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Mount Heng in Hunan — Magnificent Cultural Landscape and Representative of Longevity

Mount Heng in Hunan, also known as Hengshan Mountain or Nanyue, or Nanshan, is one of the Five Great Mountains in China.

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In addition to its beautiful natural scenic views, the mountain holds exceptional historical, cultural, religious, and mythological significance.

Mount Heng in Hunan of China

Mount Heng in Hunan of China, Photo by Zuiniulvyou.

Mount Heng Facts and Important Data

 

  • Mount Heng is located in Hunan Province, the south of China.

 

  • It is around 640 square kilometers large.

 

  • The highest peak, Zhurong Peak, is 1300 meters above sea level.

 

  • There are over 200 temples in the Hengshan Mountain area.

Wanshou Palace inside of the Nanyue Temple of Mount Heng in Hunan.

Wanshou Palace inside of the Nanyue Temple

Mount Heng in Hunan: A Symbol of Longevity

 

In Chinese Astrology, Mount Heng in the south corresponds to the star of longevity, which is responsible for humans' lifespans and well-being. 

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Therefore, it has been representative of the long and happy life in Chinese culture.

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Today, wishing a person lives as long as Mount Heng (Nanshan) is still a famous benediction on someone's birthday, especially for aged people.

Starry Sky of Mount Heng

 Starry Sky View from the Peak, Photo by Deng Minmin.

Cultural importance of Mount Heng in Hunan

 

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  • Mount Heng is representative of longevity in Chinese culture.

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  • One of the earliest private colleges was built there (during 806 — 824), later becoming a center of private academies in history. 

Yehou College on Mount Heng in Hunan

Yehou College of Mount Heng in Hunan

Deities of Mount Heng in Hunan

 

  • Zhu Rong, the God of Fire in Chinese mythology, invented and taught people how to make and use fire. 

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In other legends, Zhu Rong was the Minister of Fire and was sent to garrison the mountain area by the Yellow Emperor. 

 

  • Nanyue the Great, or Nanyue Dadi, is in charge of water and aquatic life.

Temples to Worship Deities of Mount Heng on Top of the Zhurong Peak

Temples to Worship Deities on Top of the Zhurong Peak, Photo by Gan Lai.

Important Cultural Sites of Mount Heng

 

 

Nanyue Temple

 

Firstly constructed in 725 to worship Nanyue the Great, it had been rebuilt and expanded several times in history.

 

Today, the 98,500 square meters large Nanyue Temple is one of the largest temples in China, with both Taoism and Buddhism halls inside. 

Nanyue Temple of Mount Heng in Hunan

Nanyue Temple Building Complex, Photo by shaddockpapa.

Zangjing Temple

 

Firstly built in the year 568, it was a small temple hiding in the beautiful nature of the mountain range. 

 

After Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (1328 — 1398) awarded this temple a Zangjing scripture, the master there changed its name to Zangjing Temple. 

Zangjing Temple of Mount Heng in Hunan

Main Hall of Zangjing Temple

Longevity Tripod, or Wanshou Dading

 

It is a 9.9-meter-tall, 56-ton tripod, carved with 10,000 characters of 'longevity' (Shou) from all historical periods and ethnic groups in China.

 

This biggest tripod in the world now represents the Longevity Culture of Mount Heng in Hunan. 

Longevity Tripod or Wanshou Dading of Mount Heng

Longevity Tripod or Wanshou Dading

Impressive Natural Scenic Views of Mount Heng in Hunan

Sunrise on Mount Heng in Hunan

Sunrise on Peaks, Photo by Zuiniulvyou.

Sunset Glow on Zhurong Peak of Mount Heng

Sunset Glow on Zhurong Peak

Magnificent Peaks of Mount Heng

Magnificent Peaks, Photo by Zuiniulvyou.

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