
Nanyue Temple Hengshan
A vast, peaceful temple at Mount Hengshan's foot, famed for its 72 stone pillars and unique blend of Buddhist & Taoist traditions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the tour groups

Nanyue Temple Hengshan
Best Time
Beat the tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, peaceful temple at Mount Hengshan's foot, famed for its 72 stone pillars and unique blend of Buddhist & Taoist traditions.
"A massive and peaceful temple complex at the foot of Mount Hengshan. "

🎟️ Entry Fee & Value
The 58 RMB entry fee is considered worth it for the history and atmosphere.
🌿 Free Eco-Incense
Get free eco-friendly incense inside; no need to buy from outside vendors.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.1 · 17 reviews
Type
Place of Worship
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grand Architecture
Marvel at the stunning ancient temple with 72 stone pillars, each representing a mountain peak.

Spiritual Harmony
Experience a unique blend of Buddhist and Taoist traditions in this dual-monastery temple.

Peaceful Atmosphere
Find serenity amidst the temple grounds, a calm cultural stop before or after hiking Mount Hengshan.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Respectful Practices & Eco-Consciousness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Entry Fee & Value
The 58 RMB entry fee is considered worth it for the history and atmosphere.
🌿 Free Eco-Incense
Get free eco-friendly incense inside; no need to buy from outside vendors.
🚭 Smoke-Free Zone
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the temple grounds.
🚶♀️ Cultural Stop
A great cultural experience before or after hiking Mount Hengshan.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Entry Fee & Value
The 58 RMB entry fee is considered worth it for the history and atmosphere.
🌿 Free Eco-Incense
Get free eco-friendly incense inside; no need to buy from outside vendors.
🚭 Smoke-Free Zone
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the temple grounds.
🚶♀️ Cultural Stop
A great cultural experience before or after hiking Mount Hengshan.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Nanyue Temple for its massive scale, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning architecture, particularly the 72 stone pillars. The temple's unique blend of Buddhist and Taoist traditions and its well-managed, smoke-free environment are also highlighted. Some note the significant smoke from incense burning, which can impact the air quality.
"A massive and peaceful temple complex at the foot of Mount Hengshan. Entry is 58 RMB, and it’s worth it for the history and atmosphere alone. The architecture is stunning, with 72 stone pillars representing the 72 mountain peaks. Early morning is the best time to visit before the tour groups arrive. Skip the incense sellers outside — the temple gives out free eco-friendly incense inside. Calm, beautiful, and a great cultural stop before or after the Zhurong Peak hike."
Chinmay S
"This temple earn it's fame after fortune-telling for Chiang Kiak Sek and Mao Zedong. This is also a rare temple that host 4 Buddhist and 4 Taoist monastery."
Clement Leong
"南岳大庙 is a very popular temple which attracts many worshippers from all over China.
The management did very well by maintaining “no smoking” and no lighting of joss sticks within the temple. All burning of joss sticks and joss paper are done within a huge common kiln.
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the temple compound. Entrance fee is ¥40/pax."
Vincent Tay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nanyue Temple is located at the foot of Mount Hengshan. Access typically involves reaching Hengshan city first, then taking local transport or a short taxi ride to the temple entrance.
While specific bus routes can vary, Hengshan city is generally accessible by bus. From the city, local buses or taxis are common options to reach the temple.
Travelers often reach Hengshan city via train or long-distance bus. From there, local transport connects to the mountain and its attractions like Nanyue Temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is approximately 58 RMB per person, though some sources mention 40 RMB. It's recommended to confirm the current price upon arrival.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter for potential student, senior, or group rates.
The temple is generally open from early morning until late afternoon. Visiting in the early morning is highly recommended to avoid crowds.
Advance ticket purchase options are not commonly mentioned. It's usually possible to buy tickets directly at the temple entrance.
As a place of worship, modest attire is recommended. Avoid overly revealing clothing out of respect for the religious site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the vast temple complex, admire the unique architecture with 72 stone pillars, and experience the blend of Buddhist and Taoist traditions. It's also a peaceful cultural stop.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the temple grounds thoroughly. If combining with a hike up Mount Hengshan, plan for a full day.
Yes, the temple's architecture and serene atmosphere offer many beautiful photo opportunities. Early morning light can be particularly stunning.
The temple provides free eco-friendly incense for worshippers. All burning is done in a designated common kiln, and lighting incense outside is discouraged.
Some visitors note that the temple can produce a lot of smoke from incense burning, which can impact air quality.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options directly within the temple complex are limited. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit, or pack snacks.
Restaurants are typically found in Hengshan city, offering local cuisine. Explore the town for dining choices after your temple visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The main halls, the courtyard with the 72 stone pillars, and the intricate roof details are excellent for photography.
Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor and public areas. However, always be respectful and check for any signs prohibiting photos in specific inner sanctums.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the temple's beauty.










Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit