Shennongjia

During the Qingming Festival's short holiday, I embarked on a journey to Shennongjia. The mist there, like a light veil, adds a hazy beauty to the entire forest, making it feel like a fairyland. However, this mist also acts like a playful sprite, constantly playing hide-and-seek with the driver, posing a significant challenge to driving safety. The damp sensation, as gentle as a caress, can be somewhat uncomfortable. Yet, what is most unforgettable is the cold there. It's bone-chilling, piercing straight to the heart, as if even breathing is frozen. We chose to travel by car, and the road conditions were surprisingly good, except that the winding mountain roads occasionally made us dizzy. We bought a six-site pass for the scenic area, which allowed us to roam freely through attractions like Guanmenshan and Tianshengqiao. We stopped along the way, sometimes admiring the scenery, sometimes experiencing the magical charm of nature. This freedom and comfort made the trip particularly enjoyable.

Shennongjia National Forest Park is located in the northwestern part of Hubei Province, composed of the border areas of Fang County, Xingshan County, and Badong County, covering an area of 3,250 square kilometers. Over 85% of the land is forested, with a forest coverage rate of 69.5%. The area is home to ethnic groups such as Han, Tujia, and Hui, with a population of nearly 80,000. The park consists of the Tianyan Scenic Area and the Ancient Rhinoceros Cave Scenic Area, set against the backdrop of primeval forest scenery and embodying the legend of Shennong and the simple mountain forest culture. It integrates unique trees, flowers, caves, peaks, and the peculiar customs of the mountain people, reflecting the themes of primordial antiquity and the pursuit of mystery in an original ecological tourism area. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The total area is 13,333.331 hectares. Established in 1983, it is a national nature reserve of the 'forest and wildlife type'. In 1992, the Shennongjia Nature Reserve was accepted by UNESCO and joined the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Geographical Environment Shennongjia National Forest Park is located in the northwestern part of Hubei Province, composed of the border areas of Fang County, Xingshan County, and Badong County, covering an area of 3,250 square kilometers. Over 85% of the land is forested, with a forest coverage rate of 69.5%. The area is home to ethnic groups such as Han, Tujia, and Hui, with a population of nearly 80,000. The highest peak in Shennongjia is Shennong Peak, with an elevation of 3,105.4 meters, the lowest point is at an elevation of 398 meters, and the average elevation is 1,700 meters. There are six peaks over 3,000 meters, known as the 'Roof of Central China'. Characteristic Landscapes Besides the world-famous mystery of the 'Wild Man', Shennongjia also has magical albino animals, attracting scientific researchers and tourists from both China and abroad. Shennongjia is a national 5A scenic spot, with main attractions including Fengjingya, Banbiyan, Dajiuhu, Shennong Peak, Botanical Garden, Yan Emperor Altar, Thousand-Year-Old Fir, Xiangxi Source, Tianmenya, Yanzhiya, Herbarium, Hongping Gallery, and Ancient Rhinoceros Cave.

Shennongjia Tourist Area, officially known as Shennongjia International Ecotourism Area, is a national AAAAA-level scenic spot; located in the Shennongjia Forest District in the northwest of Hubei Province, China, with a total area of over 3000 square kilometers; it is the first in China to be jointly included in the 'Triple Crown' list of heritage sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Man and the Biosphere Reserve, the World Geopark, and the World Heritage conservation systems. The name Shennongjia comes from an ancient legend about Shennong tasting hundreds of herbs: In ancient times, the Yan Emperor Shennong came to a high mountain to taste all kinds of herbs. He led the people to build wooden houses and ladders, collected 400 kinds of good medicine, and wrote the 'Shennong Bencao Jing' (Classic of Herbal Medicine). To report back to the Heavenly Emperor, Yan Emperor Shennong 'built a wooden altar and flew to the sky on a crane.' In remembrance of the ancestor's kindness, later generations named this high mountain Shennongjia. Shennongding Scenic Area is located in the southwest of Shennongjia Tourist Area. It is a national AAAAA-level scenic spot and the largest, most ecologically sound, and most scenic core ecotourism area of Shennongjia Tourist Area, with a well-preserved North Subtropical forest ecosystem; at an altitude of 1500~3106.2 meters, covering an area of over 800 square kilometers, with a forest coverage rate of 98%, it has more than 3900 species of higher vascular plants, over 330 species of vertebrates, and more than 100 species of animals and plants under national key protection, such as the golden monkey, golden eagle, and leopard. The area boasts a wealth of geomorphological and geological landscapes, and its intact forest ecosystem is an important water conservation area and ecological barrier for the Three Gorges Project and the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Along the tourist road, there are more than 10 scenic spots such as Dalongtan, Xiaolongtan, Jinhou Ridge, Shennong Source, Shennong Camp, Shennong Valley, Liangfengya, Charming Chong, Banbiyan, and Taiziya.

