Things to do in Mount Hengshan

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Top 10 attractions in Mount Hengshan

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No. 8 of Night Attractions in Hunan

Mount Hengshan

8

4.5/5

6.7k reviews

Mount Hengshan is located in Nanyue district, Hengyang. Its highest peak is Zhurong peak, at an elevation of approx. 1300 m. Among the "Five Great Mountains", Mount Heng is located furthest south. Its relatively favorable climate means the mountain is verdant all year round, with lush trees, earning it the reputation of being the "most beautiful of the Five Great Mountains". Mount Hengshan is mainly composed of the central attraction and a few other small attractions. When most visitors refer to "Hengshan," they mean the central attraction. The "Nanyue Grand Temple" in Nanyue Town at the foot of Mount Hengshan is an important attraction besides the central attraction, and it is a massive ancient palace-style architectural complex in southern China. Mount Heng is a sacred site of Chinese Buddhism, where the "Nanyue school" of the Southern Chan tradition was founded, and its dharma lineage gave rise to the Weiyang and Linji schools, which spread throughout China and overseas. In addition, this is also a sacred site of the War of Resistance in southern China. At the foot of Xianglu Peak, the "Nanyue Martyrs' Shrine" commemorates and buries Chinese soldiers who died on the frontal battlefields of the War of Resistance. When visiting the central attraction, you can choose to walk the entire way, or combine walking with the eco-friendly bus (including the cableway). For most ordinary visitors, the latter is recommended, as it will leave you with more energy to appreciate the beautiful scenery in the mountains and experience the cultural connotations of Nanyue. Route recommendations If you choose to travel on foot and by eco-friendly bus (including the cableway), then visiting Mount Heng in one day is not a particularly strenuous task. You can first visit the "Nanyue Grand Temple" in Nanyue Town, and then enter the central attraction. The basic route is:Martyr's Shrine-Hengyang Mount Hengshan Tourist Area-Banshan Pavilion-Magu Wonderland-Mojing Terrace-Hengyang Mount Hengshan-Hengyang Mount Hengshan Tourist Area-Nantianmen-Zhurong Peak. If you have more time, then spending two days touring Mount Hengshan will yield more rewards. The general route is similar to the "1-day tour" above; since you have ample time, after visiting the Fuyan Temple in Mount Hengshan in Hengyang, you can then go to the Sutra Library Hall in the Mount Hengshan tourist area in Hengyang and stay for a while—it is extremely tranquil there. In the early morning of the second day, you can also head to the "Sun-Watching Terrace" to watch the sunrise.

Hengyang · 44.1 km from downtown

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No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Mount Hengshan

Nanyue Grand Temple

7

4.7/5

2.7k reviews

The Grand Temple of Mount Heng is located at the foot of Mount Heng. It has an expansive, palace-style layout. The main hall is dedicated to Zhurong, the Chinese god of fire. Zhurong is believed to have held the governmental office of Minister of Fire under the Yellow Emperor, and was also in charge of southern affairs. He was given the title “Divine Emperor of Mount Heng.” The square in front of the temple is used for traditional performances and burning incense. According to legend, Zhurong was always considerate to the needs of his subjects. Due to his popularity, the temple is always full of incense offerings.

Hengyang · 42.3 km from downtown

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No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Mount Hengshan

Zhurong Peak

5.1

4.7/5

503 reviews

Zhurong Peak is the main peak of Mount Heng and one of the higher peaks among the 72, with an elevation of approx. 1,300 m. Zhurong Hall at the summit is the final destination for many pilgrims visiting Mount Heng. The history of the hall dates back to the Ming Dynasty, and the existing structure was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. Due to the high altitude and strong winds, the hall is built with granite walls and iron roof tiles, standing firm against the wind and snow atop the giant rocks at the summit. Inside, it is dedicated to the Fire God Zhurong, with incense burning year-round. Many pilgrims climb to the summit just to offer incense and pray for blessings here. Behind the hall is the Moon-Watching Terrace, and ancient inscriptions such as "Tiangen Yueku" and "Yimu Qianli" are scattered among the rocks at the summit. Most tourists take a vehicle to Nantian Gate and then walk along the stone steps for approx. half an hour to reach the summit. Standing at the summit and looking around, you can see winding peaks and vast forests, and it is especially easy to encounter a surging sea of clouds when the weather clears after rain. Near the summit, next to Shangfeng Temple, is the Sunrise Observation Deck, which is the traditional spot for watching the sunrise on Mount Heng. People wait here before dawn, and on clear mornings, you might even encounter the "Buddha's light" spectacle. In winter, the mountain is often covered with rime hanging from the branches.

