Live Your Best Lives
Shennongjia may be considered by most as a legendary land of "wild men," but this alpine forest in central China not only marks the natural boundary of Bachu and the watershed between the Han and Yangtze Rivers, but also boasts the highest peaks in all of central and eastern inland China. It boasts one of the most intact subtropical ecosystems in China. Six peaks exceed 3,000 meters, creating a climate fundamentally different from that of the Yangtze and Han River plains. Snow is always a winter staple. This unique climate ensures a five-month snowfall period, ensuring snowscapes and quality rival those found in northern China. Shennongjia has become one of the few alpine snow parks in southern China.
The Shennongjia forest area covers a vast area and boasts numerous scenic spots. Visitors to Shennongjia typically prioritize the six major scenic areas: Shennongding, Dajiu Lake, Tianyan Scenic Area, Shennongtan, Guanmen Mountain, and Tiansheng Bridge. These are also the six locations included in the Shennongjia Pass. However, due to winter snowfall, we were unable to take the scenic shuttle bus from Shennongding to Pingqian, and had to travel back and forth via Muyu Town, a minor winter disappointment. (Those wishing to visit Dajiu Lake will need to travel back and forth via Pingqian and visit the Dajiu Lake Scenic Area separately.) However, Shennongjia offers a wide variety of activities in winter, beyond simply visiting the scenic spots.
Shennongding Scenic Area is the highest area in Shennongjia, also known as the "Roof of Central China," with an elevation of 3,105 meters. This is Shennongjia's largest and most extensive scenic area, and a thorough exploration might take a day. Due to the snow, not all areas are suitable for winter visits. But reaching the summit for a panoramic view of Shennongjia is a journey you won't regret. Enjoy a short hike through the Jinhouling primeval forest, observe wildlife at Xiaolongtan, visit the lookout tower and Shennong Valley, and finally, if you're lucky, witness the sea of clouds.
If you wander through the sparsely populated areas of Shennongding, you might spot hibernating wildlife; be sure not to disturb their slumber. Perhaps the most captivating animal in Shennongjia is the adorable golden snub-nosed monkeys below. If you're lucky, you might spot these lovely golden monkeys darting through the pristine forest. They are Shennongjia's most adorable creatures.
Tips:
1. It is generally more cost-effective to buy a combined ticket for Shennongjia. However, due to the snow in winter, we cannot visit every scenic spot, so it is more cost-effective to buy tickets for each scenic spot separately. The off-season ticket for Shennongding is 65 yuan/adult
2. Stores in the scenic area may not be open in winter. If you drive or take a scenic shuttle bus, it is recommended to bring hot water, dry food and other food.
3. China-TravelNote Shennongjia Winter Camp has exclusively arranged a trip to Dalongtan for close encounters with wild golden monkeys, allowing parents and children to have a close encounter with these adorable creatures.
Dajiu Lake, with its dreamlike landscapes, was featured in the film "The Assassin" as the Peach Blossom Spring, a place where Tang Dynasty knights retreated to in seclusion. It is also the legendary base where Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, Li Xian, trained his troops during his exile in Fangzhou. As the largest alpine wetland in Central China, it seems naturally destined to be a hidden haven, a place where the emperor is far away and the clouds are deep, making it impossible to escape. Nine interconnected bodies of water, large and small, stretch across this 17 square kilometers of flat land. Surrounded by mountains rising to 2,800 meters, this unique climate creates a magical alpine wetland climate, a unique experience not found elsewhere. In winter, Dajiu Lake lacks the vibrant energy of summer, but possesses a uniquely desolate beauty. After National Day, the already under-visited Dajiu Lake scenic area becomes even more deserted, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts in winter.
(Pictures from the Internet)
(Pictures from the Internet)
(Pictures from the Internet)
(Pictures from the Internet)
(Pictures from the Internet)
(Pictures from the Internet)
Tips:
1. There is no shuttle bus in the Dajiu Lake scenic area in winter. It is recommended to drive yourself or hire a local car. If you drive yourself, it is recommended to equip snow tires/snow chains
2. There will be morning fog at Dajiu Lake in winter. Generally, you need to set off from Pingqian around 5:30. Traffic moves slowly in winter, so you should leave enough time to get to the scenic area.
