Shennongjia Scenic Area Travel Guide
Shennongjia, also known as Shennongjia Forestry District, is located in western Hubei Province. It borders Shiyan City (home to Wudang Mountain) to the north and Yichang City (where the Three Gorges Dam stands) to the south. As a prefecture-level administrative region covering a vast area, it comprises multiple towns and forest farms. Songbai Town in the northern part serves as the administrative center, while Muyu Town in the south is the major tourist reception hub. Most travelers first arrive at these two towns, which are around 80 kilometers apart.
This expansive tourist destination is divided into four major scenic zones: Shennongding, Tianyan, Xiangxiyuan and Yuquan River. The first three zones, together with Guanmen Mountain and Shennong Altar, attract the largest number of visitors. Each scenic zone and individual attraction sells tickets separately.
Among them, Shennongding Scenic Area is the core and most famous spot in the whole district. Many tourists mistakenly regard it as the entirety of Shennongjia Forestry District.
Stepping into Shennongjia is like entering a primeval forest. Towering ancient trees and lush vegetation thrive everywhere. You can wander in this natural oxygen bar all day long, far away from the hustle and bustle of crowded, polluted cities. In Shennongding Scenic Area, you can climb the Roof of Central China. Shennongding Peak here ranks as the highest summit in central China. You may also catch sight of lovely rare golden snub-nosed monkeys. This area is also linked to the legend of the mysterious Shennongjia Wild Man, where traces such as hair and footprints believed to belong to the creature have frequently been found.
You can also visit Tianyan Scenic Area and explore Swallow Cave, home to short-billed swiftlets — evolved from marine creatures that lived hundreds of millions of years ago. The land you stand on today, covered by primeval forests and mountains, was once a roaring ocean in ancient times, offering you a vivid experience of dramatic geographical changes over millennia.
In addition, the green mountains and clear waters across other scenic zones are truly unforgettable. Crystal-clear streams flow through the land, wild flowers bloom all over the hills, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of plants and grass. You may walk along mountain trails to traverse canyons and peaks. Private vehicles are allowed to enter some scenic areas.
Heavy snow falls across Shennongjia every winter, leading to the partial closure of certain attractions. For instance, in snowy seasons, only the section from the main gate to the Observation Tower remains open in Shennongding Scenic Area. Tianyan Scenic Area suspends regular sightseeing in parts of winter and only keeps its ski resort operational. The exact closed areas and duration vary according to annual weather conditions. It is recommended to call the local authorities for confirmation before your trip.
Recommended Itinerary
To fully explore all major scenic zones and surrounding attractions in Shennongjia, you need at least 3 days.
- Day 1: Visit Xiangxiyuan Scenic Area and Guanmen Mountain. Overnight in Muyu Town.
- Day 2: Spend the whole day touring Shennongding Scenic Area. Stay in Muyu Town for the night. Self-driving travelers may also drive north to Hongping Town for accommodation.
- Day 3: Explore Hongping Gallery and Tianyan Scenic Area.
Accommodation & Catering
Muyu Town, the core tourist hub, offers the best lodging and dining facilities in Shennongjia. Songbai Town, the administrative center in the north, also has decent accommodation options. If you plan to visit Dajiu Lake National Wetland Park at the eastern end of Shennongding Scenic Area, staying in Dajiu Lake Town is another good choice.
Dining services are scarce inside most scenic spots, and the district is sparsely populated. It is highly advisable to bring dry food and drinking water with you.
Special Reminders
- Some areas in Shennongjia stand at an altitude of 2,000 to 3,000 meters. A small number of visitors may suffer from altitude sickness.
- Vast primeval forests spread across the district. For safety, please follow the regulations of each scenic area and do not venture into unapproved areas.
- The region features diverse landforms and multiple climate zones. You may experience different weather conditions within a single day. Please add or remove clothes in a timely manner.
- Most scenic spots are remote and sparsely populated. Remember to prepare enough dry food and water for your trip.
- You may encounter wild animals during sightseeing. Do not disturb them and stay alert to avoid potential harm.
- National Highway 209 is occasionally under maintenance. Road construction in mountainous areas will greatly affect traffic. Self-driving tourists should make adequate preparations and drive cautiously on rugged mountain roads.
- After the opening of Shennongjia Airport, the local government and airlines launched preferential policies for tourists until the end of 2014. Independent travelers could enjoy 50% discount on tickets to six major scenic areas by presenting their boarding passes for flights from Shanghai or Wuhan to Shennongjia.
Transportation
Getting to Shennongjia
Before 2014, road travel was the only way to reach Shennongjia. Since the official operation of Shennongjia Airport in May 2014, air travel has become an alternative option.
By Air
Shennongjia Airport is located in Hongping Town. It broke the district’s history of having no air service when it opened in May 2014. The airport is about 50 kilometers away from Muyu Town, the tourist reception center. Currently, it operates flights to and from Shanghai and Wuhan.
Address: Hongping Town, Shennongjia Forestry District
By Long-distance Bus
Land transportation to Shennongjia is not overly convenient. Most buses depart from Yichang, Shiyan and Wuhan, heading for Muyu Town or Songbai Town. Schedules are subject to frequent changes, so please confirm by phone in advance.
-
From Yichang to Shennongjia
Buses to Muyu Town and Songbai Town run daily from Yichang Long-distance Bus Station and Yichang Passenger Transport Center.
- Yichang Long-distance Bus Station: 6 trips daily (2 to Muyu Town, 4 to Songbai Town). Ticket fare: 75–85 RMB. Journey time: around 5 hours.
Address: No. 126 Dongshan Avenue, Xiling District, Yichang. Tel: 0717-6445314
- Yichang Passenger Transport Center: 9 trips daily (4 to Muyu Town, 5 to Songbai Town). Ticket fare: 75–85 RMB. Journey time: around 5 hours.
Address: Beside East Railway Station, Wujiagang District, Yichang. Tel: 0717-6910888
-
From Shiyan to Shennongjia
One bus departs for Muyu Town at 9:00 every day (fare: 85 RMB). Two buses head for Songbai Town at 7:30 and 12:00 respectively (fare: about 65 RMB). Journey time: around 5 hours.
Address: No. 1 South Renmin Road, Shiyan. Tel: 0719-8890276
-
From Wuhan to Shennongjia
One daily bus departs from Wuhan Fujiapo Bus Station at 7:00 for Muyu Town. Ticket fare: 165 RMB. Journey time: about 7 hours.
Address: No. 358 Wuluo Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan. Tel: 027-96513
Intra-district Transportation
Self-driving
National Highway 209 runs almost straight north to south across Shennongjia, with most scenic zones distributed alongside the highway. You can reach the majority of attractions by driving along this route. Private vehicles are permitted in Tianyan Scenic Area and Shennongding Scenic Area (a combined ticket for Shennongding and Dajiu Lake is required).
Public Transport
Public transport is limited for travelers without private cars. Shuttle buses running between Muyu Town and Songbai Town connect major scenic spots including Tianyan and Shennongding. Buses depart every 30 minutes on average, with longer intervals in winter due to fewer visitors.
Chartered Vehicles
Plenty of tourist vehicles are available for hire in Muyu Town and Songbai Town. Prices vary greatly depending on travel routes, peak and off-seasons. Reference price: 300–500 RMB per day. Bargaining is recommended.
|
上一篇：
发表、查看更多关于该信息的评论 
将本信息发给好友 
打印本页
