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Shennongjia is located in western Hubei Province, bordering Chongqing's Wushan Mountains to the west, the Bashan Mountains to the south, and the Three Gorges. Legends of "wild men" have shrouded Shennongjia in mystery. Its unique location has earned it the eminent nickname "Roof of Central China." Furthermore, Shennongjia is the only administrative district in China named after a "forest area," marking it as one of the most undeveloped pristine forest areas. With over 85% forest coverage, breathing in the air rich in negative oxygen ions is a pure delight! Autumn marks the beginning of Shennongjia's magnificent autumn colors. Mysterious clouds and mist blend with the mountains, water, trees, and rocks, creating a sense of immersion in a primordial world.
Shennongding Scenic Area is the largest of the Shennongjia scenic areas and offers the most comprehensive scenery. It encompasses alpine meadows, karst stone forests, canyons, and forests, as well as a variety of rare wildlife, including golden monkeys and black bears. Shennongding is a vast area, encompassing numerous smaller attractions. Driving along the scenic road offers a variety of scenic spots, but it's important to plan your time accordingly. Blooming maple trees, tulip trees, sycamore trees, crabapple trees, walnut trees, and chestnut trees mingle among the evergreen vegetation, like an oil painter accidentally knocking over a can of paint. A vibrant array of colors flows along the mountain ridges, spreading layer upon layer: fiery red, dazzling golden yellow, lush emerald green, and vibrant azure blue.
Xiaolongtan
Xiaolongtan, the first stop on the Shennongjia itinerary, is a popular educational center for ecological conservation. It features a summer camp, a teahouse, and a scientific research station for wild animals. The most interesting attraction is the wildlife rescue station, which houses many small animals that can't survive independently in the wild, such as golden monkeys, black bears, and golden eagles. The black bears are usually asleep, and if you're lucky, the golden monkeys might interact with you, but most of the time they're solitary, or they'll just affectionately pick lice at each other and ignore you, acting quite aloof.
Dalongtan
When discussing Xiaolongtan, one cannot help but mention Dalongtan. Dalongtan is not a tourist attraction open to the public, but rather a conservation area for the Shennongjia golden snub-nosed monkeys. Dalongtan is home to approximately 80 golden snub-nosed monkeys. While it's rare for ordinary tourists to get up close and personal with these adorable creatures, these charming natural spirits add a vibrant touch to the autumn scenery of Shennongjia.
Our China-TravelNote photography team can take close-up photos of these cute little animals here. I wouldn’t tell most people about this. Interested tourists can scan the QR code to learn more.
Golden Monkey Ridge
Jinhouling, a key attraction within the Shennongding Scenic Area, lies adjacent to Hongyan Cave and Xiaolongtan, home to numerous golden snub-nosed monkeys. The steep mountains here, covered in wildflowers and fruits, make it one of the best places to admire primeval forests. Standing atop Jinhouling, you can admire towering ancient trees, the pristine forest landscape, and breathe in the fresh air. If you're lucky, you might even spot golden snub-nosed monkeys darting through the forest.
Shennongding
Shennongding's highest point, at 3,100 meters above sea level, is said to be the highest point on the "Roof of Central China." Few people can reach the summit, and many are deterred by the sight of the staircases soaring into the sky. Even those with a strong physique can expect to take 1.5-2 hours to ascend, and an hour to descend. However, as the saying goes, the most breathtaking scenery lies at the top of the mountain; only by reaching the summit can you experience the best views. Due to its high altitude, the summit is often shrouded in mist, with the ever-present wonder of the forest appearing and disappearing.
Shennong Valley
I personally think Shennong Valley offers the most stunning scenery. To truly appreciate it, you need to follow a U-shaped path from the mountaintop all the way down to the valley floor. From an elevation of approximately 2,700 meters, you descend all the way to the valley floor at 1,600 meters, and then ascend again. This is a one-way journey. Along the way, you'll see flora and fauna at varying altitudes: forests, wildflowers, grasslands, and insects. The valley floor is a jumble of rocks and cliffs, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Watchtower
This is the highest point accessible to tourists in the Shennongjia Forest Area. The 40-meter-high observation tower, built atop the Wangnong Pavilion at 2,998 meters, serves as a supporting facility for fire prevention and the detection of forest pests and diseases. From here, visitors can gaze across to Shennongding, the 3,100-meter-high peak known as Central China's highest point, making it a great spot for photography.
Taiziya to Pingqian Highway area
Why is this section worth mentioning even though it's not a scenic spot? Because this approximately 40-minute stretch of road is truly stunning in autumn. Along the way, you'll find vibrant, vibrant forests and fallen leaves strewn across the ground. Since Shennongding Scenic Area isn't open to external tour buses, only scenic buses and the occasional passing car pass through. If you're visiting with children, you'll be reluctant to leave. Remember to ask the driver to stop by the roadside.
