Heng Shan

Heng Shan is the Northern of the Five Sacred Peaks of the Empire. It is located at the three-way intersection of the borders of the Qin Chao Steppes, the Roof of the World, and the Jade Taiga. The summit is within the borders of the Qin Chao Steppes, although the western and southeastern slopes are mostly in the Roof and the Taiga respectively. Legend has it that it was first discovered by Lo Xu, the Explorer Emperor.

It is associated with the Wandering Path, and as such, is not as much a focal point of religious activity as the other four Sacred Peaks. The most well-known temple is the Hanging Shrine of the Northern Face, a wooden temple clinging to the cliff side, appearing to defy gravity with only a few wooden pillars as support. The temple is reputed to be over 1700 years old; it has 36 wooden pavilions and chambers linked by an ingenious system of pillars, posts and walkways.

The north slope is covered with verdant pine trees, and many exotic flowers and rare herbs can be found nestled at their roots.