There are five districts in Hengyang:
*Yanfeng District 雁峰区: Huiyan Peak, Yueping Park and Nanjiao Park etc. are in this district.
*Shigu District 石鼓区:Shigu Academy, West Lake Park and Lianhu Square etc. are in this district.
*Zhuhui District 珠晖区: Hengyang Railway Station, Hengyang East Railway Station, Linghu Bus Station, Xiangjiang Scenic Belt, Linghu Lake and Hengyang College Town etc. are in this district.
*Zhengxiang District 蒸湘区: Hengyang Zhongxin Bus Terminal, City Government, Ecology Park and University of South China etc. are in this district.
*Nanyue District 南岳区: Mount Heng is in this district.
And two county-level cities: Leiyang City 耒阳市 and Changning City 常宁市
Also five counties: Hengnan County 衡南县, Hengyang County 衡阳县, Hengshan County 衡山县, Hengdong County 衡东县 and Qidong County 祁东县
Hengyang is a city with a long history. According to historical relics, ancestors who settled in the area as early as five to six thousand years ago had already begun to use primitive tools made from stones. They also grew rice and raised animals, chiefly cattle and pigs.
The primeval district of Hengyang was first occupied by the ancestors of the modern Miao, Zhuang, and Hakka people. In the Warring States period, it was a much-fought-over territory of the Chu State.
In 221 BC, when Emperor Qinshihuang united China, the southern state of Chu was divided into Qianzhong county and Changsha county to which the Hengyang district belonged. 400 years later in 220 AD, it was renamed Hengyang and became the administrative seat of Hengyang prefecture.
During the Western Jin Dynasty, its name was changed to Hengzhou, and under the Eastern Jin Dynasty (618-907) it became the seat of Xiangdong prefecture. During the Southern and Northern Dynasty it was the capital of Hengyang kingdom.
After the fall of the Sui Dynasty, Hengyang was a county. It was changed into a superior prefecture which was a part of the province of Huguang until the Qing Dynasty.
This status was retained until 1912, when the superior prefecture was abolished and the city became a county seat, which was in the charge of 34 counties of Hunan province.
During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), not only was Hengyang a traffic hub in south China, but also the third biggest industrial and commercial city in the area controlled by Kuomingtang. At that time, the population of the area increased tenfold. It became an officially registered became a city in 1942.
After the liberation of Hengyang on October 8th in 1949, the Railway Ministry set up Hengyang Railway Bureau, with jurisdiction over the railways of five provinces in the middle of southern China. The city has been governing the county since July 1983.
Located in the middle reaches of the Xiang River, Hengyang enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate. There is neither intense heat in summer nor severe cold in winter. The annual average temperature is about 17.9℃. Its temperature is relatively higher in spring and autumn, which is very pleasant. Annually, the city has 1524 hours of sunshine and an average rainfall of 1301.9 millimeters, 57.5% of which come during the April-September rainy season.
The Hengyang Nanyue Airport is under construction in Hengnan County at the moment. Due to open in 2013, it will have flights connecting most major cities in China.
The old Hengyang airport, Jinjialing Airport, is now merely military, it used to have regular flights to Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
If you want to visit the mountain and other attractions you do not want to go to Hengyang, unless you need to change trains or get a coach.
From Hengyang central station you can take a train straight to Hengshan. Alternatively there is a bus terminal outside the station. The k18 will take you to the coach station (It terminates there so get off at the end). You can get a ticket at the ticket office for the number 3 bus to Nanyue (The other name for the area).
Hengyang Railway Station is situated in Zhuhui District. Although a bit run-down because of early date of construction (there's a Kuomintang-era building between the ticket office and the main entrance), it's one of the oldest and the busiest train stations in China. It's also the conjunction of Beijing-Guangzhou line and Hunan-Guangxi line with frequent services to many cities in China. It's about 7 hours to Guangzhou, 15 hours to Shanghai and 21 hours to Beijing. The station can be reached by bus routes K1/K2/K5/1/2/7/11/16/18/22/23/24/25/27/30/31/32/36/38/40/81/Ring环城A etc.
