So far, my favorite self-driving route in Hubei has appeared

My all-time favorite self-driving route in Hubei has to be this trip to Western Hubei! From Xingshan to Shennongjia and then to Wushan, the journey covers water highways, primeval forests, alpine wetlands, and sheer cliff canyons. You can cool off, breathe fresh air, and even go rafting. My friends and I kept exclaiming throughout: Western Hubei is seriously underrated!

Western Hubei 5 days 4 nights self-driving route: Follow along to avoid pitfalls

Day 1: Wuhan → Shennongjia, entering the forest secret realm

Head straight to Tianyan Scenic Area, walk the forest boardwalk to see the primeval forest sea, then in the evening go to Shennong Tianchi—Tianchi reflecting the green mountains is super healing. Stay overnight in a lakeside forest cabin or a lakeside train hotel, join the bonfire party after dinner, and lie in bed watching the stars, the vacation vibe is instantly maximized.

Day 2: In-depth tour of Shennongjia, check in at 3 must-visit spots

- Tiensheng Bridge: The entrance waterfall passing through a mountain cave is stunning, hike along the forest boardwalk, listen to the flowing water and birdsong, cool and comfortable;
- Shennong Altar: See the thousand-year-old cedar king, feel the weight of the primeval forest, photos come with a natural forest filter;
- Guanmen Mountain: Check in at the popular cliff peak box, also visit the panda pavilion and giant salamander pavilion to see cute animals, great for kids.

Day 3: Shennongding → Dajiuhu → Wushan, crossing two cities in one day

- Morning rush to Shennongding: Fir forests with alpine meadows, like entering a "Little Xinjiang," core spots like Jinmonkey Ridge, Banbi Rock, Shennong Valley, Taiziya, Tianji Ridge, each worth stopping for photos;
- Afternoon to Dajiuhu: Alpine wetland lake group like a "Little Hulunbuir," take the small train around the lake, Lakes No. 2 and No. 6 have the best views, also visit the deer park for interactive feeding;
- Evening drive to Wushan, don’t miss Dangyang Grand Canyon on the way—the landforms of Blade Mountain and Flag Mountain are spectacular, the waterfall clusters in the rainy season are even more breathtaking, every snap looks like a masterpiece.

Day 4: Enjoy the gorge scenery in Wushan, attend a mountain-water rendezvous

- Goddess Peak: Overlook the magnificent Wuxia Gorge, when mist swirls it looks like a natural landscape painting;
- Goddess Love Sky Road: Enjoy the beautiful Wuxia Gorge scenery along the way, sea of clouds and light mist drifting over the mountains, driving through feels like entering a fairyland, every viewing platform is worth stopping for a photo.

Day 5: Wrap up in Xingshan, check in at popular spots and cultural sites

- Morning walk the Ancient Zhao Road: China’s most beautiful water highway lives up to its name, the viewing platform overlooks an S-shaped bend perfect for photos;
- Visit Zhaojun Village: Mountain ancient-style buildings combine natural scenery and cultural heritage, experience Zhaojun culture;
- Afternoon rush to Gaolan Grand Canyon: See green meadows, canyons, and waterfalls, for thrill-seekers try the Chaotianhou rafting (6.3 km long, many exciting spots, beautiful scenery on both sides), after rafting stay at the scenic area RV campsite, with fully equipped RVs and wooden villa facilities, a perfect ending.