Nanyue / Nanyue Grand Temple

#November Destinations 2025 Nanyue Grand Temple: The First Temple in Jiangnan, an Eastern Sanctuary Where Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism Coexist Nanyue Grand Temple, located in Nanyue District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province (at the foot of Mount Heng), is the largest and most complete palace-style ancient architectural complex in southern China, renowned as the "First Temple in Jiangnan" and the "Forbidden City of the South." It is not a temple of a single religion, but rather a rare example of integrating Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, where they coexist and thrive, representing the pinnacle of ancient Chinese sacrificial, religious, architectural, and garden art. The Grand Temple is a national-level sacrificial site for the deity of Mount Heng—the Holy Emperor of Nanyue. Historically, it was the main temple for emperors of successive dynasties to represent the nation in sacrificing to Nanyue. Its architectural style is modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, magnificent in scale and rich in cultural connotations. 📍Core Features and Values 1. A Unique Layout of Three Religions Coexisting · Confucianism: Represented by the Kui Xing Pavilion and the Wenchang Hall, it enshrines Kui Xing and the Wenchang Emperor, embodying the Confucian belief in the imperial examination system and literary success. * **Buddhism:** Represented by Buddhist temples (including the Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, and Manjushri Hall), these buildings enshrine Buddha and Bodhisattvas. * **Taoism:** Centered around the main hall (Holy Emperor Hall) and numerous Taoist temples (such as the Xiashen Hall and Quande Temple), these buildings enshrine the Holy Emperor of Nanyue and various immortals. * The three religions' architecture is organically arranged along the central axis and on both sides, coexisting harmoniously, representing a unique cultural phenomenon in the history of world religions. 2. Architectural Art Imitating Imperial Palaces * **Overall Layout:** Symmetrically unfolding along the north-south central axis, it comprises nine courtyards in four layers, progressing layer by layer from the south gate to the rear gate, rising step by step, like a miniature Forbidden City. * **Architectural Rank:** The main buildings are covered with yellow glazed tiles and feature double-eaved hip roofs, indicating extremely high status. Major buildings include: the south gate, Kuixing Pavilion, Zhengchuan Gate, Imperial Stele Pavilion, Jiaying Gate, Imperial Library, Main Hall (Holy Emperor Hall), Sleeping Palace, and Rear Gate. • Artistic Value: It brings together various art forms including wood carving, stone carving, clay sculpture, painting, plaques, and couplets, all exquisitely beautiful. 3. Center of National Sacrifices and Folk Beliefs • As the official site for emperors of past dynasties to worship at Mount Heng, it boasts buildings such as the Imperial Stele Pavilion and the Imperial Inscription Pavilion, bearing the imprint of imperial power and reflecting its national status. • Simultaneously, it is also a gathering place for folk beliefs, enshrining deities who fulfill various needs of the people, such as seeking wealth, children, education, and peace. The incense is abundant, and it is full of human warmth. 📍Practical Visitor Information • Address: No. 2, Beizhi Street, Nanyue District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province (at the foot of Mount Heng). • Core Building Visiting Sequence (Central Axis): 1. South Gate: The starting point of the main temple, a magnificent gate tower. 2. Kui Xing Pavilion: Enshrining Kui Xing, the god of literary fortune. 3. Zhengchuan Gate and Imperial Stele Pavilion: The pavilion houses an imperial stele. 4. Jiaying Gate: The ceremonial gate through which officials waited for sacrificial rites in ancient times. 5. Imperial Library: The place where imperial books were stored. 6. Main Hall (Holy Emperor Hall): The core of the temple, enshrining the Holy Emperor of Nanyue, and the most magnificent in scale. 7. Sleeping Palace: The Holy Emperor's "residence". 8. Back Gate: The exit, from which one can begin climbing the mountain or heading to other attractions. · East Side: Mainly contains the Taoist temple area (eight temples) and Buddhist halls such as the Manjushri Hall and Guanyin Hall. · West Side: Mainly contains the Buddhist temple area (eight temples) and the God of Wealth Hall, etc. 📍Tour Suggestions: 1. Time Allowed: It is recommended to allocate 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. 2. Visiting Order: It is recommended to enter from the south gate along the central axis and systematically visit from front to back, then explore the east and west sides according to interest. Pay special attention to the Kuixing Pavilion, Imperial Stele Pavilion, Holy Emperor Hall, and Manjushri Hall/Guanyin Hall. 3. Cultural Experience: • Experience the unique atmosphere of the fusion of the three religions (Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism). • Appreciate the layout and details of the palace-style architecture. • Observe the worship methods of believers in different halls and understand the underlying religious needs. 4. Best Time to Visit: Early morning or non-holiday mornings, when there are fewer crowds and the atmosphere is better. 5. Recommended Itinerary: The Grand Temple is the starting point for visiting Hengshan Mountain. Usually, you visit the Grand Temple first, then take a bus or walk up the mountain to visit the Martyrs' Shrine, the Mirror Polishing Platform, Fuyan Temple, Nantai Temple, Zhurong Peak, and other mountaintop attractions. The Nanyue Grand Temple is a living cultural museum. It is not only an architectural marvel but also an excellent example for understanding the complex intertwined relationships of politics, religion, culture, and folk customs in traditional Chinese society. Here, imperial power and divine authority intertwine, official and popular dialogues take place, and Confucian ideals, Taoist philosophy, and Buddhist compassion coexist in the same space. For visitors, it offers an immersive cultural journey spanning hundreds of years. Whether you come to appreciate the architecture, explore the history, experience the faith, or simply pray and sightsee, the Nanyue Grand Temple will bring you an unforgettable shock and enlightenment with its unparalleled grandeur and profoundness.