Nanyue South Heavenly Gate

Nanyue South Heavenly Gate

Located eighteen li from Nanyue Town, the South Heavenly Gate can be reached by ascending the winding mountain path behind the Nanyue Temple, passing the Halfway Pavilion and not far from Yehou Academy, before arriving at the mist-enveloped South Heavenly Gate. Below it lies the boat-shaped Wulong Rock, also called the Flying Boat, set against drifting clouds as if sailing through the sea of clouds, while the stone memorial archway of the South Heavenly Gate stands like a towering mast. The archway consists of a central gate and two side gates (left and right), with the three bright red characters “南天门” (South Heavenly Gate) inscribed on the horizontal plaque above the central gate, and the words “行云” (Moving Clouds) and “施雨” (Showering Rain) carved on the horizontal lintels of the side gates—neat and striking in appearance. The South Heavenly Gate marks the watershed between the front and back mountains of Nanyue. The sunny side is the front mountain, and the shady side is the back mountain. It also serves as the connecting link to the main peak. To the east is Zigai Peak, to the south is Yanxia Peak, to the west is Tianzhu Peak, and to the north is Biluo Peak, each embracing and extending from their respective directions.

Transportation

The South Heavenly Gate is located in Hengyang City, approximately 8 kilometers from Nanyue Town.

After passing the Halfway Pavilion and not far from Yehou Academy, you will arrive at the South Heavenly Gate. If you’re not hiking, you can take the cable car or tourist bus from the Halfway Pavilion to reach the South Heavenly Gate. The one-way fare for the cable car is 40 yuan, and the tourist bus costs 10 yuan to ascend the mountain.

Admission

No admission fee required

Included in the Nanyue Hengshan All-Inclusive Ticket (100 yuan).

Opening Hours

Peak season (April–October): 8:00–18:00

Off-season (November–March): 8:30–17:30

Location

Hengshan Scenic Area, Nanyue District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province