Hengyang East Railway Station (high-speed railway) is located in the eastern suburb of Hengyang, itself is a unique sight due to the resemblance of a flying wild goose. Next to Hengyang College Town, it's around 30 minutes' bus ride from downtown Hengyang. Hengyang East Railway Station is in the middle of Wuhan-Guangzhou High-speed Railway, so it takes about 1.5 hours to both cities. The station can be reached by bus routes K1/K2/K3/K5.
Besides, the constructing Lanzhou-Xiamen, Kunming-Taipei, Xi'an-Guangzhou High-speed Railways are crossing Hengyang, making it one of the largest transportation hubs in China once they are finished.
Hengyang North, South and West Railway Stations are now mostly cargo stations.
Hengyang is serviced by many Expressways, State Roads and Provincial Routes. It is one of the 45 national highway traffic hubs.
Hengyang Zhongxin Bus Terminal: near Pinghu Park, it can be reached by bus routes K5/4/9/18/24/32/40/46/81/30. It has long-distance coaches throughout the country, mainly north and west bound.
Linghu Bus Terminal: near Linghu Lake, it can be reached by bus routes K1/K2/K3/K5/2/7/11/23/25/27/36/37/40/81. It offers services to nearby cities and counties, mainly south and east bound.
Huaxin Bus Terminal: west to Ecology Park, it can be reached by bus routes K1/19/101/102/104/Lvyou旅游1. It has buses to Hengyang County, Qidong County and Hengyang county.
Yujiang Bus Station: next to Hengyang East Railway Station, it can be reached by bus K1/K2/K3/K5/Night夜36.
Buses are the main mode of public transport in Hengyang. The bus network is currently run by five companies, which provide more than 64 lines, as well as taxis, which connect all parts of the city with suburban areas. Regular buses only cost 1 yuan or 2 yuan for air-conditioned buses. Some buses to suburban areas may cost more, but there are usually ticket conductors who tell you how much.
HENGSHAN
If you are in the Hengshan tourist area there is a free tourist bus that takes you to all the main sights and the foot of the mountain. If you are facing away from the memorial arch entrance to the old town the bus/coach station is a short walk to the right.
Taxis are ubiquitous, they normally start at 5 yuan, a taxi across town shouldn't cost more than 30 yuan. But expect some haggling if you're a foreigner, the best way is to jump in the taxi and ask the driver to turn on the meter. Also, meters may not apply during important Chinese festivals as they make their own prices.
Local people probably use this mode of transportation more than taxi. It's cheaper, more convenient and more Hengyang style, but safety is not always guaranteed. Motorcab fares are completely arbitrary, so it's best to consult local people how much it costs first before hopping on one, otherwise it depends how your bargaining skills are.
There is a ferry service between Yangjia Huayuan and Xianfeng Matou.
There are also ferry services from both riverbanks to Dongzhou Island across river from it.
[wiki=21f3d87ea51bef7c35c595177d4c3470]Mount Heng[/wiki] - It is one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains. The mountain range runs 150 km from Hengyang to Changsha. Of the cluster of 72 peaks, the most known is Zhurong Peak. 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. Besides, this mountain is awarded the National Scenic Spots and the Historical Sites, a model of National Civilized Scenic spots and the AAAAA Tourist Destination.
The mountain is a 15km hike 1300 meters. With breaks it takes 4-5 hours. It has a well kept path and the whole area is developed, there's lots of stalls, restaurants, toilets, ect all the way up, as well as many points of interest many of which it seems have been recently created for tourist purposes. Still it makes for a nice day trip. Cost is 80rm per person for admission and 3rm for insurance, you do not need a guide.
The area is also quite charming with interesting old building and a more relaxed feel than is common place in most Chinese cities.