🌲🍃 Shennongjia, a land certified by UNESCO as a Man and the Biosphere Reserve, harbors alpine ecosystems, treasures of wild flora and fauna, and the rich culture of the Yan Emperor Shennong. The seasons here change like a painting, 🌸 with vibrant rhododendrons in spring, ☀️ cool retreats in summer, 🍁 colorful forests in autumn, and ❄️ a snowy wonderland in winter. It's a paradise for nature lovers and an ideal destination for family trips. 🗺️📝 **Two-Day Travel Itinerary** **Day One:** - 🚗💨 Transportation: Depart from Yichang or Wuhan, take a long-distance bus or drive (about 4.5 hours), with beautiful scenery along the way. - 🏔️🏞️ Sightseeing: Upon arrival, first explore Xiangxiyuan Scenic Area, the legendary place where Shennong picked and washed herbs, with clear water and a tranquil environment. - 🌄🏔️ Then challenge the peak of Shennongjia, the 'Roof of Central China' at an altitude of 3106 meters, with panoramic views of alpine meadows, primeval forests, and the spectacle of sea of clouds. The ticket price is approximately 140 yuan per person. - 🍴🍲 Dinner: Try local specialties such as Tujia smoked meat and highland potato chicken, letting your taste buds also wander through the mountains and waters. **Day Two:** - 🚌🚍 After breakfast, take a bus to Dajiuhu Wetland Park, immerse yourself in the 'highland plain' landscape, and feel the serene harmony between lakes and mountains. The ticket price is about 120 yuan per person. - 🛷🏂 In winter, enjoy the fun of ice and snow sports at the Shennongjia Ski Resort, and in non-snow seasons, explore the beauty of the stone forest landscape nearby. - 🏛️🙏 In the afternoon, visit the Shennong Altar to trace the ancient cultural context and feel the reverence for the ancestor Shennong. - 🚌🚍 On the return trip, depending on the time, visit small attractions around Muyu Town and enjoy a special dinner. 🚌🚗 Transportation Tips: - Public transportation: There are direct buses to Shennongjia from major cities in Hubei Province, or you can opt for chartered services. - Self-driving: For self-driving enthusiasts, please pay attention to mountain road conditions, drive safely, and some sections may require a toll pass. 💡💡 **Travel Tips:** - ❄️🔥 The temperature difference between morning and evening in Shennongjia can be significant, so please prepare adequate warm clothing and sun protection. - 🏔️💊 In high-altitude areas, pay attention to preventing altitude sickness, conserve energy, and avoid strenuous exercise. - 🌳🌿 Respect nature, protect the environment, take your trash with you, and protect wildlife resources. - 💰📅 If planning to travel during the free admission period, please pay attention to official announcements in advance and arrange your itinerary to take advantage of promotional activities. 🎊🎉 Finally, pack your camera, bring a curious and adventurous heart, and write your own exciting chapter in this mysterious green world!

