Hengshan Mountain

Hengshan Mountain Scenic Area

The Hengshan Mountain, or the Southern Hengshan, one of the Five Sacred Mountains in China, is located in Hengyang City, Hunan Province. It is known as “The Most Beautiful among the Five Sacred Mountains”, “The Sacred Mountain of Longevity”, “The Culture Special Area” and “The Holy Religious Site”. It is among the first batch of national AAAAA Tourist Scenic Spots, and is China's Cultural and Natural Heritage and National Natural Reserve, and was nominated as the World Natural and Cultural Heritage. Visited by over 4 million person-times annually, the Hengshan Mountain covers a total area of 181.5km2, and the central scenic area covers 100 km2.

Famous for sceneries, the forest coverage in the Hengshan Mountain reaches as high as 90%. It boasts of over 1,200 species of trees from 95 families, as well as 210,000 mu of aesthetic forest and 57,000 mu of primitive secondary forest. In addition, it has rare and precious trees, such as ginkgos of 1,000 years that are reputed as the living fossil, gleditsia vestita that is endangered and rarely seen in the world, as well as mysterious money tree, interlocked branch tree and same root tree. The density of negative oxygen ion reaches as high as 108,600/cm3, making the Hengshan Mountain a “Natural Oxygen Bar”. The top ten scenic spots, including the Zhurong Peak, Scripture-storing Hall, Mirror-Polishing Platform, Martyr’s Memorial Hall, Yuwang City, Five Mountains Stream Ancient Town, Fangguang Temple, Guangji Temple and Water-curtain Cave, comprise the majestic natural sceneries of the Hengshan Mountain. Besides, it has over 200 scenic spots. Visitors can always enjoy the beautiful sceneries of the Hengshan Mountain in all seasons, including flowers in spring, clouds in summer, sunrise in autumn and snow in winter. In addition, such well-known unique sceneries as the high Zhurong Peak, beautiful Scripture-storing Hall, amazing Water-curtain Cave, deep Fangguang Temple, the unexplored Longfeng Stream, quiet Magu Fairyland, Immortal Meeting Bridge that is difficult to access, as well as the interesting Poems Forest among Rocks make the Hengshan Mountain attractive, and the "Four Best Sceneries" are famous. The sea of clouds, the sea of flowers and the sea of woods provide visitors a refreshing experience. The dense primitive forest as well as the majestic and magnificent valleys and waterfalls are also fascinating.

Famous for culture, the Hengshan Mountain has witnessed the establishment of academies from the Tang and Song Dynasties to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Zeng Guofan, official in the late Qing Dynasty, praised that “in all around the world, the land of the Chu State has the most academies; in the land of the Chu State, Hengshan Mountain has the most academies”. Since the Tang Dynasty, many thinkers, politicians, literati and scholars, including Li Bai, Du Fu, Han Yu, Liu Zongyuan, Ouyang Xiu, Huang Tingjian, Zhang Juzheng, Wang Fuzhi and Wei Yuan, visited the Hengshan Mountain, and wrote over 3,700 poems and left many Moya stone inscriptions. These masterpieces are precious cultural relics of the Hengshan Mountain. In the Song Dynasty, Hu Anguo, with his sons and student Zhu Xi, Zhangshi built the Spring and Autumn Building to disseminate knowledge and develop theories. Those scholars developed Hu-xiang School, which is a unique part of China’s traditional culture and plays an important role in Confucianism. This is the reason why the Hengshan Mountain is reputed as “Culture Special Area”, and is one of the treasure houses of the culture and arts of the Chinese nation. Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, party and state leaders including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Ye Jianying, Guo Moruo, Tao Zhu, Luo Ronghuan, Hu Yaobang, Qiao Shi, Zhu Rongji, Jiang Zemin, Hui Liangyu, Hu Jintao, Wu Guanzheng, Li Changchun, Zeng Peiyan and He Guoqiang also visited the Hengshan Mountain and spoke highly of it.

