祝融峰, Sacred peak in Hengshan Mountain, China
Zhurong Peak is the highest point of Hengshan Mountain in Hunan Province, standing at about 1,290 meters (4,232 feet). Stone paths and hiking trails wind up the forested slopes to reach the summit and the temples that sit at the top.
In ancient times the mountain served as a sacred center where Chinese kings like Yao and Shun performed ceremonial rituals. These royal visits established the mountain's importance as a spiritual and political seat.
The peak bears the name of Zhurong, the Chinese deity of fire, and holds multiple temples where visitors can observe traditional spiritual practices and reverence. The temples themselves show how local people have understood the sacred connection between mountains and divinity over many generations.
Access is through marked hiking trails, with the main entrance in Nanyue District offering organized tours and transportation services. Starting early in the day gives you enough time to walk up, explore the temples, and return before sunset.
The mountain is home to two of the last wild velvet soapberry trees remaining on Earth, found in only a few locations worldwide. These rare trees are protected as part of the site's conservation efforts to maintain its unique ecology.
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