To reach Mount Heng/Nanyue from Hengyang City, you can take a bus from Zhongxin or Linghu Bus Station 7-13 yuan depending on time and bus; or take a city bus to Gongxiao Dasha stop, there are shared taxis or buses to Nanyue. Otherwise a taxi there might cost 100-150 yuan. The trip shall take you around 45 minutes.
Huiyan Peak - Situated in the South District of Hengyang City, Huiyan Peak(Peak of Turning Wild Geese), 98 meters above sea level, ranks the first of the 72 peaks of Mount Hengshan. Legend has it that when wild geese flew from North China to South China, they made a migrating stop, hence the name Huiyan (Delaying Wild Goose Migration) Peak. At the foot of the peak lies the Misty Rain Pond. The pond from which “misty rain rises”, has never dried up, making “Misty Rain on Huiyan Peak” one of the Eight Wonders in Hengyang.
Huiyan Peak is the first peak of the 72 peaks of Mount Hengshan. In ancient times, people thought that the wild geese stopped here when they flew to the south in autumn and stay here until next spring to return to the north. Famous poet Du Fu wrote the poem in which he said that “having crossed one thousand kilometers, the wild geese in Hengyang returned to the north again”.
The hill door of Yan Peak is a stone torii. The Banshan Pavilion is not far away from the door hill. Through the upward and across “one hundred step scaling ladder”, one reaches the peak. In the peak, there is Yanfeng Temple. According to records, this temple was built in the Southern and Northern Dynasties. During Liangwu Emperor Period, it is called Chengyun Temple. After Tang Dynasty, it was named Yanfeng Temple, Yanfeng temple, Huayao Temple, Xichan Temple, Luohan (Arhat) Temple are called four pillar temples of Zen Buddhism in Hengyang. There have been many hierarchs coming here to study Zen.
Bus 1/2/3/6/7/9/K1 will get you there. Admission is 10 yuan/adult.
Opening hours: Summer(May to October) 8:00--18:00; Winter(November to April) 8:00--17:30.
Shigu Academy - Literally "The Stone Drum Academy", Shigu Academy was named after its location on the Shigu Mountain north of Hengyang City, Hunan Province. It was originally the place where Li Kuanzhong, a scholar in the Tang Dynasty, built a studio, and later on in the Song Dynasty, became an academy, attracting many famous scholars and followers. Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty bestowed the land and the tablet bearing Shigu Academy on it, making the Academy highly reputed throughout the country. The original academy was destroyed in 1944 because of Japanese bombings. Today the Shigu Academy, the Shigu Park and some other buildings are rebuilt on the base of ruins.
Bus Lvyou 1 will take you there, or you can walk there on foot or take a taxi. Admission is 20 yuan/adult.
Opening hours:Summer(May to October) 8:00--18:00; Winter(November to April) 8:00--17:30.
Dongzhou Island - Rarely visited by tourists, this beautiful island in the middle of Xiangjiang River is a peaceful and zenful land waiting to be discovered, or developed. There's a majestic yet humble temple at the northern tip of the island that's worth checking out, the monastery also offers delicious vegetarian dishes to visitors; there's also the run-down Chuanshan Academy, which rivalled Shigu Academy and Yuelu Academy in Changsha. The rest of the island basically covered by crops and trees and dotted with farmer houses, it would be nice to take a little stroll around the island if you're not in a hurry.
You can only go there by ferries across from the temple, 1-2 yuan/one way. Some local people swim across in the summer.