Is your impression of Shennongjia like this? A primitive forest🌲, very mysterious. With the opening of the high-speed rail, it feels like you can 🔥 it up. Today, I have prepared a guide for the Shennongjia Dajiuhu Scenic Area for everyone👇 🌟Transportation 🚞: The Zhengyu High-Speed Rail is open, with direct access to the Shennongjia High-Speed Rail Station; it's a direct 2h from Wuhan Hankou, and just half an hour from Xiangyang. 🚗: If you choose to drive, it takes about 6-7 hours from Wuhan. ✈️For those coming from cities like Shanghai and Beijing, it is recommended to fly directly to Wuhan and then take the high-speed rail to Shennongjia. 🌟Tickets Buying a joint ticket is the most cost-effective, covering the 'Six Scenic Areas' of Shennongjia (Shennong Peak, Dajiuhu, Guanmenshan, Shennong Altar, Tiansheng Bridge, Tianyan,) 📍Dajiuhu Scenic Area transportation and visiting order: ⚠️Private cars are strictly prohibited in the scenic area. Self-driving tourists can park their cars at the visitor center in the ancient town, and buses will take visitors from the distribution center to the scenic area; a small train will shuttle between the lakes, stopping at each station. 📌Route: 🚌4th Lake - 🚶‍♀️5th Lake - 🚂7 & 8 & 9th Lakes - 🚂Deer Park🦌 – 🚂6th Lake Park - 🚂1 & 2 & 3rd Lakes 📝Recommended experiences in Dajiuhu Scenic Area: 🌈Dajiuhu is famous for its nine different lakes, all beautiful, but the 5th Lake is recognized as the most beautiful, perfect for enjoying the sunset. 🌈To see the morning mist over the lake, you can take the 🚌 that departs at 05:30 in the morning, and walk from the 4th Lake to the 5th Lake to reach the best spot for morning mist. 🌈There is a deer park here, like a domestic version of Nara, very fairy-tale-like, super suitable for taking photos. Buy a bag of feed to feed the deer, they all like to get close to people, very gentle (but be careful of being sprayed with saliva). 🌈Scan to rent a bicycle, ride around, stop to take photos of the beautiful scenery, super romantic. 🏠Accommodation It is recommended to stay in Pingqian Ancient Town, which is very close to the Dajiuhu Scenic Area, about a 20-minute walk from the ancient town to the visitor distribution center of the scenic area. Here you can find everything for eating, drinking, and entertainment, and it's very pleasant to take a stroll after dinner. 🌟Itinerary Planning D1: Arrival – Tiansheng Bridge Scenic Area – Shennong Altar Scenic Area - Pingqian Ancient Town (Accommodation) D2: Guanmenshan – Shennong Peak Scenic Area - Pingqian Ancient Town (Accommodation) D3: Shennongjia Dajiuhu National Wetland Park - Pingqian Ancient Town (Accommodation) D4: Return trip If you have any questions, just let me know💕

Shennongjia, the first peak in central China, is a primitive and mysterious forbidden area, where there are legends of wild men and donkey-headed wolves. Do you dare to explore? Shennongjia, this vast land is filled with mystery and the unknown. The legend of the wild man is widely circulated, and although the mainstream view in the scientific community is that wild men do not exist, countless explorers have followed in each other's footsteps in search of their traces. The donkey-headed wolf is another great mystery of Shennongjia; it is said that villagers have witnessed its true face, but experts have found no evidence. In fact, based on descriptions, experts believe that the donkey-headed wolf might be the extinct Saola, and the well-preserved primeval forests of Shennongjia have allowed them to thrive and reproduce to this day. On this mysterious land, there are many unknowns waiting for us to discover. Let's measure the world on foot together and feel the wonder and beauty of nature! If you are also interested in the mysterious legends of Shennongjia, why not go there in person to find out for yourself? Perhaps you could be the next person to discover a mysterious creature! Come and share your views and experiences in the comments section!

Yan Emperor Shennong was born in Suizhou, Hubei, and lived in the Neolithic Age 5000 years ago. He once collected herbs in Shennongjia, cured diseases for the people, wrote the book 'Shennong Herbal Classic', and together with the Yellow Emperor, defeated the barbarian tribe and established the same prosperous Chinese civilization. He also invented eight great achievements. Shennong Altar Scenic Area is where the Chinese ancestor Yan Emperor Shennong is worshipped. The Shennong Altar Scenic Area is divided into several parts: the Herb Garden, the Thousand-Year-Old Fir King, and the Yan Emperor Shennong Sacrificial Square. In the Herb Garden, you can see rare ancient trees and Shennong's hundred herbs, such as goosefoot maple, silver sparrow tree, and gongtong. The Thousand-Year-Old Fir King is a 1260-year-old iron-firm fir, 48 meters high and 2.47 meters in diameter, requiring six people to surround it. The Shennong Sacrificial Square is divided into the Earth Altar and the Heaven Altar. The Earth Altar is round outside and square inside, with five-colored stones laid in the center, representing the five elements of east, west, south, north, and middle. 243 steps, nine-nine return to one, meaning the supreme ninety-five. The head is a bull's head, with the earth as the body. Every year on April 26th of the lunar calendar, a grand sacrificial ceremony will be held. Address: Muyu Town, Shennongjia Forest District, Hubei Province Opening hours: April 1st - October 7th 7:30-17:30 October 8th - March 31st 8:00-17:00 Tickets: Shennong Altar ticket is 55 yuan, six major scenic spots joint ticket is 299 yuan

