Amazing Mount Heng

Dongyue is in Shandong, Xiyue is in Shaanxi, Nanyue is in Hunan, Zhongyue is in Henan, and, where is Beiyue? Beiyue is in Datong city, Shanxi province. When you come to Shanxi, you must go to visit Datong, and when you come to Datong, you must go to visit Beiyue—Mount Heng. If you go to Hengshan Mountain, you will be enchanted by the beautiful scenery here and admire the magic of nature.

Mount Heng, also called Beiyue. It is one of the Five Mountains in China---(Dongyue) Mountain Tai 泰山 in Shandong, (Nanyue) Mountain Heng 衡山 in Hunan, (Xiyue) Mountain Hua 华山 in Shanxi, (Beiyue) Mountain Heng 恒山 in Shanxi and (Zhongyue) Mountain Song 嵩山 in Henan.

According to historical records, 4000 years ago, Emperor Shun traveled and hunted around the whole country. When he saw Mount Hneg, he was shocked by the tall and rugged Mount Heng and then he gave this mountain a name Beiyue which means the suzerain of mountain in the north of country. The main peak is located in the south of 4 miles away from Huiyuan county, Shanxi province with an altitude of 2016.8 meters. It is towering and imposing, and it is a famous tourist attraction and the Holy Land of Taoism in China.

Mount Heng forms the watershed between the Sangan River--tributary of Hai River and the Hutuo River. It is said that Mount Heng has 108 peaks, extending from east to west for 150 miles, stretch across Shanxi province and Hebei province. It connects Yanmen Pass in its west, across Tai-hang Mountain in its east.

Mount Heng is well known because of Taoism, and appeal to tourist with its steep mountain. During Emperor Qin Shi Huang period, he titled 12 mountains in the whole country. Mount Heng was titled as the second best mountain in the world. In history, Emperor Qin and Emperor Wu of Han dynasty, Emperor Taizong of Tang dynasty and Emperor Taizu of Song dynasty made their visit to Mount Heng and hold ritual activities. After that, emperors sent ministers to Mount Heng to pilgrimage. And many celebrities and scholars like poet Li po, Jia dao made their tour to Mount Heng, and write poem for Mount Heng.

Pine trees of Mount Heng are very special and unique in style and shape. Among these pine trees, there are four aged-old pines of Tang dynasty with peculiar shape, which are called “four different styles”. The roots of four old pines are suspended outside the stone and hold it tightly, standing proudly, showing great momentum. Clouds of Mount Heng change irregularly. There is a Chuyun Cave close to Nuwa Temple, lying in mountainside. You will think a lot of interesting things with your imagination when you see continuously white air wander from the cave.

There are two itineraries of visiting Mount Heng. The first itinerary is to ride from Hunyuan county and passing by Tangzhuang, Xuankong temple and Yuemen bay and after you park your car at the parking lot then you could go Buyun road to climb to the top of Mount Heng. The second itinerary is riding from Hunyuan County and passing by the second chemical plant and arriving at the Longwanggou parking lot, and then you could go pavement to the top. On the way to the top, you will see beautiful scenery of various temples or pavilions covered by green pines and verdant cypresses.

Mount Heng is beautiful all year around. In spring, all flowers are in bloom, and the flavor is everywhere. It is a good time and good place to have an outing in spring in Mount Heng. In summer, the clear breeze blows gently, and Mount Heng is really a good summer resort. In autumn, it is a good place to enjoy the sight of red leaves and go hiking accompany with friends. In winter, the mountain is covered by white snow. The unique landscape and profound history make Mount Heng a special scenery spot combines natural landscape with human landscape that attracting many overseas tourists.