Renowned as China's "Land of Nonferrous Metals," "Land of Nonmetallic Minerals," "Granary of Fish and Rice," and "Hometown of Oil Tea Camellia," Hengyang features the globally recognized Shuikoushan Lead-Zinc Mine ("World Lead Capital"), leads Asia in albite reserves, and holds South China's largest rock salt deposits. The city boasts 69 mineral types, 1,047 woody plant species (99 families, 342 genera), and over 200 mammal and bird species. Four primary tributaries of the Xiangjiang River – Chongling, Zhengshui, Leishui, and Mishui – each drain basins exceeding 3,000 km² within its territory.

Steeped in over 2,300 years of history, Hengyang stands as a cultural cradle of Huxiang Culture, renowned for its enduring religious traditions and scholarly heritage. Legendary tales resonate through its lands – Shennong's agricultural innovations, Cai Lun's papermaking revolution, Zhou Dunyi's philosophical explorations, and Wang Chuanshan's intellectual legacy. The city has nurtured luminaries including inventor Cai Lun, philosopher Wang Chuanshan, and military strategist Luo Ronghuan, whose collective contributions have elevated the city's cultural stature. Natural wonders crown its landscape: Mount Heng (Nanyue), one of China's Five Sacred Peaks, has served as imperial worship grounds since ancient times. Scenic highlights encompass Tiantang Mountain, Cai Lun Bamboo Sea, Goulou Peak, and the "China Seal Mountain". Cultural landmarks feature Shigu Academy (one of China's Four Great Ancient Academies) and 14 state-level cultural heritage sites under State Council protection, including Nanyue Martyrs' Shrine, Xiangnan Uprising Headquarters (Peilan House), Nanyue Temple, Cai Hou Memorial Temple, Water-Mouth Mountain Lead-Zinc Smelting Site, Hengzhou Kiln Complex,Wang Chuanshan's Residence & Tomb, Luo Ronghuan's Former Home, Dayu Village Wang Clan Ancestral Hall, and Xiangnan Student Union Site. The "Eight Scenic Wonders of Hengzhou" – Yanfeng Misty Rain, Shigu River Views, Zhuling Mystic Caves, Qingcao Fishing Villages, Huayao Spring Streams, Yueping Snowscapes, Dongzhou Peach Waves, and West Lake White Lotuses – epitomize its poetic landscapes.