Hengyang · 46.2 km from downtown

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Nanyueli

5.5

4.0/5

6 reviews

Nanyueli is located at the foot of Mount Heng in Hengyang, Hunan, and is a food and cultural block themed around "temple fair folk customs." It opened in the fall of 2024 and has now become a popular stop for many travelers after visiting Mount Heng. The block is centered on the "Nanyue Temple Fair" and is laid out with "one lake, one street, one island, one homestay, one tea house, one wild area, one theater, and one pier." Its imitation ancient architecture with flying eaves, along with rows of lanterns under the long corridors, captures the lively atmosphere of a temple fair within an approx. 800 m long old street. Hundreds of shops and stalls along the street feature specialty snacks, handicraft workshops, and intangible cultural heritage booths, where long queues for stinky tofu are the norm, and on the wooden stage at the crossroads, opera enthusiasts often perform to crowds of onlookers. Further in is the water alley, where small bridges and flowing water create a picturesque scene. At the end lies Jinyue Lake, which features a stage in the center. After nightfall, the lanterns light up one by one, and intangible cultural heritage performances like molten iron flower splashing and fire pot shows take turns on the lake. The molten iron is splashed into the night sky, turning into sparks that fill the air and pushing the nighttime atmosphere to a climax. Many travelers' itineraries involve hiking during the day and heading down to the block in the evening, just in time for the lights to come on. Those who enjoy photography can change into Hanfu and take pictures in the lantern corridor, on the water alley stone bridges, and at the lakeside pier. You can also take a cruise on the lake, which offers a different perspective for watching the performances.

Hengyang · 40.2 km from downtown

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Nanyue Martyrs' Memorial Hall

4.2

4.8/5

114 reviews

The Nanyue Martyrs' Shrine, also known as the "Nanyue Hengshan Martyrs' Shrine," commemorates and buries Chinese soldiers who died on the main battlefields of the War of Resistance against Japan. Located near the "Yanshou Pavilion" at the foot of Xianglu Peak within the scenic area, it's about a one-hour walk from the main gate or a 10-minute shuttle bus ride. The shrine was completed on July 7, 1943, with a public memorial service held at the same time. The memorial hall was damaged by the Japanese army in 1944 and further severely damaged during the Cultural Revolution. The existing buildings were fully restored in 1992. The Nanyue Martyrs' Shrine is modeled after the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, consisting of a shrine and tombs. Along the central axis of the ancestral hall are the main buildings, including the Three-Arch Archway, the July 7th Memorial Tower, the Memorial Hall, the Memorial Pavilion, and the Ancestral Hall. When you arrive at the main gate of the Nanyue Martyrs' Shrine Anti-Japanese War Martyrs Memorial Hall, you will see the five gilded characters "Nanyue Martyrs' Shrine," inscribed by Xue Yue, the then Commander-in-Chief of the Ninth War Zone. Passing through the main gate, you will see five cannonballs pointing straight to the blue sky—this is the July 7th Memorial Tower. The five cannonballs represent the unity of the Han, Manchu, Mongolian, Hui, Tibetan, and other ethnic groups in their fight against the Japanese. In the Memorial Hall, you can see a 6-meter-high white marble stele, inscribed with Xue Yue's "Record of the Nanyue Martyrs' Shrine Memorial Hall." The Memorial Pavilion in the Nanyue Martyrs' Shrine Anti-Japanese War Martyrs Memorial Hall, officially named the "Anting Battle Memorial Pavilion," was built to commemorate the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Anting during the Battle of Shanghai, a battle personally supervised by General Xue Yue. Inside the pavilion is a memorial stele inscribed with the words: "Visitors, please remove your hats in respect." After climbing more than two hundred steps, you will see the "Hall of Respect" with a gilded plaque reading "Nanyue Martyrs' Shrine Memorial Hall for the War of Resistance Against Japan." Inside the hall are stone tablets recording the life stories of 37 generals who fought against the Japanese. Behind the Hall stands a huge white marble stele with the inscription "General Shrine of the Fallen Soldiers in the War of Resistance Against Japan" in the center.