Famous for religions, the Hengshan Mountain has a long history of over 1,700 years for Buddhism and Taoism development that can be dated back to the Western Jin and Eastern Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties. The Hengshan Mountain is also the cradle of Caodong sect, Linji sect, Yunmen sect, Weiyang sect and Fayan sect of Zen School, and thus is reputed as a place with “Long Lasting Five Buddhism Sects”. Caodong sect, originated from Nantai Temple, has 8 million followers simply in Japan. Zhao Puchu, former Chairman of The Buddhist Association of China, said, “when you talk about Buddhism, you will inevitably talk about Zen School; when you talk about Zen School, you will for sure talk about Southern Zen; when you talk about Southern Zen, you will have to talk about the Hengshan Mountain; the Hengshan Mountain is the place where founders were cultured”. It is said the first female Taoist priest surnamed Wei, died in Huangting Taoist Temple, the Hengshan Mountain. Thus the Hengshan Mountain has a very high historical position. Grand Temple of South Mountain, reputed the “largest ancient building cluster in regions of south of the Yangtze River", has eight Taoist temples in the east and eight Buddhist temples in the west. The religious culture of the Hengshan Mountain for coexistence of Taoism and Buddhism is not only reflected by their same location, the Hengshan Mountain, but also by that they exist in the same temple, which is rarely seen in other places of China and even the world. The Hengshan Mountain has abundant ancient temples and has cultured many eminent monks. Tiantai sect and Zen School, originated from the Hengshan Mountain, even have followers from Japan and Southeast Asia. Every year, over 3 million pilgrims visited the Hengshan Mountain.

Famous for longevity praying, the Hengshan Mountain has been visited by 23 emperors for worship in history. Emperor Song Huizong of Song Dynasty even inscribed “天下南岳” (Southern Mountain of the World) during his visit. Hengshan Mountain is named according to the Rites of Zhou, the Spring and Autumn Annals and the Star Map that the Hengshan Mountain is located at the wing of the Chariot Mansion, one of the Twenty-eight Mansions. It is like a weighing apparatus that can weight the universe. Thus it is named Heng Shan (the weighing mountain). In addition, a small star near the Chariot Mansion is called Changsha. Changsha star controls the life of organism (longevity and offspring); and the Hengshan Mountain is within Changsha jurisdiction. Thus the Hengshan Mountain is "The Sacred Mountain of Longevity”. After Emperor Huizong of Song Dynasty even inscribed “寿岳” (the Sacred Mountain of Longevity) and “天下南岳” (Southern Mountain of the World) during his visit to the Hengshan Mountain, the reputation of “The Sacred Mountain of Longevity” is known to the world more extensively. In the 47th Kangxi year of the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi wrote the first sentence in Notes of Re-building the Temple Steles of the Hengshan Mountain, “the Hengshan Mountain, also called the sacred site of longevity, is a large mountain in the south and corresponds to Alioth, the Fifth Star of the Northern Dipper”. The first sentence of one imperial edict issued in the 10th Yongzheng year of the Qing Dynasty is that “the Hengshan Mountain is the mountain that relates to the longevity of emperor”. In September 2003, Jiang Zemin visited the Hengshan Mountain and inscribed “寿岳衡山” (the Hengshan Mountain, the scared site of longevity). Louis Cha Leung Yung, famous novelist and essayist, also inscribed “the Hengshan Mountain tops beautiful mountains all over the world, visitors will enjoy longer life” to praise the Hengshan Mountain. The world’s largest longevity culture themed park is located at Jiahe Peak of the Hengshan Mountain. The bronze longevity quadripod in the park, reputed as "the world’s top quadripod”, is 9.9m high and 56t weight, and has 10,000 “寿” (meaning longevity) characters on the surface. In the saying “May you live as long as the Southern Mountain”, Southern Mountain refers to the Hengshan Mountain. To further consolidate the status of the Hengshan Mountain as a “sacred mountain of longevity”, the Longevity Culture Festival is held once every year. The festival is very influential both in and out of China. For example, A-Di-Ni’s wire-walking, Motorcycle Flying over the Longevity Quadripod, Grand Buddhist Music Concert, International Mountain Bike Competition, and other activities were held. In addition, 16 Guinness World Records were made.