Tips:
1. Shennongjia is at a high altitude and is quite cold in autumn, so it is recommended to bring some light jackets and sun-protective clothing;
2. The best time to visit Shennongding is in the morning. There is a high chance of fog in the afternoon, which may slightly obstruct the view.
3. Although the name of Jinhouling contains the word "monkey", it is actually the best place to visit the primeval forest. Whether you can see the golden monkeys depends on your luck. If you really want to see golden monkeys, you can choose to go to Xiaolongtan.
4. The entire Shennong Valley tour takes about three hours, which requires a certain amount of physical strength. Furthermore, mobile phone signal is poor at the bottom of the valley, making it easy to lose contact with your companions. It's recommended to plan your visit in advance and agree on a meeting point with friends and family to avoid delays.
Dajiu Lake is a plateau wetland lake, a rare flat expanse in Shennongjia known as Jiuhuping. It is also the largest alpine wetland in Central China. It boasts nine interconnected lakes of varying sizes. A full tour takes approximately three hours on foot, or two hours by car. This is the only place in Shennongjia where you can see a lake. If you tire of the majestic mountains, the sudden sight of these gentle waters is a refreshing relief. In autumn, Dajiu Lake resembles a girl draped in a veil of vibrant colors, a truly stunning sight.
Tips:
1. The first train to the scenic area departs at 7:30 in the morning and the last train is at 6:30 in the evening. The fare is 60 yuan per person.
2. You can choose to stay in Pingqian Ancient Town.
3. If you want to get up early to see the morning fog, you must book a parking space with the scenic area. The earliest parking space is around 6:00.
Xiangxiyuan, the closest place to Muyu Town, is the source of the Xiangxi River, Shennongjia's main river, hence its name. Legend has it that Wang Zhaojun, one of the four great beauties of the time, once lived by the stream and often washed her hands in it, giving it a fragrant aroma. Others say the area got its name from the orchids that blanket the hills, creating a fragrant atmosphere, adding a touch of romance to the stream's beauty.
Shennong Altar is currently the largest altar dedicated to the Yan Emperor, Shennong, in China. Built into the mountainside, it exudes grandeur. Large-scale sacrificial ceremonies are held every May, with a massive stone statue of the Yan Emperor serving as a symbol. The altar also houses over a thousand-year-old fir, ironwood, and dozens of rare and unnamed medicinal herbs.
Interested friends can go to the top of Shennong Altar to pray.
Since Shennongjia Scenic Area requires a combined ticket, and due to the altitude, the following attractions do not have any magnificent autumn scenery, but they are still worth a visit. Friends who have time can also visit the following scenic spots.
The Guanmenshan Scenic Area is located near Muyu Town. While the canyon scenery is certainly captivating, the pavilions nestled within the mountain are even more captivating. Numerous thumb-shaped wind vanes hang from the cliffs facing the valley, dotting the rock face with a dark mass. This is the primary production area for Shennongjia honey. The various pavilions here showcase a wealth of rare and valuable plants, including yew, indigo, Badong magnolia, ginkgo, white cabbage, and lianxiang trees, all of which are truly eye-opening. The animal pavilions also showcase various wild animal specimens. You can explore the scenic area on foot or by electric cart, where you'll spot squirrels roaming around.
Shennongjia is a tourist destination for all ages. There are also many activities and attractions suitable for children. You may want to try the parent-child route and take your children to explore Shennongjia.
Tianyan Scenic Area is named after the Yanziya Pass, located at an altitude of 2,200 meters. National Highway 209 traverses the cliffs. The cliffs are covered in verdant pines and firs, and covered in red birch, offering a breathtaking view of the mountains. The scenic area's hiking trails are worth walking all the way to the end. As you ascend the cliffs, you can occasionally spot cars disappearing into the canyon below. The entire trail takes about an hour and a half. The Yuntian Ferry connects the Yanjing Trail to the Yunzhan Trail at Huixian Bridge, also known as the "Rainbow Bridge," offering the perfect vantage point for viewing the Tianyan sea of clouds and sunset glow.
Although the scenic area is called "Natural Bridge," it's actually a winding, beautiful canyon, facing the Shennong Altar across a stream. A cascading waterfall cascades down the scenic area, flanked by wildflowers and lush trees, fragrant orchids, narrow hills, and a tranquil stream. The enchanting waterfalls, the breathtaking natural stone bridge, the fragrant orchid mountain, and the steep, concise stone cliff paths create a vibrant and colorful landscape painting. If you look closely at the stream's edge, you'll see bamboo tubes hanging from the water. These are food for the scenic area's birds, over 200 species of colorful birds forage here.