Southern ski resort, only 2h flight from Guangzhou. Go in January, the lowest round-trip airfare is only 300+. It's the best value for money in natural high mountain ski resorts around Guangdong. Sisters who can't stand the cold and want to see the snow-covered forest must come! I stayed up all night to organize a Q&A travel guide. Little friends who want to play in the snow during the winter vacation and Spring Festival, remember to read it all! ① Is there snow during the winter vacation and Spring Festival? Snowfall is like rainfall, it's a very temporary weather phenomenon, so you have to check the weather forecast. I checked for everyone, there are snowfall forecasts intermittently from January to February, if you want to see the snow scene, just pick a time when it's snowing to go. ② Can you ski when it's not snowing? Yes, every ski resort will be equipped with one or even multiple snow machines. Even in places with sufficient snowfall, snow machines will be equipped for later snow making and snow replenishing. The ski resorts in the northeast are the same, so as long as you go to Shennongjia during the ski season, you can definitely play in the snow

Card point edition, directly on the dry goods, take away do not thank Day 1 itinerary: 1⃣️ Yichang Three Gorges Airport, arrive at 9:10, come out and sit on the chartered car (internal 💰) expected 9:50, about 2 hours and 40 minutes later arrive at Guanmenshan 2⃣️ Guanmenshan tour (expected to arrive at Guanmenshan at 12:30, expected to play for 2.5 - 3.5 hours, end the tour at 15:30, if the children are older, they should be able to end earlier) Content: mainly science popularization, museums, bee pavilions, panda pavilions, cliff beehives, etc. (there are no golden monkeys or deer here) 3️⃣ Shennongtan (it takes about 10 minutes from Guanmenshan to Shennongtan, start the tour at 15:40, expected to play for 1.5 hours) 4️⃣ Return to Muyu Town Hotel for check-in (expected to arrive at the hotel at 6 o'clock, complete check-in at 18:30) 5️⃣ Delicious dinner (expected 19:00 - 20:30) 6️⃣ Choose ski suits (internal 💰 takes 30 minutes) 7️⃣ Return to the hotel to rest (internal 💰 expected: return to the hotel at 21:10) Note: Lunch on this day is eaten when passing by Muyu, playing two today is a bit rushed, depending on the situation. If it's too rushed, don't play Shennongtan and go straight back. Day 2 itinerary: 1⃣️ 7:40 - 8:20 (breakfast time) 2⃣️ Shennongjia International Ski Resort (ski ticket internal price, expected to arrive at the ski resort at 9:20, end skiing at 14:00) Note: If you're tired of skiing, you can go to a small attraction, if you like skiing, you can keep skiing, but it's probably going to be tiring 3⃣️ Natural Bridge (arrive at Natural Bridge at 15:00, expected to end the tour at 16:30) 4️⃣ Return to the hotel to wash and change clothes (expected to arrive at the hotel at 16:50, complete at 17:40) 5️⃣ Return the snow suit (expected to complete the return at 18:00) 6️⃣ Delicious dinner (expected 18:30- 19:50) 7️⃣ Secret Shennong Performance: (internal 💰 ticket purchase expected time 20:30 - 21:40) 8️⃣ Return to the hotel (expected to arrive at the hotel at 22:00) Note: Bring good equipment, you can fill a thermos with hot water in the morning, or you can hit it when you get to the snow field. Lunch on this day can be eaten at the snow field (the food is a bit expensive but not very expensive, the taste is average), you can also bring some instant noodles or self-heating hot pot, you need to eat hot Day 3 itinerary (if you go to Dajiuhu today, the return trip will be a bit rushed): 1⃣️ 7:40 - 8:20 (breakfast time) 2⃣️ Shennongding (expected to arrive at Shennongding at 8:50, expected to play for 3-4 hours) Content: Watch the snow scene during the drive, watch the snow scene and sea of clouds in Shennong Valley, watch the rime from the lookout tower, watch the golden monkeys in Xiaolongtan (the golden monkeys in Dalongtan are wild, need to make an appointment), you can also hike a section in Shennong Valley to play 3⃣️ Shuangquanzhai Hot Spring (expected to arrive around 14:00, end the tour at 17:00, if you didn't play Shennongtan the day before, you can also go there) 4⃣️ Return to Yichang (expected to arrive in Yichang at 19:00)

