The Nanyue Temple is located at the foot of Hengshan Mountain in Nanyue District (formerly Nanyue Town) of Hengyang City. It was first built in the Tang Dynasty and has undergone various repairs since then. The existing building was renovated in the eighth year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1882). The main hall of the temple enshrines the Hengshan Mountain God - Fire God Zhurong, who is said to be an official in charge of fire under the Yellow Emperor, in charge of southern affairs. The Fire God resides in Hengshan and is buried there after his death.
Starting from the fourth year of the Xiangfu reign of the Song Dynasty (1011 AD), "Fire God Zhurong" was conferred the title of "Southern Yue Si Tianzhao Holy Emperor", and the architectural form of the Southern Yue Temple was upgraded to the level of an emperor. This is also a large ancient architectural complex in Jiangnan, China. In addition to the main buildings along the central axis, Nanyue Temple has eight Taoist temples and eight Buddhist temples on the east and west sides of the temple, corresponding to the regulations of Taoism's "Purple Qi Comes from the East" and Buddhism's "Ultimate Bliss". Buddhism and Taoism coexist and practice in the same temple, which is very rare. The scale of each Taoist temple and temple is very small, and visiting the Nanyue Temple mainly focuses on the main buildings along the central axis.
When you stand in front of the "Great Temple", you can see the main entrance called "Lingxing Gate", named after "Lingxing", which means that talented people have emerged. Only a few places like Confucius Temple and here use "Lingxing" to name the temple gate. After the Lingxing Gate is the "Kuixing Pavilion". In Taoism, the "Kuixing" is in charge of the fate of literati and scholars. Nowadays, many parents bring their children here to pray for academic success.
Along the central axis, you can reach the second courtyard. To the east of the courtyard is the "Wenchang Hall", which leads to eight Taoist temples on the east side; To the west are the "Six Temples Same Door" and eight Buddhist temples on the west side of Tongda Temple. In this courtyard, you can also see a stone tablet with the inscription "Inscription on the Reconstruction of Nanyue Temple" written by Emperor Kangxi. The core building of Nanyue Temple is the main hall on the central axis, which houses the "Fire God Zhurong", also known as the "Holy Emperor Hall". There is a square in front of the hall, which is used for worshipping gods, performing plays, and paying respects to incense.
Legend has it that the "Holy Emperor of Nanyue" (Fire God Zhurong) has always responded to every request and is very effective, so the incense here is very strong. Especially during the lunar months of July, August, September, and religious festivals, many believers come here to burn incense and pray, and monks and Taoists also come here to preach. At that time, the main hall is bustling with activity.
In addition, when visiting the main temple, you can also see various deities worshipped in each hall, such as the Wu God of Wealth Zhao Gongming in the God of Wealth Hall. If you are interested, you can worship the Wenzhu Bodhisattva and other deities enshrined in the Wenzhu Hall one by one.
Travel Tips
Address:No. 2 Beizhi Street, Nanyue District, Hengyang City
Telephone:0734-5673377
Opening Hours:May 1st October 31st 7:00-17:30; From November 1st to April 30th of the following year, 7:30-17:30.
Ticket:CNY 50