China (1,301 m) – One of the Five Sacred Mountains of China (southern)
The Mount Heng located in Hunan province is also known as the Southern Mount Heng in order to distinguish it from its northerly counterpart in Shanxi. It is the shortest of China’s Five Sacred Mountains and, not surprisingly, the most southerly. It is historically one of the less important of the Five Peaks.
Heng is a sacred site to several religions, including Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Because of this Heng is home to one of the largest temple complexes in China, the Grand Temple of Mount Heng. Pilgrims of all three religions come from all over the Far East to visit the mountain and worship at the temple.
Although located in the densely populated province of Hunan, Heng tends to be off the beaten path for anyone but serious religious pilgrims. Although located only 60 miles south of Changsha, it is nearly 350 miles north of Hong Kong, the closest major city. The Grand Temple is by far the biggest draw at the mountain.
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