Mount Heng hosts autumn climbing season from 15 October

Mount Heng (Nanyue Hengshan) in Hengyang, China, is hosting its autumn climbing season from 15 October to 30 November 2026. The programme began with a climbing race on 16 October and places hiking routes, temples and mountain culture at the centre of the visit.

Mount Heng autumn climbing season runs until 30 November

The season is based in the central scenic area and combines the custom of autumn climbing with the cultural traditions associated with the Southern Mountain. The announcement describes it as a programme built around mountain exercise, autumn sightseeing and prayers for longevity.

The opening race started at the Kangjialong ticket station on 16 October. Its competitive route covered 10 kilometres and headed towards Zhurong Peak along the Fanyin Ancient Trail, passing Huayan Lake Dam and Xiangnan Temple. A separate six-kilometre fitness route followed the Huayan Lake boardwalk to the Martyrs Shrine and Mojing Terrace.

The season therefore has a clear link to the landscape rather than being a city event nearby. Its opening race used paths and landmarks inside the scenic area, while the wider programme continues through 30 November 2026. The report on the opening race identifies both the mountain and the season dates.

Mount Heng connects a 1,300.2-metre summit with temples

The Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism places the mountain in Nanyue District of Hengyang City. Its highest point, Zhurong Peak, reaches 1,300.2 metres, and the massif stretches 38 kilometres from north-east to south-west, with a maximum width of 17 kilometres.

More than 200 temples and abbeys are recorded on the mountain. The same official description lists South Heaven Gate at the foot of Zhurong Peak, Mojing Terrace in the Banshan Pavilion scenic spot and Nanyue Temple at the foot of the mountain.

Those named places explain the programme’s particular character: the 16 October race did not simply use a road course, but connected a summit approach with a lake, ancient trail, temple and memorial sites. The official record also states that Mount Heng became a national scenic area in 1982, a national natural and cultural heritage site in 2006, a national 5A scenic area in 2007 and a national nature reserve in 2007. The provincial tourism profile provides the mountain’s location, dimensions and protected designations.

Visiting Mount Heng: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The autumn climbing season runs from 15 October to 30 November 2026 in the central scenic area.
• The opening race took place on 16 October 2026, starting at the Kangjialong ticket station; the reported routes used the Fanyin Ancient Trail, Huayan Lake, Xiangnan Temple, the Martyrs Shrine and Mojing Terrace.
• The mountain is in Nanyue District of Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China. Zhurong Peak rises to 1,300.2 metres, and the official profile records paths, granite stairs and elevated scenic sites.
• Mount Heng is a large mountain landscape rather than a single monument. The official profile records 38 kilometres from north-east to south-west and more than 200 temples and abbeys.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

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Frequently asked questions about Mount Heng

When does the autumn climbing season take place at Mount Heng?

It runs from 15 October to 30 November 2026 in the central scenic area.

Where is Mount Heng and how do you get there?

Mount Heng is in Nanyue District of Hengyang City in Hunan Province, China. The reported 16 October race began at the Kangjialong ticket station.

What is Mount Heng?

It is one of China’s five great mountains, with Zhurong Peak reaching 1,300.2 metres and more than 200 temples and abbeys across the mountain.