What to see in Nanyue Mountain?

Various reputations were gained at this scenic area: a particular religious hallowed ground and a marvelous scenic locale for both summering and touring. Here you can watch blooming flowers in spring, prevent sunstroke in summer, watch sunrises in autumn and enjoy the beautiful prospect of snow in winter. If you are traveling in Hunan, do not miss the wonderful trip to Mt. Hengshan.

72 Peaks of South Hengshan Mountain
Mount Hengshan range runs 150 km form Hengyang to Changsha, having a cluster of 72 peaks, you can see the grand view of sunrise, the rolling cloud and the oceans of trees. There magnificent views are called 'four oceans' on Mt. Hengshan: ocean of flowers, ocean of trees, ocean of cloud and ocean of snow.

Ancient Trees and Forest
Going further toward the north, you will feast your eyes on all the graceful scenery. Here in Mount Hengshan, no mountain peaks are without trees. It is green all over. There are various kinds of precious trees and a vast area of primeval forest. Among all these trees here, some are 300 - 400 years old, which still bloom when spring comes. Some trees are even over 1,000 years old. The trees in the primeval forest are bending with lichen growing on the trunks, resembling old men wearing tattered clothes. 
Hallowed Buddhist Ground
Mount Hengshan is also a well known and hallowed Buddhist ground. It has abundant temples including nunneries and Taoist temples. The most notable one is Nanyue Temple, the largest temple in Wuyue. It was originally built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), but was destroyed by fire. In the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), it was renovated imitating the design of the Forbidden City.
The eight marvels in Mount Hengshan
People summarize all the spectacles here as 'the eight marvels in Mount Hengshan'. They are the height of the Zhurong Peak, the grace of the Sutra Collection Hall, the profundity of Fangguang Temple, the quietness of Mojingtai, the magic of the Water Curtain Cave, the antiquity of Dayu Stele, the steepness of Huixian Bridge, and the majesty of the Nanyue Temple, also the Grand Temple of Mount Heng.

Zhu Rong Peak
The peak is 1,290 meters high, the tallest one in Nanyue district. It is named after a person Zhu Rong. On the top is the Zhu Rong Hall, the Nantiamnen (South Gate Heaven) and the WanRyuetai (Platform to watch the moon). Nearby are the Xianren Bridge, the Luohan Cave, the Sheshen Rock and the Huixian Bridge.
Zhurong Peak is the highest mountain peak of this scenic area. Sutra Collection Hall is located deep in the glen and is surrounded by towering trees. The running spring and flying birds make this place very peaceful and leisurely. Huixian Bridge is in fact a bridge on a big stone. It is narrow and dangerous, and few people are brave enough to go over it.

Nanyue Grand Temple
Located on Beijie Street ofNanyue Town, it covers an area of more than 9,800 square meters. Imitating the style of the Forbidden City in Beijing, it is divided into nine rows. The Temple faces the south and its turrets stand tall. Clear brooks flow around the red walls. Eight Taoist temples are situated in the eastern part and eight Buddhist temples in the western part of the Temple, showing the connection between the two kinds of religions. The elaborate building, complete structures and careful layout are hard to find in other ancient buildings in China.

How to get there?
Visitors can take a direct bus to the scenic area from Changsha, Hengyang, or other cities like Zhangjiajie ,Zhuzhou, Xiangtan, Yongzhou, and Leiyang.

From Zhangjiajie
Take a direct bus from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station to Nayue. The bus operates between 08:10 and 17:50 and the duration takes about six hours.

From Changsha
Take a direct bus from Changsha South Coach Station to Nanyue. The bus operates between 08:10 and 17:50 and the duration takes about two hours.

From Hengyang
Take a train to Hengshan, Hengshan West, or Hengyang Railway Station. From Hengshan or Hengshan West, there are direct buses to Nanyue. The bus operates from 07:30 to 17:30 and the fare is CNY 5. If you arrive at Hengyang Railway Station, take bus 118, 137, 140, 160, or 181 to the Central Coach Station first, and then take a bus to Nanyue.

Travel Tips
Add: Nanyue District,Hengyang City,Hunan Province,China
Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00
Entrance Fee: CNY 280 (includes admission fee, cable cars and shuttle bus inside the scenic area)