Hengyang · 43.9 km from downtown

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Wanshou Dading

4.2

4.5/5

56 reviews

Wanshou Big Tripod is located on Jiahe Peak, one of the 72 peaks of Mount Heng. Jiahe Peak corresponds to the Zhen star of the 28 constellations in Chinese astronomy, and since Zhen governs longevity, the peak is also known as the "Peak of Longevity." Surrounded by mountains, Jiahe Peak attracts celestial cranes and boasts breathtaking natural beauty with lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and an air of mystical elegance.Wanshou Big TripodIt stands atop the very spot. On the day this cauldron was completed, flocks of cranes flew in from all directions, soaring and diving in the sky to create a spectacle rarely seen by mortals. Ascend toWanshou Big TripodThe panoramic view of Nanyue's stunning scenery is breathtaking and uplifting. This cauldron stands 9.9m tall, symbolizing the ultimate unity of China, and weighs 56 tons, representing the harmonious unity of 56 ethnic groups in revitalizing the nation. Built at the turn of the millennium, it bears 10,000 variations of the Chinese character "longevity" in different calligraphic styles from various dynasties, ethnic groups, and contemporary Chinese descendants worldwide, hence its name "Longevity Grand Tripod”. Wanshou Big TripodThis cauldron, one of the highlights of Mount Heng, is cast from tin bronze and embodies the essence of China's profound longevity culture spanning thousands of years. “Wanshou Big TripodThe completion of this project further solidifies Mount Nanyue's status as the "Sacred Mountain of Longevity in China," attracting numerous domestic and international visitors to pray for blessings, seek longevity, and worship while sightseeing.

Hengyang · 42.8 km from downtown

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Zhurong Town

4

4.8/5

8 reviews

Zhurong Town is located in the Tianzi Mountain area of Nanyue. It is a large-scale Attraction complex in Nanyue Hengshan that integrates performances and celebrations, tourist gatherings, health vacations, leisure and entertainment, sightseeing, cultural origins, business contacts, study tours, and special shopping. Since it was officially opened to the public on April 24, 2021, it has successively held the first large-scale fire lantern temple fair, the first Nanyue Zhurong Town Flower Drum Opera Festival, the 2021 "Cultural and Natural Heritage Day" Hunan Province Intangible Cultural Heritage Promotion and Exhibition Main Event, "Mountains as Witnesses" - "Three Mountains, One Water and Three Painting Academy" The first "Red Five-Star" Art Works Joint Exhibition and many other activities. "Mountain climbing during the day and watching opera at night" has become a reality here, and it has become a new business card and new landmark for Nanyue tourism, opening up broad market prospects for Nanyue two-day tours, three-day tours and holiday experience tours.

Hengyang · 40.6 km from downtown

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Hengyang Water Curtain Cave

4.1

4.2/5

135 reviews

Shuilian Cave is located beneath the Zigai Peak of the Hengshan Mountains. Flowing through the cave until it overflows in a beautiful waterfall, the water of Shuilian Cave comes from the southern Zigai Peak. A Taoist Temple, Zhuling Palace, sits in front of Shuilian Cave. An alabaster white arched granite bridge with the three golden characters "水帘洞" (Shuilian Cave) can be used to cross the stream by visitors who are heading from Shuilian Cave to Jinniu Pond and Shuilian Waterfall. Cascading down the face of the cliff and splashing water all around, the waterfall is more than 50 meters high.

Hengyang · 45.8 km from downtown

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City of Time 1944

4.8

3.9/5

18 reviews

Hengyang 1944 is not just a miniature "Little Shanghai," but a city of time and a performance park. Life is like a play, a journey to chase dreams. Here, you can travel through time, immerse yourself in a storyline, assume a new identity in a different world, and briefly experience another possibility of life. There are glamorous nights out, as well as simple rural pleasures. You'll find exquisite international cuisine alongside humble local dishes like congee and noodles. Browse vintage treasures at Nanshan Market or gather with friends for a cup of rustic tea at Tielu Gate. Watch shops, photo studios, barbershops, department stores, shoe-shine stands... In this city where time moves slowly, life doesn't need to be rushed. The mail arrives leisurely, and so does life itself.

Hengyang · 40.6 km from downtown

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South Heaven Gate

3.8

4.5/5

111 reviews

Starting from Nanyue Temple, via the winding mountain road, and the Banshan pavilion, Nantianmen comes into view not far from the Yehou Academy. Nantianmen divides the Nanyue Hengshan Mountain in two. In ancient times, people said this marked the boundary between the world of mortals and the immortal beings. Below Nantianmen is a boat-shaped rock that looks like a boat sailing on the clouds with the stone archway of Nantianmen as its protruding masts. There are three gates in the archway: the left gate, middle gate and right gate, with three red Chinese characters: "South Sky Gate" on the middle gate, and two Chinese characters: "Move Cloud" and "Rain" on the left and right gates respectively. The handwriting is clear and striking.

