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Located on the western slope of Shennong Peak, Shennongying is where the legendary Shennong once camped and rested while collecting herbs for the people. Shennongying is the entrance to Shennong Peak, known as the "Roof of Central China." It's a must-see to reach the highest point of Shennongjia, making it a popular spot for tourists and mountaineering enthusiasts to rest and recover.
This canyon, formed by two gentle slopes, is beautiful and sunny. The alpine meadows, like a velvety green carpet, are covered with clumps of arrow bamboo. From here, ascend to Shennong Peak, where you'll find precious medicinal herbs such as small clumps of Rhodiola rosea, a bead on the head, seven-leaf clumps, Shennong fragrant chrysanthemum, paridis chinensis, Gastrodia elata, and Kairijian. To the west lie three cirques from Quaternary glaciers.
At present, there are still four kinds of precious medicinal materials with market value in Shennongjia Nature Reserve and even the entire Shennongjia area, namely, a bowl of water by the river, a flower with seven leaves, a pen of King Wen, and a pearl on the head.
Shennong Camp is located in Shennongjia, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its rich biodiversity and pristine forests. It serves as a hub for eco-tourism and nature conservation education.
Located in Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province. Visitors typically reach it by taxi or private car from Yichang or local towns; bus services exist but are limited. Walking is required for trails inside the camp.
Open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best times for comfortable hiking and photography.
Entrance fee is approximately 60–80 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or through local travel agencies online.
Advance booking is optional but recommended during peak tourist seasons or weekends, ideally 1–2 days ahead.
Plan for 3–5 hours to explore the main trails, observation points, and cultural areas.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. English-speaking guides can be arranged through travel agencies for group visits.
Night visits are generally not offered due to safety concerns. Special ecological tours may be organized during certain seasons.
Weekdays and off-peak seasons are less crowded. Peak times are national holidays and summer months.
Facilities include restrooms, rest areas, small cafes, and souvenir shops near the visitor center.
Some trails are suitable for elderly and children; however, steep or uneven paths may not be fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Cash is accepted; mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Credit card acceptance may be limited.
Local eateries serve Hubei cuisine, with simple meals, snacks, and beverages. Visitor center cafés offer light refreshments.
Vegetarian options are generally available; halal options are limited and may require prior arrangements.
Several guesthouses and mid-range hotels are located near the Shennongjia area, suitable for overnight stays for tourists.
Souvenirs include local crafts, herbal products, wildlife-themed items, and handmade artifacts from ethnic minorities.
Taxis or private cars are convenient for traveling to nearby attractions or returning to Yichang or local towns. Some local buses connect to surrounding areas.
