Shennongjia – UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site

Shennongjia National Park is in the watershed between the Yangtze River and the Han River. Spanning about 3,253 square kilometers, it boasts a virgin forest coverage up to over 91.2%. It also features wetlands, lakes, gorges, rainfalls, streams, etc. This park is a treasure trove of diverse flora and fauna, providing habitat for rare plants and many endangered animal species, such as Chinese giant salamanders, golden snub-nosed monkeys, etc. Thus, Shennongjia is also reputed as "Species Gene Bank on Earth" and "Biological Paradise". Besides, Shennongjia is a world-class museum of geological changes, showcasing various stratigraphic units, geological chronologies and erosion relics from the Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic eras, etc. The integrity, authenticity, non-renewability and non-replicability of its natural resources and its ecosystem are rare in the world.

Shennongding (Shennong Peak), as vast as 883.6 square kilometers, is Shennongjia's core tourist area with the largest scale, the best ecology, and the most beautiful landscape. Also as the highest place in Shennongjia, it gains the fame as "Roof of Central China". Shennongding is characterized by primitive flood landforms and typical biodiversity, making it a perfect place to feel the harmonious coexistence of human beings and primitive nature. In the over 10 highlights here, you can see adorable golden snub-nosed monkeys at Jinhouling Ridge, view the best natural scenery at Shennong Valley, marvel at rocks with vivid shapes at the famous Banbiyan, admire the picturesque peak views at Liaowangta...

Suggested Visiting Time: 4 hours

Dajiuhu National Wetland Park, known as “Hulunbuir in Hubei”, is named after the formation of nine lakes in the rainy seasons. It's the typically well-preserved plateau wetland that has formed over hundreds of millions of years due to the development of glacial dammed lakes and labyrinthine underground funnel wonders with rich flora and fauna species groups. The scenery can be more magnificent in the early morning when a veil of fog covers all, rendering the world a serene Chinese painting only with black, white and grey hues, and at dusk the lakes reflect a beautiful golden sunset, casting a mesmerizing glow.

Suggested Visiting Time: 2 - 3 hours

Guanmenshan is the mystical epitome of Shennongjia. It includes a vast ecological tourist area themed on the natural environment, species, scientific research and local folk amidst the lush primitive forest. Here, you can find giant pandas, giant salamanders, Chinese bees, sika deer, and rare plants and herbs... There is also Scientific Research Hall for Wild Man, Topography Hall, Folk Hall, etc. Whether you seek to immerse yourself in nature or gain insights into ecology, Guanmenshan offers an fascinating experience to you.

Suggested Visiting Time: 2 hours

Moreover, Shennong Altar (a 1-hour visit), the place for Chinese people to memorize ancestors and worship gods for peace where the famous statue of bull head and human body sits, is highly popular among visitors. You can also explore the nearby Tianshengqiao (a 1.5 to 2-hour visit) to marvel at the breathtaking nature wonder of stone bridges carved by rivers for centuries and venture farther to Tianyan (a 1-hour visit) for the sightseeing bridge with the highest altitude in Asia.

Shennongjia Tourism Distribution Center at Muyu Town offers coaches to Shennongding, Guanmenshan, Shennong Altar, Tianshengqiao, and Tianyan. However, there's no direct coach between these scenic areas, so you're suggested to take a car.

Most travelers explore Shennongjia National Park for 2 - 3 days. You can also plan a 1-day visit by exploring Shennongding and another spot according to your interest.

1-day Essence Route:

Close to nature species: Shennongding (4 hrs) → Guanmenshan (2 hrs)

For Shennong culture: Shennongding (4 hrs) → Shennong Altar (1 hr)

2-day Highlights Route:

Day 1: Guanmenshan (2 hrs) → Shennong Altar (1 hr) → Tianshengqiao (2 - 3 hrs) → accommodate at Muyu Town;

Day 2: Shennongding (4 hrs) → Dajiuhu (2 - 3 hrs).

1. Best Time to Visit: all year round. May - Jun. for spring flowers like azalea; Jul. - Aug. for summer retreat; Sep. - Nov. for autumn foliage; Dec. - Feb. for snow scenery and skiing. However, from May to October, it also rains a lot in Shennongjia, so you're highly suggested to check the weather forecast before your trip.

2. Tickets:
Combo Ticket (five scenic areas except for Shennong Altar): CNY 159 (Valid for 5 days);
Single Tickets: Shennongding CNY 130; Dajiuhu CNY 50; Guanmenshan CNY 95; Shennong Altar CNY 55; Tianshengqiao CNY 55; Tianyan CNY 45.

3. Opening Hours: 7:30 - 17:30 during Apr. 1 - Oct.7; 8:00 - 17:00 during Oct. 8 - Mar. 31.

4. Walking Tips: there are many steps in Shennongjia, so you can choose a route according to your strength, and remember to wear comfortable shoes.

5. Clothing: the temperature in Shennongjia varies from -20°C to 23°C in a year. You're suggested to wear light jackets, Jeans, T-shirts and lightweight windbreakers in springs and autumns; hats, cottons T-shirts and shorts for summers; hats, scarves, gloves, and down jackets in winters.

6. Other Items to Take: water and snacks since there's no food in each scenic spot.

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