One of China's Five Sacred Mountains (Wu Yue), Heng Shan has been reverently scaled by emperors since Qin Shi Huang, the first ruler to unify China, set the precedent.

Located between the Hebei Plain and the Great Wall, Heng Shan's strategic position led to it's being the scene of many an epic battle, but it's better known as a religious center, something it's been for over 2,000 years.

As such, the mountain's many faces are host to temples, including the amazing Daoist Hanging Temple, along with numerous ancient sites including the ruins of fortresses and beacon towers.

Part of a 250 kilometer-long crescent-shaped range stretching east to west, Heng Shan is a pleasant place to hike, with fragrant pines and fresh air—a rarity in heavily industrialized and mined Shanxi.

From the mountain's base, a 30-minute walk up a switchback trail brings you to Hengzong Si, Heng Shan's primary temple. Another 40 minutes and you'll find yourself at Heng Shan's peak.

Note that temperatures are usually cooler on the mountain than elsewhere in Shanxi.