3. If you don't want to plan your own trip, you can follow our China-TravelNote to enjoy the beauty of Dajiu Lake.
Shennongjia's scenic spots are primarily concentrated in the southwestern part of the forest. The more expansive central and eastern parts are inaccessible, but they offer more pristine forest scenery. If you're a hiking enthusiast, camping fan, and those who enjoy being away from the crowds, then traversing the Shennongjia No Man's Land will be one of the coolest things to do this winter! This sparsely populated area is filled with wild charm. Laojun Mountain, east of Muyu Town, rises 2,936 meters above sea level. While the winter hike is significantly more intense than in the summer, the views are still some of the best in Shennongjia! There are no supplies along the way, so we don't recommend going alone. However, hiring a guide and bringing along fellow outdoor enthusiasts is a truly memorable trip!
Tips:
1. The starting point of the Shennongjia No Man’s Land hike is in Caiqi Village, Muyu Town. You can hire a local guide here and also get supplies here.
2. There is no signal and no supplies in the uninhabited area. In addition to repacking tents and other regular outdoor supplies, you must bring a walkie-talkie.
In winter, snow is undoubtedly the highlight of the season. With snowfall generally scarce in southern China, skiing has become a rare luxury. However, while many travel destinations are turning to the Northeast, Shennongjia in Hubei, thanks to its unique high-altitude climate, boasts a blanket of snow in winter. The quality and quantity of snow here rival those in the Northeast, while the temperatures are not as cold. This is a blessing bestowed upon the people of Shennongjia by nature. Shennongjia boasts three ski resorts: Tianyan Ski Resort, Shennongjia International Ski Resort, and Longjiangping Ski Resort. All three are well-equipped and located near National Highway 209. While the resorts themselves are similar, there are some minor differences, allowing you to choose one based on your needs.
Tianyan Ski Resort, located near the Tianyan Scenic Area in Shennongjia and close to National Highway 209, is the highest ski resort south of central China. It boasts a five-kilometer-long cross-country trail with the steepest gradient. The thick snow and gentle beginner slopes make it a great place for beginners to practice. It's less crowded than Shennongjia International Ski Resort, making it a good choice for families with limited skiing experience.
Shennongjia International Ski Resort, located in Jiuhuping, near Muyu Town, is considered the largest ski resort in southern China. It offers a variety of skiing options, from beginner to advanced, suitable for all levels of skiing. Besides skiing, it also offers a variety of snow activities, such as snow tubing and snowmobiling.
The ski resort is well-equipped with dining, ski equipment, entertainment, and accommodation facilities. It's also close to Muyu Town, making it a popular choice for skiers visiting Shennongjia. However, due to its large size, it doesn't get overcrowded during major holidays.
Tips:
Shennongjia International Ski Resort can be crowded during holidays, so we recommend making reservations in advance if you're going alone. You can also choose to go with your China-TravelNote friends.
Longjiangping Ski Resort is located in the Longjiangping Ecological Tourism Resort in Shennongjia, less than a half-hour drive from Muyu Town. It boasts comprehensive facilities and is close to numerous mid-range and high-end hotels, making transportation and accommodations convenient. The resort also offers night skiing, making it a great choice for skiers who want to avoid the crowds.
Tips:
Longjiangping Ski Resort has a smaller capacity than Tianyan Ski Resort and Shennongjia International Ski Resort. If you need to go, it is recommended to book a daytime or nighttime ski session in advance to avoid the embarrassment of not being able to ski when you arrive.
The best accommodation in Longjiangping Resort is the five-star Arcadia Forest Hotel. Its rooms are comfortable, the forest is quiet at night, and it's close to the ski resort. There are also free indoor facilities such as a swimming pool.
China-TravelNote exclusively arranges a skiing experience at Arcadia Forest Hotel and Longjiangping Ski Resort. Interested friends, please click below!
