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In Muyu Town, explore the traditional architecture and local culture, visit the Shennongjia Nature Reserve, and enjoy scenic hikes. You can also try local delicacies, and visit the Muyu Ancient Town for its historical atmosphere. Additionally, exploring the surrounding forests and waterfalls is highly recommended.
Muyu Town, Hubei Province, is located in the southern part of Shennongjia and has a long history. It was named after the stone bag shaped like a wooden fish in the sixth community of Muyu Village. At night, it would make the sound of monks knocking on wooden fish, so Muyu Town got its name from this when it was built.
As a provincial-level tourist resort, the town has famous tourist attractions such as Shennongding, Shennongtan, Tiansheng Bridge, and Xiangxiyuan. It is an important node and tourist gathering place on Hubei's "Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, Shennongjia, and Wudang Mountain" golden tourism line. It is the core part of the western Hubei ecological and cultural tourism circle, the Shennongjia tourism reception and service center, and the "window" for the forest area to open to the outside world.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
Shennong Altar
Standing amidst lush green mountains, the Shennong Altar has become a sacred site for descendants of the Yellow Emperor, both at home and abroad, to pay homage and worship their ancestors. The Altar consists of two separate altars, the Heavenly Altar and the Earthly Altar, built into the mountainside. In the center of the Temple of Heaven stands a massive statue of the Yan Emperor, Shennong, with the head of an ox and the body of a human. Beneath the Temple of Heaven stands the Earthly Altar, boasting a plaza that can accommodate thousands of people. The large circle in the plaza represents Heaven; at its center is a square, representing Earth. Within the square, colorful stones represent the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
Xiangxiyuan
Several underground springs converge into a clear, emerald green pool. The waters then flow through forests and valleys into the Muyu River, a 68.5-kilometer-long river that joins the Xihe River in Xingshan County and flows into the Xiangxi River. This emerald green pool is the source of the famous Xiangxi River. Surrounding the Xiangxi River's source are breathtaking peaks, shrouded in mist and clouds, crystal-clear springs, magnificent waterfalls, towering ancient trees, vibrant mountain flowers, and remnants of ancient glaciers within the valley. This place is a place of secluded beauty and natural beauty. Lu Yu, the tea sage of the Tang Dynasty, called the Xiangxi Source the "Fourteenth Spring in the World." The renowned contemporary poet Xu Chi was deeply moved by the scenery and wrote the three characters "Xiangxi Source" with great enthusiasm.
Shennongding
The Shennongjia Forest Area generally boasts elevations exceeding 1,000 meters, with six peaks exceeding 3,000 meters. The main peak, Shennongding, stands at 3,105.5 meters, earning its title as "Central China's Highest Peak." With frost year-round and snow for half the year, the alpine scenery is captivating. Opposite Shennongding, Da Shennongjia, at 3,053 meters, boasts bizarre peaks and rocks, exposed forests, and winding cedar trees weaving through the cracks in the rocks. Shennongding and Da Shennongjia, facing each other, create a majestic spectacle, surrounded by swirling clouds and mist, winding mountains, and a surging green and turquoise seams.
free
All day
Muyu Town is a historical town located in the Shennongjia region. It is known for its rich heritage and its role as a center of Tujia culture. The town also serves as a gateway to the Shennongjia National Nature Reserve, which is famous for its biodiversity and unique ecosystems, making Muyu a prime destination for eco-tourism.
Muyu Town is located in the Shennongjia region of Hubei Province. The best way to get there is by taking a train or flight to Shennongjia and then a taxi or private car to Muyu Town. There are also local buses that can take you within the region, but these may be less frequent.
There are no specific opening hours for Muyu Town, as it is a working town. However, the best times to visit are during the spring and autumn, when the weather is most pleasant. The summer months can be crowded with tourists, and the winter months may be cold and challenging to explore.
There is no specific entrance fee for visiting Muyu Town itself, but nearby attractions like the Shennongjia Nature Reserve may have an entrance fee of ¥50 to ¥80. Tickets for these attractions can be bought online or offline at the entrance of the nature reserve.
It is recommended to book tickets for the Shennongjia Nature Reserve in advance, especially during peak seasons. Booking 1-2 days in advance should be sufficient, but during holidays, booking earlier is advised to ensure availability.
To explore Muyu Town and its surrounding areas, you will need about half a day. However, if you're planning to visit Shennongjia Nature Reserve and other nearby attractions, you may need 1 to 2 days to fully enjoy the experience.
Guided tours are available for the Shennongjia Nature Reserve and may be offered in Mandarin. Audio guides may be available in Mandarin but are limited in English. It's best to arrange a guided tour in advance if you need an English-speaking guide.
Start by exploring Muyu Ancient Town to get a feel of the local culture. Then, head to the Shennongjia Nature Reserve for hiking and visiting the best viewpoints and waterfalls. If you have time, a nature walk in the nearby forests is recommended.
Night visits or light shows are not typical in Muyu Town. However, some local cultural performances may be available in the evenings during peak tourist seasons, showcasing Tujia dance and music.
Muyu Town and surrounding areas are most crowded during national holidays and summer weekends. The best times to visit with fewer tourists are during weekday mornings in spring or autumn.
There are basic facilities available, including toilets and rest areas in the town. Food and water are available in local shops, and there are small restaurants offering traditional dishes. Shops sell souvenirs, local crafts, and snacks.
The Muyu Town area is accessible for elderly and children, though the nature reserve may require more strenuous hiking, which could be difficult for elderly visitors. Some paths are uneven, so disabled visitors might face difficulty in some parts of the area. However, there are accessible routes near the town center.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly accepted. Cash is still recommended for some local vendors, especially in more remote areas. Credit cards may not be widely accepted in smaller shops.
In Muyu Town, there are a few local restaurants serving traditional Tujia food such as rice noodles and dumplings. Some of the local eateries may also offer hotpot dishes. There are also cafes for casual drinks and snacks.
Vegetarian options are available, especially in local restaurants that serve vegetarian Tujia dishes. Halal food may not be widely available, so it's best to inquire with the restaurant before dining.
There are several guesthouses and small hotels in and around Muyu Town. Some eco-lodges offer stays close to the Shennongjia Nature Reserve, providing a more immersive nature experience. For more luxurious stays, options are available in nearby towns.
There are souvenir shops in Muyu Town and surrounding areas selling local crafts, handmade jewelry, Tujia textiles, and herbal products. You can also find wooden carvings and local teas as souvenirs.
To continue your trip, you can take a taxi or bus from Muyu Town to Shennongjia Airport or other nearby towns. If you are traveling further, a train from Shennongjia to major cities like Yichang or Wuhan is available.
