Also known as Nanyue Shan (Southern Heights Mountain), Hengshan Mountain 120 kilometers south of Changsha is one of the five sacred mountains in China and is revered by followers of both Taoism and Buddhism. The mountain range extends for 80 kilometers with 72 peaks in all. Wishing for Harmony Peak (Zhurong Feng) is the highest, standing 1,298 meters (4260 feet) above sea level.
The mountain is dotted with numerous temples and pavilions, one of which is Nanyue Da Miao (Grand Southern Heights Temple) – the largest temple in southern China spread over 100,000 square meters. There has been a temple on the site since the Tang Dynasty , though due to several fires which have ravaged the area over the ages, most of the current building is a Qing Dynasty construction said to be inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City.
Other temples in the area include Zhusheng Si (Wishing for the Emperor Temple) which was built in preparation for a visit from Emperor Kangxi during the Qing Dyansty, which unfortunately he did not make. The Yuan Dynasty Nantai Si (Southern Terrace Temple) and the Fangguang Si (Fangguang Temple) are popular, but the Wishing for Harmony Palace often considered the most interesting of all the temples on Hengshan Mountain particularly on misty days.
Getting there: Buses leave Changsha South Bus Station early every morning for Nanyue, taking around 5 hours. The final leg of the journey can be taken by minibus to Shangfeng Si, or to reach the peak of the mountain, visitors can take a cable car from the Half Way Temple.
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