➤Introduction to Shennongjia Scenic Area National 5A-level scenic area, world geological park, with rich geological landscape, primitive and mysterious scenery, national nature reserve, China's best preserved primitive forest, here the mountains are magnificent, the springs are sweet, the scenery is wonderful, known as the 'green treasury' and 'natural zoo'. It is the best photography spot for photography enthusiasts and a good place for leisure and summer vacation. ➤Introduction to the Six Major Scenic Areas of Shennongjia ❶Dajiuhu Lake Ticket price 100, park transportation 70 (including scenic bus + small train) In the early morning, the mist slowly flows in the air, the fishing boats and houses, the green water and mountains are like a flowing picture, appearing and disappearing in the light mist, beautiful as a dream, like a fairyland. The scenic train shuttles between each lake, and each station can stop. ❷Shennong Peak Ticket price 130 National nature reserve, the highest peak of Shennong is 3105 meters above sea level, known as the 'roof of Central China' and 'the first peak of Central China', a green treasury, alpine meadows stretch for thousands of miles, the scenery is no less than Xinjiang, Tibet. ❸Tianyan Ticket price 45 The core scenic area of Shennongjia Forest Park, with Rainbow Bridge, Starry Sky Camp, Primitive Forest, Sea of Clouds and other wonders. It is a mysterious mountain forest that integrates strange trees, peaks, flowers, caves and the strange customs of the mountain people. ❹Tiansheng Bridge Ticket price 55 There are strange caves, bridges, scenery, and pools, with stacked rocks, raging waterfalls, natural stone bridges, and stone wall plank roads. It integrates geology, landform, glacier, ecology, and humanities, and is known as the 'Shangri-La in the depths of Taihang Mountain'. ❺Guanmen Mountain Ticket price 95 Rich in species, deep valleys, dangerous mountains and strange forests, it is a natural exhibition hall integrating geology, biology, folklore, and exhibitions. It is a paradise for biogeography enthusiasts. ❻Shennong Altar Ticket price 55 It displays the achievements and merits of the ancestor Shennong, with the thousand-year-old king of shirts, the ancient botanical garden, and the tall and majestic Shennong altar, which is very shocking. ➤Address: Shennongjia Forest District, Yichang, Hubei Province ➤Tickets The six major scenic spots joint ticket is 299 yuan, which can be purchased online, valid for 5 days. ➤Transportation ❶Airplane Shennongjia Airport, you can take a direct bus to the scenic area from the airport, about 50 minutes. ❷High-speed rail Get off at Xingshan Station, about 1.5 hours drive to Muyu Town, which is much closer than getting off at Shennongjia Station. After arriving, it is recommended to charter a group. The scenic area is large and the distance between each scenic spot is very far, and it is difficult to move without a car. ❸Self-driving Just follow the navigation, there are many narrow mountain roads along the way, be sure to pay attention to safety, novice drivers are not recommended to drive. ➤Tips ❶The weather on the mountain is changeable, prepare for sunny and rainy umbrellas, sun protection measures are indispensable, prepare anti-mosquito drugs, wear comfortable shoes. ❷Prepare summer clothes and thick clothes, the temperature on the top of the mountain and in the valley is very low, especially the Shennong Peak is super cold, about ten degrees. ❸There are many mountain roads and many bends, prepare motion sickness patches or motion sickness medicine. ❹The road to Shennong Peak and Shennong Valley is particularly congested, it is recommended to play in reverse, that is, Dajiuhu Lake → the other five major scenic spots of Shennong. ❺It is recommended to book a hotel in advance, especially the treasure of Dajiuhu Lake, which is easy to increase in price if booked temporarily. ❻All major scenic spots can be driven into by yourself, it is recommended to prepare food and water, there are not many places to provide food and drink due to the sparse population. ❼The parking lot of Tiansheng Bridge is very small and congested. If you want to go, you have to get up early.

I always thought Shennongjia was a scenic spot, but it wasn't until I came to Shennongjia that I realized it was a place name. Shennongjia has many attractions, one of which is the Shennong Altar, the place where Shennong is worshipped. Why is it called Shennongjia? Because it's the place where Shennong built a rack to collect herbs. The Shennong Altar is a place where the Yan Emperor Shennong is worshipped. The scenic area has attractions such as the Thousand-Year-Old Fir King, Shennong Herbal Garden, Shennong Tea Garden, Shennong Sacrificial Garden, and the Twenty-Four Solar Terms Garden. When climbing the Shennong Altar, it is generally up on the right and down on the left, and it is said that praying for blessings is very effective. 📍Address: Shennong Altar, Muyu Town, Shennongjia Forest District, Hubei Province 🚗Transportation: Xingshan Station by bullet train, then drive or take a taxi for about an hour 🎫Ticket: 55 yuan Shennongjia·Hubei

The temperature is around 20 degrees. It is 113 kilometers away from Songbai Town and 28 kilometers away from Muyu Town. Shennong Peak, towering and majestic, breaking through the clouds, standing proudly in Central China, is truly the "First Peak of Central China". The view is really good, but the only flaw is that the wooden plank road is a bit mediocre...