Roaming through the high mountains and vast forests in Shennongjia, tracing the footsteps of the wild, one can truly experience the majestic beauty of the “Roof of Central China.” Following the source of the fragrant stream, listening to the murmuring of water, and exploring the primordial jungle of ancient times, one can savor the refreshing coolness amidst the mountains and forests.
Day 1: Tianyan Scenic Area – Yazi Pass – Natural Bridge – Shennongjia Muyu Town
Route: After enjoying breakfast in Songbai Town of Shennongjia, head to the Tianyan Primitive Ecotourism Area. Witness the magnificent spectacle of swallows, and search for traces of wild creatures amidst the verdant pines and red birches. Cliffs, green pines, and peculiar rocks create breathtaking scenery. The area is rich in plant and animal resources, offering fresh air and a serene environment, perfect for relaxation and exploration. After spending a day in the Tianyan Tourist Area, it’s recommended to drive to Muyu Town in the evening.
Dining: Try local specialties such as Shennongjia bacon, lazy tofu, and wild flavor dishes. There are no accommodation or dining services in the Tianyan Tourist Area. Visitors are advised to bring their own drinking water and snacks. There are some small supermarkets at the tourist gathering center and within the scenic area where visitors can purchase necessities. In the evening, enjoy the local delicacies and snacks in Muyu Town or Red Ping Town.
Accommodation: Muyu Town is an important tourist distribution center in Shennongjia, with major attractions located nearby. There are hotels of various grades in the town, offering decent accommodations. Young travelers may opt for youth hostels or fashionable hotels with good value for money.
Day 2: Xiangxi Source – Shennong Peak – Guanmen Mountain
Route: Start your second day of the Shennongjia essence tour after breakfast in Muyu Town. Head to Xiangxi Source and spend about two hours exploring the area. Then, travel south to the Shennong Peak Scenic Area to admire the stunning natural landscapes of the subalpine region. This area boasts six peaks, all over 3000 meters above sea level, earning it the title of the “Roof of Central China” and serving as the watershed between the Yangtze River and Han River. The entire area is a vast forest oxygen bar, with lush vegetation, babbling streams, and adorable golden snub-nosed monkeys. If you visit in May or June, you can also see the spectacular rhododendron flowers blooming across the mountains.
Dining: Indulge in delicacies such as stewed chicken with mushrooms, lazy tofu, Zha Guangjiao (a local dish), and Shennongjia pickled vegetables. There are no accommodation or dining services in the Shennong Peak Scenic Area. Visitors are advised to bring water, bread, eggs, biscuits, chocolates, and other snacks for the journey. There are some small supermarkets at the tourist gathering center and within the scenic area where visitors can purchase necessities. After visiting the Shennong Peak Scenic Area, head to Jiuhu Town for dinner.
Accommodation: Since the Shennong Peak Scenic Area does not provide accommodation or dining services, visitors can choose to stay in Muyu Town or Jiuhu Town according to their specific itinerary. As the itinerary for the third day involves visiting Dajiuhu, it is recommended to stay in Jiuhu Town for the night.
Day 3: Dajiuhu National Wetland Park
Route: Dajiuhu Wetland Park is extensive, and a one-day tour is quite compact. If time permits, consider staying for two days to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the warm-hearted Dajiuhu. The air in Dajiuhu is fresh, and the environment is beautiful. The starry sky at night and the sunrise in the morning are another beautiful sight. In the evening, the starry sky is within reach, and in the morning, the mist floats on the lake, watching the sunlight slowly pass through the clouds from the end of the mountain, and at noon, the sun shines on the fields, green all over, full of vitality. At dusk, there is a sunset glow. When time allows, you can rent a bicycle and ride around the lake for a panoramic view of Dajiuhu without any dead ends.
Dining: Enjoy delicacies such as Shennongjia bacon, cured pork trotters, Zha Guangjiao, and Shennongjia pickled vegetables. There are no accommodation or dining services in the Da Jiuhu Wetland Park, so be sure to purchase water, bread, biscuits, and other snacks in Jiuhu Town or Muyu Town. After exploring Da Jiuhu in the evening, you can enjoy dinner in Jiuhu Town.