If it weren't for other factors like transfers, Muyu Town would undoubtedly offer the most accommodation and dining options in Shennongjia. Despite having a population of only 80,000 in the entire forest area, it's the busiest town on the mountain. It boasts relatively comprehensive public facilities, with a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and snack shops, offering a wide variety of options. While it can get busier during the winter ski season, it's off-season after National Day, so accommodation prices are highly negotiable. It's also Shennongjia's most convenient hub, with daily long-distance buses to Yichang, Shiyan, and other locations.
Pingqian Ancient Town is another important accommodation destination in the Shennongjia Forest District, second only to Muyu Town. However, due to the renovation of the Dajiu Lake Scenic Area many years ago, many families moved here. Although it is called Pingqian Ancient Town, it is actually a new town. Due to the simultaneous construction, apart from a few star-rated hotels, the remaining B&Bs all have a similar architectural style and similar room rates. Most B&Bs have hotels on the ground floor. The cuisine here is mostly Tujia cuisine, and the taste is quite good.
Hongping Town is located in the central-western part of the Shennongjia Forest District, near Fang County. It's very close to the Tianyan Scenic Area and the Tianyan Ski Resort. However, due to its geographical location and other objective factors, the accommodation here isn't as well developed as in Muyu Town, and the accommodations are generally average. Therefore, it's recommended to stay in Muyu Town. The drive from Hongping to Muyu is about an hour and a half.
If you don’t like the hustle and bustle of the town, there are some star-rated hotels and B&Bs in some scenic mountains along the line from Muyu Town to Hongping Town. The prices may be slightly higher than in the town, but some hotels are close to scenic spots and ski resorts, which is sometimes a good choice. You can find them on major travel apps and maps.
Direct long-distance buses run to Muyu Town from Yichang, Shiyan, and Wudang Mountain. Buses also run to and from Wuhan. Muyu Bus Station also has daily buses to various destinations. However, aside from the frequent daily departures to and from Yichang, there aren't many buses to other destinations. Therefore, it's worth inquiring ahead of time; hotel staff will generally be happy to assist.
If you are driving, you can go to Muyu Town from Fang County or Yichang. If you are going to Pingqian, it is recommended to go from Yichang or Badong and follow Yanduhe Town to Pingqian Ancient Town.
Yichang, Shiyan, and Wudang Mountain all have train connections, making them the closest train stations to the Shennongjia Forest Area. Buses run to Muyu Town in Shennongjia from these areas, making travel relatively convenient. Yichang is the most recommended hub, offering convenient train, high-speed rail, and flight options for travelers from all over the country.
Shennongjia has its own airport, which is the fastest way to get there, regardless of other factors. However, there are currently only a few flights from Wuhan, Chongqing, Pudong, and other places, and in winter, tickets to Shennongjia are hard to come by. Therefore, I don't recommend it.
Tips:
1. There are direct buses to Muyu Town from Yichang Central Bus Station and Yichang Long-distance Bus Station (76 yuan per adult, 6:50-3:40, approximately one bus per hour).
2. Muyu Bus Station – Wuhan (7:30 AM; approximately 171 RMB per adult)
3. Muyu Bus Station - Yichang (6:50-15:40; approximately 76 yuan per adult, approximately one hour per bus)
4. Muyu Bus Station - Shiyan (8:30; about 90 yuan/adult)
5. Muyu Bus Station - Wudang Mountain (11:30; approximately 100 yuan/adult)
6. Because Shennongjia is at a high altitude and the mountain roads may be slippery due to the accumulation of snow, it is recommended that you prepare anti-skid chains or snow tires if you are driving by yourself.
In this snowy season across the country, while everyone flocks to Northeast China, Shennongjia offers a wealth of options. Whether it's skiing, relaxing vacations, hiking, or snow photography, there's something for everyone here. Many people are unaware of this stretch of alpine primeval forest in central China, which offers the region's most unique microclimate and rich natural landscape. The blooming alpine rhododendrons in spring, the dreamy grasslands of summer, the vibrant forests of autumn, and the ancient trees on cliffs shrouded in snow are all exquisite sights escaping the hustle and bustle of life. Shall we meet in Shennongjia this winter?
