Day at Mt Hengshan from Changsha

Changsha is the capital of Hunan Province in South-central China and has a history of over 3,000 years. Mao Zedong lived and worked as a teacher in Changsha, and it was the site of his conversion to communism. A huge sculpture of Mao's head on Orange Island reminds everyone of his connection to the city. Today, Changsha has an urban population of about 7 million people. A modern city center with skyscrapers, shopping malls and walking streets invites for relaxed strolls. There are also plenty of opportunities to try the famous Hunanese cuisine and street food stores offer small bites such as stinky tofu, mini lobsters, butter pancakes, and many more!

Situated in Hengyang City, Hunan Province, Mount Hengshan is one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains. The mountain range runs 150 km from Hengyang to Changsha. For a long time, Mount Hengshan is acknowledged as a holy place of religions, the Civilization Special Area, the Shou Mountain and the most scenic mount of the Five Sacred Mountains in China. Mount Hengshan has always been a favorite destination, a summer resort and leisure place for tourists for its religious reputation and gorgeous landscapes. More than 1,200 kinds of plants, 9 primitive forests, and more than 150 kinds of precious trees were identified in the area. The Four Wonders of Mount Hengshan: Zhurong Peak, Water Curtain Cave, Fangguang Temple and Sutra Collection Hall are famous for their height, oddity, depth and elegance separately.

The Grand Temple of Mount Heng, or Grand Temple of South Mountain is located at the foot of Mount Heng, and on the north of ancient town of Mount Heng in Hengshan County of Hunan, China. It is the largest temple on Mount Heng. It is a major component of Mount Heng National Key Tourist Resort Zone. The Grand Temple was initially called Heaven Governor Huo King Temple and later, the name changed to South Heaven Genuine Master Templ. Its founding year is unknown.

Zhurong Peak is located in the Hengshan Mountains. It is named after the god of fire. Climbing to the top of Zhu Rong Peak, visitors can marvel at the sight of rolling mountains and lush jungles below them. Standing atop the gigantic stones at the summit of Zhu Rong Peak is Zhu Rong Temple. Zhu Rong Temple has solid granite walls and a roof covered with iron tiles. Behind the temple is a platform, upon which stands a towering rock. Clearly visible Chinese inscriptions have been carved into the rock. Next to the Sunrise Watching Platform there is a stone stele inscribed with the four characters "观日出处" meaning "to view the sunrise.” It is a great place for visitors to come to watch the dawn.