The most convenient access is by high-speed train to Hengshan West station (also called Nanyue station), from which Nanyue town at the base of the mountain is a short taxi or bus ride. From Changsha the train takes about 30 minutes; from Guangzhou about two hours. Hengyang is the nearest major city, about 45 minutes by bus or shared taxi from Nanyue.
Within the mountain park, cable cars run from Nanyue town to mid-mountain and from mid-mountain toward the upper section. The park entrance ticket (¥80 off-season, ¥120 in summer) includes internal shuttle buses. A full day is needed for the summit; starting early avoids the worst of the midday crowds and gives the best chance of clear summit views.