The Hengshan Mountain is also famous due to the Anti-Japanese War when Zhou Enlai and Ye Jianying organized training courses for guerrilla cadre here. Chiang Kai-shek and Song Meiling visited the Hengshan Mountain for eight times and have lived in He’s Villa at Mirror-Polishing Platform for five times of their visits. Military meetings were convened here. They also stayed in caves of the Hengshan Mountain to avoid the warplane bombing by Japanese army. To commemorate sacrificed soldiers in the Anti-Japanese War, the Kuomintang built a large cemetery, the Martyry, at the foot of the Xianglu Peak of the Hengshan Mountain. The Martyry is the only cemetery built by the Kuomintang in Chinese Mainland for sacrificed soldiers in the Anti-Japanese War.

The beautiful natural sceneries, rich human landscape and profound cultural deposits contribute to the reputation of the Hengshan Mountain, being “The Most Beautiful among the Five Sacred Mountains”, “The Sacred Mountain of Longevity”, “Culture Special Area” and “The Holy Religious Site”. These features enhance its status as a sacred mountain, and it is a scenic area known both in and out of China.

The Hengshan Mountain has 72 peaks, starting with the Huiyan Peak and ending at the Yuelu Mountain. Those peaks, extending for a distance of 800li, present a majestic and magnificent view. The Zhurong Peak, the main peak of the Hengshan Mountain, about 1,300.2m above the sea level, is the highest peak, towering to the sky in the south. The scenic area has dense forest, towering ancient woods, steep cliffs, as well as spring and waterfall. Visitors can enjoy different sceneries in all seasons, like flowers in spring, the sea of clouds in summer, sunrise in autumn and snow in winter. The Hengshan Mountain has a long history, profound culture, abundant historic and cultural relics, numerous temples and academies, co-existence of Buddhism and Taoism, which contribute to its unique feature in the world.

Hengshan Mountain Memorial Arch   
Located near the No. 107 National Highway, it is the largest stone memorial arch in South China. The memorial arch, 20.4m high and 21.7m wide, is majestic and solemn. The front of the memorial arch shows the inscription by Liu Haisu, “南岳衡山” (Southern Heng Shan). The back of the memorial arch presents the inscription by Wu Zuoren (famous painter) “文明奥区” (Culture Special Area).

Grand Temple of Southern Mountain   

Located in the north street of the ancient town, the Grand Temple of South Mountain consisting of nine yards and four courtyards was built in the Sui Dynasty. The Imperial Hall is resplendent and magnificent, on both sides of which there are eight Taoist temples in the east and eight Buddhist temples in the west, presenting the unique scene of coexistence of Taoism and Buddhism.

The Longevity Quadripod    
Situated at the Jiahe Peak (behind the Grand Temple of Southern Mountain), the Longevity Quadripod was completed on October 6, 2000. The quadripod, made of bronze, is 9.9m high and has the weight of 56t, which symbolizes the wish of the 56 ethnic groups of China for a thriving and prosperous country.

Buddhist Chant Valley  From the ticketing office at the entrance to the Martyry, the Buddhist Chant Valley is consisted of such scenic spots as the Luosi Pool, the Huayan Lake, the Upper Zhimu Pool, Middle Zhimu Pool and Lower Zhimu Pool. The 3km valley is an ecological sightseeing route for hiking, featuring by dense forest, birds and flowers, valleys and lakes, as well as springs and waterfalls.

Martyry  The Martyry, located at the foot of the Xianglu Peak, was built in 1943. It is the only large-scale cemetery built in Chinese Mainland by following the style of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing City, to commemorate sacrificed soldiers in the Anti-Japanese War. It is a national key culture relic protection unit.

