Soaring Above the Clouds, Savoring the Immortal Mountain: Shengjingshan Travel Guide:

Shengjingshan holds a dual romance in the suburbs of Jingchu – it's both an "aerial adventure destination" with Asia's largest paragliding base and a "natural oxygen bar" steeped in Taoist culture. With an 85% forest coverage, it encompasses ancient temples, old paths, and starry skies. You can unlock excitement and tranquility in a day, or deeply enjoy the mountains, waters, and culture in two days. This guide will help you explore the "First Famous Mountain of Southern Xiangyang."

I. Core Highlights

- Cloud Adventure: Experience paragliding (with professional instructors) at Asia's largest artificial landing field, or try the agile and thrilling powered paragliding. When morning air currents are stable, you can overlook the entire Jingmen city, enjoying an immersive 30-minute flight.
- Exploring Ancient Realms: Hike the Crape Myrtle Ancient Path through a century-old crape myrtle forest and terraced stone fields. Ascend to the Golden Summit to visit the Bagua Well and the Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder, and explore the Tang Dynasty Zhenwu Temple, experiencing the thousand-year heritage of "Little Wudang."
- Popular Photo Spots: Drive along the Longboya Scenic Road, chase the surging sea of clouds from the second observation deck, admire roses in Shengjing Flower Valley, and enjoy glass rafting. The scenic mountain road offers countless opportunities for stunning photos.
- Romantic Nights: Enjoy stargazing camping and bonfire barbecues at the International Campsite. Irregularly held Guochao markets and Datihua (iron flower splashing) intangible cultural heritage performances offer an immersive experience of mountain life and festivities.

II. Transportation Guide

- Public Transportation: From Jingmen city, take bus route 5 or 29 to "Shengjingshan Scenic Area" station, then walk 10 minutes to the scenic area entrance. A 20-minute taxi ride from the city center costs approximately 30 yuan.
- Self-driving: Navigate to "Shengjingshan Paragliding Base" or "Shengjingshan Golden Summit." The mountain road is fully paved with asphalt and has rest stop parking lots along the way, offering flexibility and convenience.
- Transportation within the Scenic Area: Core attractions can be connected by walking. From the paragliding base to the Golden Summit, you can drive along the mountain road, which takes about 15 minutes.

III. Itinerary Planning (1-Day Classic + 2-Day In-depth)

🌟 1-Day Classic Itinerary (Efficient exploration, dynamic and serene)

- Morning: Soaring in the Clouds → Tracing Ancient Paths
08:30-10:00: Arrive at Shengjingshan Paragliding Base, experience paragliding/powered paragliding (book in advance, 480-780 yuan/person including insurance), and unlock a bird's-eye view of the mountains.
10:30-12:00: Depart from the Ancient Path Rest Stop, hike along the Crape Myrtle Ancient Path (2 km stone steps), pass through dense forests and terraced fields, ascend to Shengjing Golden Summit, and visit the Bagua Well and ancient architectural complex.

- Afternoon: Popular Photo Spots → Artistic Relaxation
12:30-13:30: Enjoy Jingmen's local specialties at a farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain (Panlong Cuisine and Zhongxiang Rice Tea recommended) to refuel.
14:00-15:30: Visit the Longboya Scenic Road, stroll through Shengjing Flower Valley to admire flowers, and experience the glass rafting project.
16:00-17:00: Take a break at Xiangye Micro-Resort Community, enjoy pour-over coffee at a Nordic-style wooden cabin cafe, and relax while overlooking the mountain scenery.

🌟 2-Day In-depth Itinerary (Slow-paced mountain enjoyment, stargazing)

- Day 1: Extreme Sports → Exploring Ancient Temples → Stargazing Camping
Morning: Paragliding/powered paragliding experience (prioritize morning slots), feel the thrill of freefall from high altitude.
Afternoon: Hike the Crape Myrtle Ancient Path to the Golden Summit, explore Zhenwu Temple to experience Taoist culture, and wait for the sunset sea of clouds at the second observation deck.
Evening: Check into the International Campsite, participate in a barbecue buffet and bonfire party. If there are events, you can watch Datihua or a Guochao garden party, and stargaze at the Milky Way (warm clothing required).

- Day 2: Mountain Loop Tour → Suburban Link-up
Morning: Drive/cycle along the mountain road, passing Chaoyang Reservoir and the Mountain Climbing Rest Stop, immersing yourself in the scenery of the back mountain.
Afternoon: Optional surrounding activities – take a boat tour on Zhanghe Scenic Area, or visit Geek Park and Aviator Skydiving Base, then return in the evening.

IV. Accommodation Recommendations

- Wild Camping Style: Shengjingshan International Campsite, offering tent rentals, barbecue, and bonfire facilities, suitable for young groups and families.
- Mountain Retreat Style: Xiangye Micro-Resort Community, Nordic-style wooden cabins + outdoor viewing areas, including coffee and light meals, with mountain views from the window, full of artistic charm.
- Convenient and Comfortable Style: Jiupaitongyuan Hotel in Jingmen city, 20 minutes drive from the scenic area, close to commercial districts and dining, high cost-performance ratio.
- Cultural Immersion Style: Homestays around the Golden Summit, built into the mountain, offering morning mist views, and walking distance to ancient temples and paths.

V. Food and Souvenirs

- Must-Try Delicacies: Jingmen Panlong Cuisine (tender meat, fresh flavor), Zhongxiang Rice Tea (refreshing and cleansing), farmhouse cured pork hotpot, Bajiao Snowflake Jujube (intangible cultural heritage snack).
- Souvenirs: Jingmen Dried Tofu, Kudzu Root Powder, Shengjingshan Cloud Mist Tea, authentic flavors, perfect for gifting to friends and family.

VI. Important Notes

5. Paragliding/powered paragliding requires booking 1 day in advance. Avoid rainy and windy days, wear light and non-slip shoes.
6. When hiking the ancient path, bring drinking water and some snacks. Some sections are steep, so watch your step; hiking poles can be rented as needed.
7. The scenic area entrance ticket is free. Paragliding, camping, glass rafting, and other activities are charged separately. Pay attention to scenic area events for package deals.
8. Autumn (September-October) with its clear skies and crisp air is the best time for hiking and flying; in summer, be sure to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent.