The Natural Bridge Scenic Area (天生桥景区), located in Shennongjia, Hubei Province, China, is a captivating eco-tourism destination that officially opened its doors to the public in April 2003. Spanning an elevation of 1200 meters and covering an expansive 60 square kilometers, this area stands out for its unique caves, bridges, waterfalls, and pools, offering visitors a perfect blend of leisure, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes.
The source of the Huangyan River, originating from Mount Laojun, flows through this region, shaping the captivating landscape known as the “Flying Bridge of Heaven” over millions of years through the flow, erosion, and dissolution of surface and underground water. The Huangyan River courses through gourd-shaped caves, resembling a majestic dragon in its flow. Legend has it that during an outburst of mountain flood while Taoist deity Laojun was collecting water for alchemy, he placed his dustpan between the banks of the Huangyan River, transforming it instantly into a stone bridge. Henceforth, the local residents were no longer threatened by floods, and the bridge came to be known as the “Bridge of Happiness.”
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Natural Bridge
- Vlog about Natural Bridge Scenic Area
- Other Attractions in Shennongjia
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 30 RMB (1st December – 28th February &1st June – 31st August) 40 RMB (1st March – 31st May & 1st September – 30th November) |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0719-3456053 |
Location and Transportation
The Natural Bridge Scenic Area is situated in Caiqi Village, beneath Mount Laojun in Shennongjia, Hubei Province, China. It is conveniently located in close proximity to the 209 National Highway, just 4.8 kilometers away from Shennong Altar.
To get there, you can first take a high-speed train to Xingshan Station (兴山站). From Xingshan, a 1.5-hour car ride will transport you to Muyu Town (木鱼镇) in Shennongjia, where you can find many cars and coaches to the scenic area.
Highlights of Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge Scenic Area boasts enchanting features such as extraordinary caves, unique bridges, majestic waterfalls, and picturesque pools. The waterfalls exhibit diverse and charming scenes, the natural stone bridges showcase exquisite craftsmanship, the fragrance of orchids fills the air around Lanhua Mountain, and the perilous and unique stone-paved paths along the cliffs create a stunning spectacle.
Approaching the Natural Bridge through the forest, the river water crashes against the rocks, creating bursts of water spray and rising mists. Standing at the edge, the natural pool below appears like a pristine bathtub, with crystal-clear water revealing the depths and sparkling in the sunlight. Crossing through the serene Nine Springs Valley, visitors reach Heaven Pool, where a variety of rare fish, including the yellow bone fish and giant salamanders, inhabit the waters.
Preserving the traces of the ancient Ba people’s way of life, the Natural Bridge Scenic Area features a monumental archway constructed from stones, surrounded by primitive Ba people’s thatched houses. The area exudes an authentic and primitive charm. Crossing the small thatched houses and standing on the Carefree Bridge provides an excellent vantage point to admire the scenic beauty of the Natural Bridge.
