Since ancient times, Hengyang has been renowned for its flourishing literary culture and the emergence of outstanding talents. Historical figures include Jiang Wan, a key minister assisting the state of Shu Han; Cai Lun, the inventor of papermaking; Wang Fuzhi (also known as Wang Chuanshan), a prominent philosopher; and Peng Yulin, the commander of the Xiang Army’s naval forces.

During the Northern Song Dynasty, Zhou Dunyi’s Diagram of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji Tushuo) pioneered Neo-Confucian philosophy by proposing significant ideas about the origins of the universe. This work profoundly influenced the formation and development of the Huxiang School of thought. As one of the four major schools of Neo-Confucianism during the Song and Ming dynasties, the rise of Hunan culture is closely intertwined with the spread of the Huxiang School and the nurturing environment of Huxiang culture.

In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Wang Fuzhi (courtesy name Ernong, style name Chuanshan) was revered alongside Gu Yanwu and Huang Zongxi as one of the “Three Great Thinkers.” His character demonstrated a strong sense of national identity and exerted a lasting influence.With wooden clogs on his feet and an oil-paper umbrella in his hand, he famously declared, “I will not bow my head under Qing rule nor set foot on Qing soil,” vividly expressing his deep attachment to the Han people of the Ming Dynasty. Tan Sitong once praised him, saying, “In the past five hundred years, the only true scholar who understood the world was Chuanshan.” He also described Wang’s ideas as “transcending all ages.”

Today, historical sites such as the Xiangxi Caotang (Xiangxi Thatched Cottage) in Caitangwan, Xiangxi Village, Qulan Town, and the Tomb of Wang Fuzhi on Mount Luoshan in Hengyang County are still well preserved and open for public admiration.

Hengyang is also home to many other renowned historical sites, such as the former residence of Marshal Luo Ronghuan in Nanwan Village, Ronghuan Township, Hengdong County; the former residence of Zeng Guofan in Shuangfeng County; and the former residence of martyr Xia Minghan in Hongshi Town.

With its abundant cultural resources, Hengyang is well positioned to integrate pilgrimage tourism centered around Mount Nanyue and various industrial tourism initiatives, forming a robust regional tourism system. With the planning and development of projects such as the Shigu Cultural Area, Hengyang has seized an early advantage in diversifying its tourism offerings and promoting regional integration.

During the prolonged revolutionary struggles, the Xiangnan Student Federation, based in Hengyang, produced many heroic figures, including Xia Minghan, Jiang Xianyun, Huang Jingyuan, Zeng Zhongsheng, Chen Weiren, Wu Yunfu, Zhang Jichun, He Baozhen, Guan Zhonglian, Mao Zejian, Jiang Hua, Huang Kecheng, and Tang Tianji, among others.

Today, Hengyang continues to be a cherished hometown for countless individuals.In the works of writer Qiong Yao, the deep longing for her homeland is vividly portrayed, with special mention of “Hengyang Road” in Taipei.The poet Luo Fu (“The Demon of Poetry”) proudly proclaimed, “I am not a coward; I am a Hengyang native!”Renowned writer Lung Ying-tai (Long Yingtai) affectionately described Hengyang as “my eternal dreamland.”Famous photographer Chen Changfen stated, “I am watching over my homeland, Hengyang.”Former State Sports Commission Director Wu Shaozu said, “My roots are in Hengyang.”Celebrated painter Zhong Zengya expressed, “I am proud to be a Hengyang native.”

Hengyang has also nurtured a host of notable figures in Huxiang culture, such as Ma Jigao, Bai Shuxiang, Zi Huajun, Teng Wensheng, Long Xinmin, Tang Haoming, Guan Chufei, Wang Zhi, Xie Lisi, Wu Yujun, as well as Hunan’s “Zhang Haidi” Li Li, and “Earthquake Hero” Tan Qianqiu.Moreover, Hengyang is recognized as a cradle of sports champions.World champions like Li Jing, Ling Jie, Liu Yuxiang, and Luo Xihe — who famously defeated “The Stone Buddha” Lee Chang-ho — all hail from Hengyang.

Today, Hengyang Ancient City has been designated as one of Hunan Province’s first batch of Historical and Cultural Cities and has been included as a key city in Hunan’s “Tenth Five-Year Plan” for tourism development.

By leveraging the former residences of great revolutionary figures as the foundation for “Red Tourism,” Hengyang has promoted historical and cultural tourism projects such as the Anti-Japanese War Memorial City, the Xiangnan Student Federation Site, and the Lujiaxinwu (Lu Family New House). It has also integrated resources from cultural landmarks such as Shigu Academy and Chuanshan Academy, utilized the scenic banks of the Xiang River and its rich water resources, innovated thematic elements, and planned a large-scale tourism circle, fostering effective connections with surrounding regions.A favorable humanistic environment and a harmonious social atmosphere have contributed to building a high-quality cultural brand, further enhancing Hengyang’s urban influence.