It lies in the central south of Hunan. With an area of 45,310 square kilometers and a population of 7,189,500, it consists of five districts (Yanfeng, Shigu, Zhuhui, Zhengxiang, Nanyue), two cities(Changning, Leiyang) and five counties (Hengnan, Hengyang, Hengshan, Hengdong, Qidong).

　　It has been called a “city of wild geese” since ancient times, as flocks of wild geese stay here for the winter after a long journey from the north. Within the city is Returning Goose Peak, a symbol of the “city of wild geese”.

　　Hengyang is rich in historical relics and beautiful natural scenery. The memorial temple to Marquis Cai Yong of the Han Dynasty, the Shigu (stone drum) Academy of Classical Learning and the tablet to the legendary Emperor Yu have attracted visitors for thousands of years. Mount Heng, one of the “five sacred mountains” of China, is famous for its magnificent landscape and ancient temples.

　　Two major railways and two expressways run through this area. Three rivers are open to shipping of up to 1,000 dwt displacement to reach the Yangtze River and all coastal cities. The Huanghua International Airport in Changsha is about two hours’ drive from Hengyang. The city is one of the major producers of food grains, lean-meat pigs and cooking oil in China, and its agricultural production leads the country. Meanwhile, its process of industrialization is being accelerated. It is now China’s largest mining equipment manufacturer. It also produces small-bore steel tubes, processes beallon (an alloy of beryllium and copper), makes ultra-high-voltage transformers and manufactures fine chemicals. It is also the largest biological pharmaceuticals production center in south-central China.