Hengyang · 45.7 km from downtown

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Traveler favorites curated for you

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park

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From€38.88

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One-Day Tour to Mount Heng (Nanyue), Grand Temple, and Zhurong Peak from Changsha

Departs from Changsha

Free cancellationInstant confirmationBook now for tomorrowDuration: 12.8 hrsEnglish

From€57.42

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8D7N • Hangzhou + Nanjing + Ningbo + Zhoushan + Mount Putuo + Jiuhua Mountain

Visit 4 sacred Buddhist sites in one trip: Niushou Mountain, Jiuhua Mountain, Putuo Mountain and Xuedou Mountain for a complete pilgrimage experience. | Enjoy hassle-free private transfers with no shopping stops. You will visit classical gardens, take a West Lake cruise and try Longjing tea picking. | Enjoy airport and station pick-up and drop-off service, plus one-on-one support from a tour consultant for a relaxing trip.

English/MandarinGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Excellent accommodationMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

From EUR 1,047

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8D7N • Hangzhou + Nanjing + Ningbo + Zhoushan + Mount Putuo + Jiuhua Mountain

English/MandarinGuaranteed departureMultiple car types availableExcellent accommodationOptional transferPrivate Tours

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Experiences you can't miss in Mount Hengshan

Featured Day tours in Mount Hengshan

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1-day tour to Hengshan Mountain + Fanyin Ancient Trail Stone Tablet + Nantianmen in Hengyang, Hunan with Chinese and English tour guide service available

Duration: 8 hrs

English

From€155.18

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Changsha: 1-day private tour to Former Residence of Mao Zedong in Shaoshan

Duration: 3.5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

From€310.35

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Changsha Li Zijian Art Museum + Wuyi Square + Ancient Kaifu Temple 1-day tour with bilingual service (admission ticket not included)

Duration: 8 hrs

English

Book now for tomorrow

From€155.18

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1-day tour to Shigu Academy + Suzhou Bay Old Street + Dongzhou Island in Hengyang, Hunan with bilingual Chinese-English service

Duration: 9 hrs

English

From€155.18

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Chartered tour | Day trip to Huaminglou + Shaoshan + Mao Zedong's Former Residence + Bronze Statue Square + Mao Zedong Memorial Hall

Duration: 7 hrs

English

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Book now for tomorrow

From€48.06

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1-day tour to Zhuzhou Porcelain Port + Liling Ceramics Museum + Lujiang Academy in Hunan with bilingual service available

Duration: 8.5 hrs

English

From€155.18

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1-day tour to Tianlai temple + Guanyin cave ice springs scenic area + Zeng Guofan's former residence in Loudi, Hunan (Chinese/English bilingual service)

Duration: 11 hrs

English

From€186.21

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Free things to do in Mount Hengshan

Zhurong Town

4

4.8/5

8 reviews

Hengyang · 40.6 km from downtown

Zhurong Hall

2.7

5.0/5

2 reviews

Hengyang · 46.2 km from downtown

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What travelers say about Mount Hengshan

Anonymous userNovember 4, 2026

5.0

The scenic area boasts beautiful scenery, with breathtaking views at every turn, fresh air, and lush greenery. The trails are well-planned, clearly marked, and equipped with restrooms and rest areas. The scenery is even more stunning than photos, making for photogenic shots from every angle. Visitor services are attentive, and the commercialization is moderate, avoiding excessive noise. A stroll through the area is relaxing, a true escape from the city's hustle and bustle, making it a truly therapeutic trip and well worth a special trip.

Mount Hengshan

Anonymous userOctober 31, 2026

5.0

Hahaha, finally arrived at the temple to pray for blessings! The weather was great, and since it wasn't a holiday, weekend, or the first or fifteenth of the lunar month, we traveled during off-peak hours, so it wasn't too crowded. Since the temple involves deities, taking photos was not permitted.

Nanyue Grand Temple

不做牧云July 14, 2025

5.0

- 经典中线：胜利坊→华严湖→忠烈祠→祝融峰，距离约12公里，耗时4-5小时，石阶路为主，适合初次徒步者。- 风景最美线：梵音谷→华严湖→磨镜台→南天门→祝融峰，距离约15公里，耗时5-6小时，能欣赏溪流瀑布等美景，夏季清凉避暑。

Zhurong Peak

M23***22June 17, 2025

4.0

If you want to travel around and learn about folk customs! Or just take a walk around the rest area, it is worth recommending! As a reference for a big attraction, it is not recommended 😜

Nanyueli

等风来，不如寻风去～October 11, 2024

5.0

Nanyue Martyrs' Shrine is located in Nanyue Hengshan Scenic Area and is under the management of the scenic area. It is the place where the general tablets of the National Army's anti-Japanese martyrs are located. It is the place where the souls of the Chinese soldiers who fought in the Patriotic War of the Republic of China went to... Nanyue Hengshan is famous, and there are endless people visiting it every year, but the Martyrs' Shrine is deserted. Alas... They fought bloody battles in the rain of bullets to save the land of China, and their achievements are outstanding. They are heroes of the Chinese nation...

