# Fangguang Temple (方广寺)

Mount Heng (Nanyue Hengshan), Hunan Province · Central China, China · Guidebook rating: 3/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/fangguang-temple
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Time needed:** 1–2 hours
- **Getting there:** There are two routes from Nanyue District to Fangguang Temple. One is to travel to Xiling, cross Xiling to Mati Bridge on the back mountain, and continue by road to Fangguang Temple. The other is to follow the mountain path straight from Xiling. This route is more difficult.
- **Good for:** Gardens & Flowers, Temples

## About Fangguang Temple

Renowned for its profound and graceful atmosphere, Fangguang Temple lies beneath Lotus Peak. Ancient trees grow densely here, silver springs murmur, and eight surrounding peaks rise like the petals of a lotus, with Fangguang Temple at its heart. The area is home to many rare tree species, including Chinese yew, Yinque and Emmenopterys. One sal tree grows from a crevice in the rock and is several hundred years old.

## Tips from the guidebook

- Water Pools: Five kilometres from the temple lie several pools, including Huangsha Pool, Baisha Pool and Heisha Pool. Heisha Pool is so deep its bottom cannot be seen, and its water is dark blue-black. It forms a waterfall about 7 metres high and over 3 metres wide. On the cliff wall above the deep pool, the four characters "Hainan Longqiu" (Dragon Pool of Hainan), inscribed by Emperor Huizong of the Song dynasty, can still be seen.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 1992. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
Site: China Trip (https://cnatrip.com) — independent China travel guide in 13 languages.