Tips:
1. The Shennongjia combo ticket is 269 yuan (Shennongding + Dajiu Lake + Tianyan + Guanmen Mountain + Shennongtan + Tiansheng Bridge), valid for five days with unlimited entries. (Xiangxiyuan ticket is 30 yuan). 2. Half-price tickets are available during the off-season (March 27th to November 26th). Discounted tickets are available with relevant legal documents. 3. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, but online purchases are only a few yuan cheaper. Tickets are also faster at the door, with virtually no queues.
4. Opening hours of all scenic spots: 7:00-17:30
Muyu Town is located south of Shennongding, with an average altitude of 1,200 meters. It's not far from attractions like Shennongding, Shennongtan, and Tiansheng Bridge, making it a popular destination for both travel agencies and self-driving tourists. As a relatively well-developed accommodation option within the scenic area, Muyu Town boasts the most comprehensive accommodation, dining, medical care, shopping, and transportation options in Shennongjia. Furthermore, Muyu Town offers excellent accommodation options, so self-driving travelers may consider staying overnight. Directions to the major scenic spots are clearly marked on the town's signposts, so there's no need to worry.
Hongping Town, located in the western Shennongjia Forest District, is the highest and most sparsely populated area in Shennongjia and even Hubei Province. Accommodation here is average, but it's a must-see on the way to the Tianyan Scenic Area. If you're planning to photograph the sunset at attractions like the Hongping Gallery in Tianyan Scenic Area, this is a good place to stay.
Pingqian Ancient Town is a must-see on the way to Dajiu Lake. Seeing the morning mist is a must-see, so most travelers stay there. Compared to other towns like Muyu, Pingqian Ancient Town focuses on accommodation and dining, with over 200 hotels and guesthouses of various levels. Because most hotels in Pingqian Town were relocated and renovated, the exteriors of the inns and guesthouses are similar, and each has a unique name. Furthermore, the inns offer convenient accommodation and dining options, and the local farmhouse cuisine is quite good.
Tips:
1. The reference price for a standard business room in Shennongjia is 220 yuan per room (prices may increase during peak season, but a 50% discount during off-season is not excessive!)
2. Due to its location, accommodation in Muyu Town may be a bit noisy. If you cannot tolerate it, you can choose to find some mountain hotels with good scenery on National Highway 209.
There are long-distance buses to Muyu Town from Yichang East Station. Tickets can be purchased on the website (reference price: 80 yuan per person).
From all over the country, you can fly to Wuhan and then transfer to Shennongjia Hongping Airport; if there is no suitable flight, you can fly to Yichang Three Gorges Airport and then take a long-distance bus to Muyu Town.
Tips:
1. During the peak season, the bus frequency between scenic spots will increase. During the off-season, the bus frequency will be every two hours. Generally, the bus will depart from Muyu Town on the hour.
2. There are shuttle buses from Muyu Town to various scenic spots. There will be very detailed introductions at the ticket window or each accommodation, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
In fact, besides the autumn scenery, Shennongjia is also a great place to visit year-round. Ski season runs from December to March, with four ski resorts covering over 100,000 square meters. In April, the mountains are still covered in snow, while the foothills are already dotted with light green. The slightly desolate mountainside and the vibrant life below create a beautiful contrast.
May and June are the peak bloom season for alpine azaleas, creating a vibrant, endless expanse of dark green. Hibernating animals, including squirrels, giant pandas, and sika deer, also awaken at this time.
July and August are the best times to escape the summer heat. While the number of tourists may increase slightly during this time, Shennongjia remains relatively quiet compared to other destinations. Thanks to its alpine climate, temperatures never exceed 20°C. Even during the months when the nation is under a heatwave alert, residents here may still be sleeping under heavy winter quilts weighing seven or eight kilograms.
September to October is the rainy season, and Shennongjia is cooler. Shennongjia in the rain has a unique hazy beauty, and it is also the season when fog is always easy to form.
From late October to November, Shennongjia's stunning autumn scenery begins. The rolling hills resemble a painting board, and the trees spread across the mountains are like a paint box accidentally overturned by heaven.
Shennongjia, nestled in Hubei Province, a region dominated by plains and hills, boasts a unique climate and rich natural landscapes. Whether it's the blooming alpine rhododendrons in spring, the enchanting grasslands of summer, the vibrant forests of autumn, or the ancient cliffside trees blanketed in snow in winter, these are all truly escapist and breathtaking scenes. A must-see if you have the chance!