Nanyue Martyrs' Memorial Hall

Anonymous userMarch 24, 2026

5.0

Installed in the millennium year 2000, not a historical monument. Nevertheless, weighing 56 tons, the Wanshou Big Tripod “万寿大鼎” with 10,000 variations of the Chinese character “寿” (meaning longevity) written in different scripts is a beautiful and meaningful monument. Climb to the top of the tripod via a narrow spiral staircase to get an elevated view of the surroundings.

Wanshou Dading

谜蝶香March 24, 2026

3.0

This place is no longer called Zhurong Town; it's now called Time City 1944. Locals get in free; it's 50 yuan for adults and 30 yuan for seniors from other areas. It's not a large place.

Zhurong Town

乐观小妮子December 21, 2025

5.0

Strolling along the paths of Shuilian Mountain, shaded by lush trees and guarded by stone lions, feels like stepping back into a tranquil ancient courtyard. The four powerful characters "Shuilian Cave Heaven" inscribed on the mountainside tell tales of bygone eras. The majestic archway stands tall, accompanied by blue skies and white clouds, a truly breathtaking sight. This is a natural oxygen bar far removed from the hustle and bustle; every breath is a dialogue with nature.

Hengyang Water Curtain Cave

M31***12June 23, 2025

5.0

A very retro place. Many sisters rented costumes from the Republic of China to take photos. If you like the style of the Republic of China, it is worth coming.

City of Time 1944

下一站8541September 2, 2022

5.0

The South Gate of Heaven was called Tianmenguan in ancient times. Since Mount Tai represented heaven in ancient times, the top of Mount Tai was the location of the Heaven. There are four gates in the Heaven: East, West, South, and North. This gate faces south, so it is called "South Gate of Heaven". It is also the main entrance to the Heaven, leading directly to the Lingxiao Palace of the Jade Emperor, which is above the Nine Heavens (some say it is the Thirty-Six Heavens). In many myths and legends, the gods guarding the South Gate of Heaven have many names, such as the King of Growth, Wang Lingguan, the Four Marshals of Ma, Zhao, Wen, and Guan, Zhang Tianshi, and the Great General of Xuantian Shenwei (who was personally appointed by the Jade Emperor).

South Heaven Gate

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Trip Moments in Mount Hengshan

Hunan Hengyang Mount Heng (Nanyue Hengshan), Zhurong Peak, Cangjing Pavilion, Nanyue Grand Temple Food Guide

“Come to Mount Heng (Nanyue Hengshan) in Hengyang, Hunan, where two days is just enough to experience the unique beauty of the Southern Sacred Mountain.”

@REGINALD BOOTH · 1 day ago

Mount Heng (Nanyue) | A blend of iron-willed strength and beauty, the least visited of the Five Great Mountains

“[Rainbow] Among the Five Great Mountains, four are located in the north.”

@EnchantWhisps · 8 days ago

Hengyang Nanyue 2-day/1-night Double Ninth Festival Blessing Trip Guide

“They say "longevity like the Southern Mountain," and this Southern Mountain is Nanyue Hengshan!”

@TajMahalReflections · 19 days ago

Mount Heng (Nanyue) | The most beautiful of the Five Great Mountains, a date with blessings and a sea of clouds

“They say Mount Heng is the gentlest of the Five Great Mountains.”

@PIERCE MITCHELL · 22 days ago

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Frequently asked questions

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Mount Hengshan?

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include 1-day tour to Hengshan Mountain + Fanyin Ancient Trail Stone Tablet + Nantianmen in Hengyang, Hunan with Chinese and English tour guide service available, Changsha: 1-day private tour to Former Residence of Mao Zedong in Shaoshan, and Changsha Li Zijian Art Museum + Wuyi Square + Ancient Kaifu Temple 1-day tour with bilingual service (admission ticket not included). Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Mount Hengshan?

As of November 12, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Mount Hengshan is around EUR 48.06 – EUR 310.35. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Can I change or cancel my booking?

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

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