Poems Forest among Rocks    The scenic spot is situated at the foot of the Xianglu Peak, and has inscription of poems written by celebrities to praise the Hengshan Mountain since the Tang and Song Dynasties. The bizarre rocks, surprising views, and poems contribute to the charm of the scenic spot. It also reflects the masterpiece of the Nature

Magu Fairyland  Magu Fairyland is located at Banshanting Scenic Spot. The place is named after a story that a fairy maiden named Magu collects medicinal herbs here. All year round, it has springs and waterfalls, fresh air, and is surrounded by Chinese incense cedar. It is just like the abode of immortals.

Mirror-Polishing Platform   It is located at the foot of Zhibo Peak, halfway up the Hengshan Mountain. It has towering ancient woods, melodious Buddhist chant. Scenic spots include He Jian Villa, Residence of Jiang Jieshi and Song Meiling, Mysterious Cave, Zuishenglun Pagoda (Huairang Tomb), Chuanfa Yard (Mazu Temple) Buddhist Dharma Dissemination Ground, etc. It is a famous scenic area for summer visitors, and also the seat of Chinese Buddhism Forum.

Fuyan Temple     
Fuyan Temple, located at the foot of Zhibo Peak, was founded by Master Huisi. It has ginkgos of 1,000 years that were initiated into monkhood by monk Huisi, Gaoming Terrace and Hupao Spring. It is one of the five well-known Buddhist temples in the Hengshan Mountain.

Nantai Temple     
Nantai Temple, at the foot of the Ruiying Peak, was built in the Liangtianjian years of the Southern Dynasties (A.D. 502-519). It is founded by Haiyin, a Zen master, and is an “ancient temple of six dynasties”. Monk Xiqian once illustrated the concept of Zen School. The temple has a 9-storey Vajra Dagoba, 48m high. Standing on the eighth floor of the Vajra Dagoba, visitors can overlook the beautiful sceneries of the Hengshan Mountain. 

Tripitaka HallTripitaka Hall, at the foot of the Xiangguang Peak, was founded by Master Huisi, and was called Small Prajna Temple. It was named the Tripitaka Hall because Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the Taizu of Ming Dynasty (literally "Great Ancestor of Ming Dynasty") gifted a Tripitaka to the temple. Tripitaka Hall has a history of over 1,400 years. It has a large area of primitive secondary forest. Among the dense woods, there are three special species of trees, namely, money tree, interlocked branch tree and same root tree. It is a famous ecological and natural scenic spot.

Zhurong Peak    

Zhurong Peak is the highest peak in the Hengshan Mountain, about 1,300.2m above the sea level. It has Zhurong Hall and Wangyue Terrace. Visitors can see the Xiangjiang River and the sea of clouds, as well as the fascinating sceneries of the Hengshan Mountain from the peak.

Water-curtain Cave Scenic Spot    Water-curtain Cave, at the foot of the Zigai Peak, is one of the “four unique” sceneries of the Hengshan Mountain. It is a well-known holy land of Taoism, 4 km away from Hengshan Ancient Town. According to the National Chorography, and the Chorography of Holy Land, Water-curtain Cave is the residence of Yan Emperor, and the “third Blessed Land” of Taoism. It was called “Zhuling Blessed Land”.

Since the Jin Dynasty, such famous Taoist priests as Xu Lingqi, Sima Chengzhen, Chen Tianfu and Zhang Sanfeng comprehended Taoism, and tried to make pills of immortality cultivate vital energy. Many celebrities including Zhang Jiuling, Li Yishan, Zhang Juzheng, Yan Song and Li Yuandu have inscribed numerous poems and Moya inscriptions. It has steep cliffs, springs and waterfalls, bizarre landscapes, as well as hidden but beautiful spots. It is one of the famous scenic spots of the Hengshan Mountain. Transportation: special bus is available from Houping of the Grand Temple of Southern Mountain to Water-curtain Cave.