zhurong Peak in the afternoon to admire the magnificent scenery of Hengshan's main peak and experience the pride of "seeing all mountains small".

Attraction Arrangement
Nanyue Grand Temple
The largest ancient architectural complex in the south of the Yangtze River in China, first built in the Tang Dynasty and continuously expanded through dynasties. It is an ancient architectural complex integrating Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The temple buildings are magnificent, preserving a large number of precious cultural relics, and embodying the concentrated religious culture of Nanyue.
Zhurong Peak
The main peak of Nanyue Hengshan, with an altitude of 1300.2 meters, is a mountain commemorating Zhu Rong, the God of Fire. There is Zhurong Hall on the peak, with a unique architectural style, standing among the clouds, known as the "Palace in the Clouds". Climbing the peak allows you to watch wonders such as sunrise, sea of clouds, and snow scenery, making it a must-visit attraction in Hengshan.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • There are tourist special lines from Hengyang urban area directly to Nanyue Scenic Area
  • Nanyue Grand Temple is about 1 kilometer from the entrance of Hengshan Scenic Area
  • There are environmental protection vehicles and cableways in the scenic area to reach near Zhurong Peak
  • You can choose to walk or take transportation for mountain climbing
Ticket Information
  • Nanyue Grand Temple: ¥60
  • Hengshan Scenic Area Ticket: ¥110
  • Scenic Area Environmental Protection Vehicle: ¥78
  • Cableway Up: ¥45, Down: ¥45
Food Recommendations
  • Nanyue Vegetarian Cuisine
  • Hengshan Tofu
  • Hengshan Cloud and Mist Tea
  • Hengshan Bacon
  • Hengshan Rice Wine
2
In-Depth Exploration Tour of Nanyue
Scripture Collection Hall · Water Curtain Cave · Fangguang Temple
Itinerary Highlights

Visit the Scripture Collection Hall in the morning to appreciate precious ancient books and exotic flowers and plants; visit Water Curtain Cave in the afternoon to watch the waterfall wonder, then go to Fangguang Temple to experience the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient temple in the deep mountains.

Attraction Arrangement
Scripture Collection Hall
First built in the second year of Chen Guangda in the Southern Dynasties, it is named for collecting Buddhist scriptures and is one of the four famous temples in Nanyue. The hall is surrounded by towering ancient trees and has a quiet environment, especially famous for the "Beauty of Scripture Collection Hall". There are exotic trees such as Money Tree and Twin Roots around it.
Water Curtain Cave
One of the "Four Wonders" of Nanyue Hengshan, named for the waterfall like a curtain. The waterfall flows out from the stone wall under Zigu Peak, with a drop of about 60 meters, roaring water, and spectacular momentum. There are inscriptions by celebrities of past dynasties around the cave, with profound cultural heritage.
Fangguang Temple
One of the four famous temples in Nanyue, located at the foot of Lianhua Peak of Hengshan, first built in the second year of Liang Tianjian in the Southern Dynasties. The temple is hidden in a deep valley, surrounded by dense forests and gurgling streams, famous for the "Depth of Fangguang Temple", and is an ideal place to experience Zen.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Scripture Collection Hall can be reached by scenic area environmental protection vehicle
  • There are special buses to and from the scenic area center for Water Curtain Cave
  • Fangguang Temple is relatively remote, it is recommended to drive or charter a car to go there
  • The distance between attractions is relatively far, arrange transportation time reasonably
Tour Tips
  • Water Curtain Cave has abundant water in summer, with the best viewing effect
  • The mountain road to Fangguang Temple is steep, it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes
  • There are rich vegetation around Scripture Collection Hall, pay attention to mosquito prevention
  • The weather in the mountain area is changeable, prepare rain gear and warm clothes

Must-Try Foods in Nanyue District

Nanyue Vegetarian Cuisine

Nanyue's characteristic dietary culture has a long history. It uses bean products, vegetables, and fungi as the main raw materials, made with unique cooking techniques, with diverse dishes, exquisite shapes, light and refreshing taste, and both nutritional and cultural connotations, being a representative of Buddhist dietary culture.

Hengshan Tofu

A specialty of Nanyue Hengshan, made with mountain spring water and high-quality soybeans, with tender texture and pure taste. It can be made into a variety of dishes, such as tofu pot, fried tofu, tofu pudding, etc., with smooth taste and rich bean flavor, being a common food on local dining tables.

Hengshan Cloud and Mist Tea

A famous specialty of Nanyue Hengshan, named for growing in the cloud and mist mountain area above 800 meters above sea level. The tea leaves are tight and thin in shape, green in color, clear in soup color after brewing, high and refreshing in aroma, mellow in taste, with effects of refreshing the mind, reducing fat and blood pressure.

Hengshan Bacon

A traditional farmhouse food in Nanyue, made of local pork through salting, smoking and other processes. The bacon is bright red in color, rich in flavor, can be steamed or stir-fried, fat but not greasy, being a delicacy on the winter dining table and an important New Year's product locally.

Nanyue District Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Blooming flowers, moderate temperature
  • Summer (June-August): Summer resort, sea of clouds is common
  • Autumn (September-October): Clear sky, red leaves all over the mountain
  • Winter (December-February): Charming snow scenery, fewer tourists
Must-Experience Activities
  • Watch sunrise and sea of clouds at Zhurong Peak
  • Pray and make wishes at Nanyue Grand Temple
  • Taste authentic Nanyue vegetarian cuisine
  • Watch the waterfall wonder at Water Curtain Cave
  • Admire exotic flowers and plants around Scripture Collection Hall
Budget Reference
  • Tickets and Transportation: ¥200-400 (including scenic area tickets, environmental protection vehicles, cableways)
  • Catering: ¥100-200 per day
  • Accommodation: ¥100-300 per night (inns or hotels around the scenic area)
  • Shopping: ¥50-200 (tea, vegetarian food and other specialties)
  • Total: ¥300-800
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Do I need to climb the whole mountain of Hengshan? → You can take environmental protection vehicles and cableways, or choose to hike
  • What are the taboos in Nanyue Grand Temple? → Dress appropriately when entering the temple, do not make noise, respect religious customs
  • Is there accommodation on the mountain? → There are many hotels and inns, which can be booked in advance
  • What to prepare for mountain climbing? → Comfortable sports shoes, rain gear, sun protection products, mosquito repellent in summer