Nestled within the southwest region of the Shennongjia Nature Reserve, the Shennong Peak Scenic Area (神农顶风景区, Shennongding Scenic Area) spans approximately 883.6 square kilometers and boasts six peaks exceeding an altitude of 3000 meters, earning it the title of the “Central China Rooftop.” The highest peak, Shennong Peak, extends as the residual range of the Daba Mountains, standing as the pinnacle with an elevation of 3106.2 meters – making it the highest peak in the Central China region. Locals often say, “If you haven’t been to Shennong Peak, you haven’t truly experienced Shennongjia.”
The scenic area is renowned for its pristine forest ecosystems and ecological diversity. Lush greenery and babbling streams characterize the landscape, with arrow bamboo groves, fir tree belts, and alpine rhododendron belts adorning the mountain slopes. Visitors may also have the opportunity to witness rare wildlife, including the elusive golden snub-nosed monkey. Shennong Peak Scenic Area beckons adventurers with its breathtaking natural beauty, making it a haven for those seeking a harmonious encounter with diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife in the heart of Central China.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Shennong Peak Scenic Area
- Vlog about Shennong Peak Scenic Area
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Attractions in Shennongjia
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | 130 RMB (1st May – 31st October) 112 RMB (1st November – 30th April) |
| Shuttle Bus within the Scenic Area | 90 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 6.30 – 17.30 (1st May – 31st October) 7.00 – 17.30 (1st November – 30th April) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0719-3452143 0086-0719-3456999 |
Location and Transportation
Situated at the junction of Chongqing and Hubei provinces, between the Yangtze River and the Han River, the Shennong Peak Scenic Area is located within the Shennongjia Forestry District of Hubei Province. It shares borders with Fangxian County, Xingshan County, Badong County, Zhushan County, and Wuxi County in Chongqing.
Begin your journey to Shennong Peak Scenic Area by taking 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. Finally, board the shuttle bus from Muyu Town to Songbai Town (松柏镇), disembarking at the entrance of the scenic area – an approximately 30-minute drive.
Highlights of Shennong Peak Scenic Area
Scenic Pass (Fengjing Ya)
Also known as “Badong Ya,” Scenic Pass stands at an elevation of 2950 meters. Here, a spectacular landscape unfolds, characterized by dense stone forests and lush bamboo groves. From the base to the near summit, towering ridges, secluded valleys, winding paths, and vibrant mountain flowers create a mesmerizing scene. The verdant trees are adorned with twisting vines, accompanied by the soothing sound of babbling streams and the melodious chirping of birds. Amidst the cliffs, cascading waterfalls, resembling silver threads, add to the enchantment. In the distance, the vast expanse of the Yangtze River flows as if a flowing ribbon. The interplay of mountain ranges, dense forests, and flowing waters paints a picture where hues of green and gold alternate, shrouded in mist and clouds, creating a breathtaking panorama.
Board Wall Rock (Banbi Yan)
Board Wall Rock earns its fame as the “Stone Forest” and a reputed location for sightings of the legendary “wild man.” The slopes of Board Wall Rock are covered in extensive arrow bamboo groves, a natural barrier that is said to be frequented by the Shennongjia wild man. This area often reveals traces of the elusive creature, including hair, feces, and bamboo nests. Notably, footprints measuring 24.5 centimeters in length with a stride of 2.68 meters have been discovered. Research indicates that the cell structure of this hair is superior to that of higher primates. The allure of Board Wall Rock lies not only in its breathtaking landscapes but also in the mysterious legends and the potential encounters with the enigmatic Shennongjia wild man.
Golden Monkey Ridge (Jinhou Ling)
Golden Monkey Ridge serves as the primary habitat for the golden snub-nosed monkeys in the Shennong Peak Scenic Area. Encompassing an area of 5 square kilometers at an elevation of 3019 meters, it stands as a representative of Shennongjia’s vast pristine forests. Dotted with varieties like the Ba Mountain pine and Huashan pine, this region features gentle slopes, abundant rainfall, fertile soil, and cascading waterfalls. It stands out as one of the well-preserved areas in Shennongjia’s original forest, offering a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the region.
Small Dragon Pond (Xiaolong Tan)
Nestled within the Shennong Peak Scenic Area, Small Dragon Pond serves as a showcase of Shennongjia’s unique ecological environment and abundant natural resources. It acts as an educational and research base for environmental awareness and ecological knowledge. Housing attractions such as the “Wild Man” Mystery Garden, Hubei Youth Summer Camp site, Golden Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Center, Small Dragon Pond Tea House, and a Wildlife Rescue Center, it offers a range of tourist activities and facilities. Small Dragon Pond plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental conservation and understanding the diverse ecosystems of Shennongjia.
Vlog about Shennong Peak Scenic Area
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Bring Protection from the Sun and Rain: Shennong Peak can be quite sunny, so it’s advisable to bring an umbrella for shade.
Monitor the Weather Forecast: Before heading up the mountain, check the local weather forecast. If it’s continuously raining, you may not get to see the sea of clouds, only mist. However, if it’s just scattered showers, don’t worry too much as they’re likely to pass quickly, and there’s a good chance the weather will clear up later.
Prepare for Altitude and Mountain Roads: Shennong Peak is quite high, with an altitude of over 3100 meters. The journey to the peak involves driving up winding mountain roads, which can take over two hours in total. If you’re prone to motion sickness, be prepared for the twists and turns. Once you reach the summit, though, the breathtaking scenery makes the journey worthwhile.
The snow at Shennong Peak is really heavy, but it’s truly beautiful!
Today was a truly wonderful day.
It started off cloudy at the foot of the mountain, and it was sunny at Shennong Valley. By the time I reached Shennong Peak, it started to snow!
All three types of weather were incredibly beautiful; the only downside was that the wind was too strong at the peak, so I couldn’t stay for too long.
As I left Dajiu Lake and headed towards Shennong Peak, the fog thickened increasingly along the way, but the autumn leaves by the roadside were truly dazzling. Upon arriving at the Shennong Peak Scenic Area, visibility dropped to less than 10 meters, so I decided not to enter the scenic area and headed straight back down.
You can drive into the scenic area, but during peak times, the traffic can be quite heavy, and cars queuing to go up the mountain only move slowly. It’s advisable to buy some snacks before entering the area to pass the time while you’re in the car.
Make sure to head to Shennong Peak early! We set out from the East Gate just after six o’clock and headed straight to Shennongding without encountering any traffic. However, it was quite cold at the summit, so make sure to wear a windbreaker and long sleeves with long pants.
Don’t visit Shennong Peak on a rainy day! Otherwise, all you’ll get are foggy views and completely soaked clothes and shoes from top to bottom.
Shennong Peak Scenic Area is very large, with a total length of 43.9 kilometers. If you want to explore in-depth, with stops at every major and minor attraction, it would take at least a day to cover the entire area. Of course, it can also be quite tiring. Along the way, there are service stations where you can buy food, drinks, and use the restroom (I recommend trying the local roasted potatoes, they are delicious). However, there is no accommodation… Read more »
Shennongding’s weather is unpredictable. An hour ago, the sky was clear. Suddenly, it started raining and became foggy.
We arrived at the entrance of Shenlongding at 8:30 in the morning and started our ascent. The weather was nice in the morning. We were worried about heavy fog in the afternoon, so we made our way to the top of Shenlongding. We saw the sea of clouds, it was really beautiful! Every kind of weather has its unique beauty.