Nanyue Damiao, the Grand Temple of Mount Heng, sits at the base of the mountain in Nanyue town before the main park entrance. Dating in its current form to the Song dynasty (rebuilt repeatedly since its Tang origins), it is one of the largest surviving temple complexes in southern China — comparable in overall scale to the Forbidden City, though entirely different in style and atmosphere. The 98 structures are arranged along a formal north-south axis through a series of courtyards, gates, and pavilions.
The temple is unusual in that it houses shrines to both Taoist and Buddhist deities within a single compound — a reflection of the mountain's own religious duality. The central hall is particularly impressive, with enormous carved pillars and a ceiling heavy with gilded decoration. The outer courtyards are planted with ancient trees, some said to be hundreds of years old. Entry costs around ¥35 and is busiest during spring festival and the main pilgrimage seasons.