Hengshan Mountain of Hunan

Mount Hengshan, known as South Mountain, is the most sacred of the five mountains in China. It is also a famous mountain worshipped by Buddhists in China.

Mount Hengshan extends for 150 kilometers. The highest peak of the mountain is called Zhurong Peak, 1,290 meters above the sea level. On the top, the Shaolin Temple and Watching Sunrise Platform are the best scenic spots.

The mountain houses many temples, among which the biggest is the Nanyue Temple, which covers an area of 100,000 square meters and has the largest group of ancient buildings in Hunan Province. The temple has nine courtyards and the main hall is 22 meters high, supported by 72 stone pillars, which symbolize the 72 peaks of the mountain. The temple, glazed in red and yellow, is linked with many other buildings and resembles a sprawling grand palace.

Among the temples on the mountain, the Fuyan Temple is known as the nation's "temple of Buddhist doctrine" and the "Seven Founders' Temple to Perform Buddhist Rites". The Nantai Temple was built during the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) and is regarded as the original site of a Buddhist branch now practicing in Japan. In addition, the Tripitaka Temple, with its delicate architecture, the peaceful Fangguang Temple and the Water-screen Cave, which is mysterious, a common trait of many interesting sights.