Hengyang is a well-known "Abstruse Area of Civilization" ----a magic land with many outstanding people and profound culture background.

History

Hengyang City is well-known for its long history of more than 2000 years. It is the second biggest city in southern Hunan Province. It has been called a "city of wild geese" since ancient times, as flocks of wild geese stay here for the winter after a long journey from the north. Within the city there is Returning Goose Peak, a symbol of the "city of wild geese".

Hengyang is located to the south of lofty and beautiful Hengshan Mountains and on the middle reaches of the blue Xiangjiang rivers. It covers a total area of 15,300 square meters with a population of a little more than seven million.

Climate

Located in subtropical area, Hengyang has a humid monsoon climate, which is characterized by clear distinctions among the four seasons and a rather short period of severe cold. The average temperature varies from 16o to 18o anually. Each year it has a moderate rainfall of about 1,200-1,700 mm, a sufficient sunshine time of 1,300-1,900 hours and a frost-free period of 270-310 days. All those elements make Hengyangs climate very pleasant.

Environment & Tourist Resources

"Hengyang sees blue fir and green bamboo everywhere". It has always been called a "universal beauty" with mild climate, spectacular mountains and rivers and beautiful landscape. The beautiful geese cherish a peculiar love for the fertile and magic land. Legend says that "wildgeese fly from north to south, here to rest and wheel", so it is also named "wildgeese city".
Hengyang is rich in historical relics and beautiful natural scenery. Among the attractions are NanYue Mountain, ShiGu Mountain, Huiyan Peak, Laiyan Tower, Shigu Acdamy, etc. NanYue Mountain (also Mount Heng), one of the "five sacred mountains" of China, is famous for its magnificent landscape and ancient temples. Huiyan Peak, the tallest peak of Nanyue Mountain stands in the city, so the city is also called Yan City in ancient time. The memorial temple to Marquis Cai Yong of the Han Dynasty, the Shigu (stone drum) Academy of Classical Learning, one of the four famous academies in Song Dynasty and the tablet to the legendary Emperor Yu have attracted visitors for thousands of years.