Хэнъян (Нанюэ Хэншань)

1.Hengshan Mountain (Nanyue)

One of China’s Five Great Mountains, Hengshan Mountain is known as the “Most Beautiful of the Five Great Mountains.” It has a mild climate, lush vegetation, and numerous ancient temples. As a sacred place for both Taoism and Buddhism, it houses many well-known religious buildings, such as Nanyue Temple, Zhurong Peak Temple, and Fangguang Temple. Zhurong Peak, the highest peak of Hengshan Mountain, offers a stunning sunrise view. The mountain also has rich cultural relics, including stone inscriptions by literati of past dynasties.

2.Shigu Academy

One of China’s Four Great Ancient Academies, Shigu Academy was built on the Shigu Mountain by the Xiang River. It flourished during the Song Dynasty, with famous scholars such as Zhu Xi giving lectures here. The academy’s buildings are integrated with the mountain and water, with pavilions, terraces, and corridors arranged in an elegant way. The stone drum after which the academy is named is a mysterious stone that is said to produce drum-like sounds when struck.

3.Huiyan Peak

The southernmost peak of the Hengshan Mountain range, Huiyan Peak is a famous scenic spot in Hengyang. It is said that wild geese flying south in winter rest here, hence the name. The peak has a pavilion offering a panoramic view of the Xiang River and the city of Hengyang. It is a popular place for watching the sunset.

4.Cai Lun Bamboo Sea

Located in Leiyang, Hengyang, it is the largest contiguous bamboo sea in Asia, named after Cai Lun, the inventor of papermaking in the Eastern Han Dynasty. The sea of green bamboos stretches as far as the eye can see, and the air is filled with the fresh fragrance of bamboo. Visitors can take a cable car to overlook the bamboo sea, visit the Cai Lun Memorial Hall, and experience the ancient papermaking process.

5.Lu Ronghuan Former Residence

The birthplace of Marshal Lu Ronghuan, a famous Chinese military strategist. The former residence is a typical rural building in southern China, with tile-roofed houses, courtyards, and farmland around. The exhibition hall displays Marshal Lu’s life story, photos, and cultural relics, showing his patriotic feelings and outstanding contributions to the Chinese revolution.

6.Jiangkou Bird Island

A small island in the middle of the Xiang River, Jiangkou Bird Island is a paradise for birds. It is home to over 100 species of birds, including many rare and endangered ones. Every winter, thousands of migratory birds come here to overwinter, filling the sky and trees with life. It is an ideal place for bird watching and ecological tourism.