Xiangjiang River Scenic Belt
Ming Qing Street
Yueping Park - It is located in the south of Hengyang city. It covers a total area of 21 hectares. In the west of the park is the City Museum, where thousands of pieces of cultural antique and relics are displayed. Additionally, the zoo is located here, which includes a Mount Monkey, Birds and Beasts Lake, Fishpond, etc. Skating rink and man-made lake for boating are constructed on the south mountain of Yueping. Yueping Park presents harmonious world to tourists with elegant pavilions, brilliant bridges, tranquil pebble-paved paths, fragrant flowery gardens and grand rocks. There is the Monument of Martyrs on top of the hill. Not far from the monument stands a ferris wheel, which offers a interesting look of the city. There is also an amusement park inside that's quite popular with local families.
Yueping Park is free of charge, but the zoo isn't. And you can take bus 1/3/12/16/20/33/K1 to go there.
West Lake Park - Housing one of the 36 West Lakes in China, West Lake Park in Hengyang is a relaxing destination for who enjoy quite boat rides and shady promenades. During the summer months, the West Lake Water Park is most popular with the young and the old in Hengyang. There's a Lotus Tower featured in poems of the famous ancient poet Zhou Dunyi and a Taichi square where locals practice Taichi in the morning and dancing at night. The West Lake Park also serves as the memorial park for the inspirational chinese revolutionist Xia Minghan, there's a bronze bust of him at the main entrance to the park.
Ecology Park
Pinghu Park
Jiangkou Bird Island - The island is located near Jiangkou Town in Hengnan County. Rare bird species such as white cranes and white egrets inhabit on the island. The warm and comfortable climate and the beautiful natural scenery are additional appeals to tourists.
Cai Lun Memorial Hall
The Memorial Hall of Former Residence of Marshal Luo Ronghuan
Xiyan Fairy Cave
Yumu Mountain
Qishan Mountain
Gouloufeng National Forest Park
Tiantangshan Forest Park
Leishui National Wetland
The idea of guesthouses and hostels haven't really reached Hengyang yet, but for many Chinese travelers, budget places can be found near Hengyang Railway Station. Just walk around, ask and compare, nonetheless use your haggling skills. For 50rm you can get a good sized room with wifi but it's a little cold in winter. Right outside the station there is a 5 days inn which has very decent doubles for 150rm.
There are cheap places to stay near Hengyang Normal University or University of South China that cater to university students.
Hengshan has a International hostel near the base of the mountain for 130rm for a double. The pictures look very nice.
Arriving at the coach station there is a small hotel which does a heavily discounted hotel room in low season (100rm for a double).
Another option is to head to Dongzhou island, where it may be possible to stay in the monastery for rock bottom price. But communication may be a problem between you and the monks and nuns.
Mid-range Hotels can be found along Jiefang Road (解放路).
Huatian Hotel(华天大酒店), No.55 Jiefang Road,0734-8188888, www.hyhthotel.com
Hengyang Huatian Hotel is the 18th brand-expanded chain hotel of Huatian joint-stock hotel company. It has 282 rooms and suites. It has served visitors Chinese and foreign, such as president of Tanzania, president of Zanbia, prime minister of Belarus, Princess of Thailand, and so on. Prices range from ¥250 to ¥15,000.
Shenlong Hotel(神龙大酒店), No.3 North Zhengyang Road,(0734)8988888, www.shenlonghotel.com
Shenlong is recognized as providing wonderful and creative dining. The hotel boasts a revolving restaurant on the top floor, which offers not only delicious food but also a spectacular view of the whole city. Rooms starting from ¥300.
Youth Hotel(青年宾馆), No.23 Yancheng Road (Shoufeng Xiaoqu), very close to Huiyan Peak, 0734-8139888
Kangnian International Hotel(康年国际大酒店), No.8 Renmin Road. Prices from ¥150.
Yancheng Hotel(雁城宾馆), No.91 Jiefang Road,(0734)8211288, http://www.hyycbg.com/en/home.asp
The eponymous Yancheng Hotel is the first international luxurious four-star hotel in Hengyang, it has been honored as the best star hotel of Hengyang. Rooms starting from ¥400.
Linyin Holiday Hotel(林隐假日酒店), No.43 Jiefang Road, (0734)8888888.