01City Guide
Nanyue Mount Hengshan Scenic Area
南岳衡山风景名胜区
All Ages
Admission
CNY 110 for central scenic-area admission; eco-shuttle ticket booked separately
Typical Visit
6-8 hours
Quick Facts
Ticket
CNY 30
Hours
08:00-17:30
Transport
No direct metro; taxi or ride-hail from Nanyue Town (南岳镇) or the visitor center
Duration
1.5-2 hours
Best Time
Late spring to early autumn, especially after rainfall
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Make this a separate foothill excursion
Travel from Nanyue Town or the visitor center by short taxi or ride-hailing trip. Water Curtain Cave is not part of the central scenic area's uphill eco-shuttle route.
Tip:Plan it as its own stop rather than trying to add it to a mountain-climbing itinerary.
2
Buy the separate admission ticket
Water Curtain Cave admission is not included with the Mount Hengshan central scenic-area ticket. The site normally opens from 08:00 to 17:30.
Tip:Keep its ticket and timing separate from the central scenic area and mountain transport.
3
Walk the stream-valley route
Walk slowly up the valley, taking in the Zhuling Cave Heaven inscription, Zhuling Palace, cliff inscriptions and the waterfall viewing area.
Tip:Allow 1.5-2 hours and wear shoes with good grip because paths near the waterfall can be wet.
4
Set expectations by weather and water flow
Check the weather and recent rainfall before setting out. The waterfall and valley are the main draw, and water flow can be limited in the dry season.
Tip:Skip the waterfall section during heavy rain, thunderstorms or any temporary access restriction.
Highlights
- The Water Curtain waterfall at the end of the valley is the clearest reason to make this separate visit.
- Cliff inscriptions add historical interest to the natural walking route.
- Zhuling Palace and the Zhuling Cave Heaven inscription form the cultural focus near the entrance.
- The route is short and suits visitors who do not plan to climb the mountain but still want a waterfall and valley walk.
- After rainfall, stronger water flow, spray and lush valley vegetation make the experience more complete.
Insider Tips
✦In the dry season, the valley, inscriptions and Zhuling Palace still make a worthwhile visit, but do not expect a powerful waterfall.
✦Stone paths and steps near the waterfall can be wet. Wear shoes with good grip, stay behind barriers and keep out of the stream.
✦Bring drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection in summer; food and drink choices inside are limited.
✦Skip the waterfall section during heavy rain, thunderstorms or any temporary access restriction.
✦If time is tight, Water Curtain Cave works best as a stand-alone add-on of less than half a day, not as a stop along the mountain climb.
More Hengshan Attractions
02Built Heritage
Nanyue Grand Temple
南岳大庙
All Ages
Admission
CNY 58
Typical Visit
2-3 hours
03City Guide
Zhurong Peak
祝融峰
Adults Focused
Admission
Included with CNY 110 central scenic-area admission; eco-shuttle ticket booked separately
Typical Visit
2-3 hours from Nantianmen, including the return walk
04City Guide
Nantianmen
南天门
Adults Focused
Admission
Included with CNY 110 central scenic-area admission; eco-shuttle ticket booked separately
Typical Visit
20-40 minutes, plus the summit walk
05City Guide
Shangfeng Temple
上封寺
Adults Focused
Admission
Included with CNY 110 central scenic-area admission; eco-shuttle ticket booked separately
Typical Visit
1-2 hours
06City Guide
Zhurong Hall
祝融殿
Adults Focused
Admission
Included with CNY 110 central scenic-area admission; eco-shuttle ticket booked separately
Typical Visit
30-45 minutes at the summit