The Tianfengling Peak, with an altitude of about 2016.1 meters, is the highest peak of Mount Heng. Standing on the main peak and looking into the distance, with rolling mountains and misty clouds around, you can truly experience the heroic feeling of “When reaching the top of the mountain, one can see all the mountains in a single glance”. Along the way, you can enjoy natural landscapes such as strange pines and rocks.
Xuankong Temple
Located on the cliff of the Cuiping Peak on the west side of the Jinlong Gorge of Mount Heng, it was built in 491 AD and is a unique temple integrating Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. It is like an exquisite relief embedded in the steep cliff. When tourists walk on it and look at the cliff below, it is both exciting and shocking. The architectural layout inside the temple is exquisite, and the statues are lifelike.
Mount Heng Temple
It is the largest temple among the many temples in Mount Heng and is located under the stone wall on the south side of the Tianfengling Peak, the main peak of Mount Heng. Its architecture is magnificent, and there are many ancient steles in the temple, recording the historical changes and religious and cultural development of Mount Heng and having high cultural relic value.
Travel Route Planning
One-day Tour Route
Morning: After arriving at the Mount Heng scenic area, first visit the Xuankong Temple. It takes about 1 2 hours to visit the Xuankong Temple to savor the unique charm and profound cultural heritage of this architectural miracle.
Noon: Have a meal at a restaurant near the scenic area and take a short rest.
Afternoon: Start climbing from the gate of Mount Heng and head to the Tianfengling Peak, the main peak of Mount Heng, along the climbing trails such as the Buyun Road. Enjoy the natural scenery and Taoist cultural landscapes of Mount Heng, such as various Taoist temples, during the climbing. After reaching the main peak, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery at the viewing platform on the top of the mountain and then return along the original route.
Two-day Tour Route
First Day
Second Day
Ticket and Opening Time
Ticket Information
The full price ticket of the Mount Heng scenic area is usually about 45 yuan, and the full price ticket of the Xuankong Temple is about 15 yuan, with a boarding fee of about 100 yuan (the price may be adjusted according to policies, etc.). Some special groups such as the elderly, students, and children can enjoy corresponding preferential policies.
Opening Time
The Mount Heng scenic area and Xuankong Temple are open all year round. The opening hours in summer (April 1 October 31) are generally from 06:30 to 19:00; the opening hours in winter (November 1 March 31 of the following year) are generally from 08:00 to 18:00.
Mount Heng Food Guide
Specialty Food Introduction
Hunyuan Liangfen (Hunyuan Cold Jelly)
Features: Made from potato starch, it is translucent and grayish-white in color and has a chewy and smooth texture. The seasonings are very particular, mainly including mature vinegar, garlic juice, chili oil, scallions, coriander, etc., and then add local characteristic lotus beans (broad beans) and dried tofu. The mixture of sour, spicy, salty and fragrant flavors is very appetizing.
Recommended Shop: There are many old shops selling Hunyuan Liangfen in Hunyuan County. For example, Xiaofuqi Liangfen is a relatively famous and well-reputed shop in the local area where you can taste authentic Hunyuan Liangfen.
Datong Yangza (Datong Mutton Offal Soup)
Features: Using the head, hooves, heart, liver, intestines, lungs, etc. of a sheep as raw materials, wash and cook them and then chop them up, boil them with seasonings such as scallions, ginger, garlic, chili peppers, and salt to make a soup, and then add vermicelli to eat. The soup is delicious and has no mutton smell and is rich in nutrition.
Recommended Shop: Some restaurants in Datong urban area or around the Mount Heng scenic area serve it. Shops like He Laoren Yangza make very authentic Yangza and are loved by diners.
Mount Heng Vegetarian Cuisine
Features: In some Taoist temples in Mount Heng or surrounding restaurants, you can taste vegetarian cuisine. The ingredients are mostly local mountain delicacies, wild vegetables, bean products, etc. The cooking method is healthy and light, such as cold wild vegetable salad, stir-fried tofu with vegetables, etc. You can not only taste the unique deliciousness but also conform to the Taoist cultural atmosphere of Mount Heng.
Food Street/Shop Recommendation
Yong’an West Street in Hunyuan County
This is one of the more prosperous streets in Hunyuan County, with many restaurants and snack stalls. In addition to being able to eat specialty foods such as Hunyuan Liangfen and Datong Yangza, there are also various other local specialty dishes and snacks to choose from.
Restaurants in the Mount Heng Scenic Area
At some rest points and restaurants in the Mount Heng scenic area, you can taste simple Mount Heng specialty foods, such as vegetarian cuisine, local farm dishes, etc. Although the dishes may not be as rich as those in the county town, you can replenish energy in time during the tour.
Tourist Precautions
Climate and Equipment
The temperature difference between day and night in the area where Mount Heng is located is relatively large. Even in summer, the temperature on the mountain may be low, so you need to bring warm clothes such as a coat. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes or hiking boots when climbing the mountain and bring hiking poles and other auxiliary equipment.
Safety Matters
Some sections of the climbing trails in Mount Heng are relatively steep. When visiting, you must pay attention to safety, follow the signs in the scenic area and the guidance of the staff, do not deviate from the trails or engage in dangerous behaviors. When visiting the Xuankong Temple, do not crowd or push inside the temple, and do not lean against or climb the fragile railings.
