衡阳市

Why this place

Hengyang is the city below Hengshan, the southernmost of China's five sacred mountains — the 'South Great Mountain', which is lower and greener than the others and covered in temples. Hengyang is also where the Ming philosopher Wang Fuzhi lived.

What to see

• Hengshan (the Southern Great Mountain): the Nanyue Temple at the foot, and the Zhurong Peak path
• The Nanyue Damiao temple complex, one of the largest temple buildings in southern China
• Wang Fuzhi's former residence at Chuanshan
• The Huiyan Peak and the Xiang River, with the old city's pagoda

What to eat

• Hunan mountain cooking — bamboo shoots, smoked meats and chilli
• Hengyang is known for its 'Hengyang' rice noodles

Best time

April–June and September–November