Grand Temple of Mount Heng (南岳大庙, Nanyue Grand Temple), situated at the foot of Mount Heng in Hunan Province, is a temple dedicated to the worship of the Nanyue Holy Emperor. First constructed during the Sui Dynasty, it has long been recognized as one of the largest and most complete palace-style architectural complexes in southern China. Known as the “Forbidden City of the South,” the temple has witnessed centuries of history, suffering six major fires and undergoing 16 reconstructions during the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Its current structure, rebuilt in 1882 during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, covers an expansive 98,500 square meters.
The temple’s architectural layout follows a traditional Chinese palace design, with the buildings arranged along a central axis that stretches from south to north. Visitors pass through nine major sections: Lingxing Gate, Kuixing Pavilion, the Southern Main Gate, the Imperial Stele Pavilion, Jiaying Gate, the Imperial Library Tower, the Main Hall, the Sleeping Palace, and the Northern Rear Gate. This orderly progression of gates, halls, and courtyards embodies a grand ceremonial atmosphere, leading pilgrims and visitors deeper into the heart of the temple complex.
Grand Temple of Mount Heng is renowned for its harmonious integration of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, making it a unique site of religious coexistence. On the temple grounds, the eastern side houses eight Daoist abbeys, while the western side contains eight Buddhist temples. This remarkable fusion of religious traditions highlights the temple’s significance as a center of national worship, local pilgrimage, and spiritual diversity. It stands as the largest traditional cultural museum and artistic treasure trove in southern China.
One of the architectural masterpieces of the temple is the Main Hall, also known as the Sacred Emperor Hall or the Grand Hall. This seventh structure along the central axis covers an area of 1,877 square meters. It is elevated atop a 17-step stone staircase, with the central steps adorned by an intricate marble dragon relief. The hall itself stands 7.2 zhang (approximately 23.7 meters) tall, featuring a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof, characteristic of grand palace structures. Seventy-two large stone pillars support the hall, symbolizing the 72 peaks of Mount Heng, one of China’s Five Great Mountains. The roof is covered with striking orange-yellow glazed tiles, adorned with carvings of swords, coiled dragons, and figures from the Eight Immortals of Daoist mythology. Bronze bells dangle from the eaves, adding a melodic charm as they sway in the wind.
Inside the Main Hall, intricate carvings of human figures, flowers, animals, and legendary tales adorn the windows, walls, and columns. The surrounding stone railings feature 144 double-sided marble reliefs depicting scenes of lions, qilins, elephants, and horses. Historically, the hall housed the throne of the Nanyue deity, who was honored with various imperial titles over the centuries. During the Tang Dynasty, he was named “Huo King Who Commands Heaven,” and later, during the Song Dynasty, he was elevated to the title of “Celestial Emperor of Nanyue.”
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 58 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.00 – 17.30 (1st May – 31st October) 8.00 – 17.30 (1st November – 30th April) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0734-5666708 0086-0734-5673377 |
Location and Transportation
Grand Temple of Mount Heng is located at No. 2 Beizhi Street, Nanyue District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, at the southern foot of Chidi Peak of Mount Heng. To reach the temple, you can take Nanyue Bus Line 1, 2, or 3 and get off at the North Gate of the Grand Temple stop (大庙北门站). From there, it’s a short walk to the temple entrance.
