The Shennongjia Museum of Natural History (神农架自然博物馆) stands as the sole regional natural history museum in the central China region. With over 12,000 plant specimens representing more than 2,000 species and 1,000 animal specimens showcasing over 400 species, the museum encapsulates the rich and diverse flora and fauna of Shennongjia, offering a glimpse into a unique green treasure trove.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of the Museum
- Vlog about the Museum
- Other Attractions in Shennongjia
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 0.5 – 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 30 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 11.30; 14.30 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0719-3332235 |
Location and Transportation
The Shennongjia Museum of Natural History is located at 19 Museum Road, Songbai Town, Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province, China.
To get to the museum, travelers can begin their journey by taking a high-speed train to Shennongjia Station. From there, they can transfer to a bus heading to Songbai Town. The distance from Shennongjia Station to Songbai Town is approximately 42 kilometers, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
Highlights of the Museum
Plant Hall
The museum is intricately designed to reflect the characteristics of the pristine forest. Divided into two main sections – Plants and Animals – the first floor houses the Plant Museum, featuring a collection of over 2,000 plant species. Serving as a rich genetic repository, it includes over 60 rare and endangered species, such as Ginkgo biloba, Fragrant Rosewood, and the rare “living fossils” like Gnetum parvifolium and Glyptostrobus pensilis. Additionally, the collection boasts some rare medicinal herbs unique to Shennongjia.
Animal Hall
The second floor hosts the Animal Museum, showcasing more than 400 animal specimens. Among the highlights are specimens of nationally protected albino animals and the renowned Golden Snub-nosed Monkey, adding to the museum’s significance in wildlife conservation.
Rock Hall
The museum also features a fascinating Rock Hall, where various forms of petroglyphs and fossils from Shennongjia are displayed. Notable among the fossils are those of marine animals such as shells, conches, trilobites, and agnostids, providing a glimpse into the ancient marine life that once inhabited the region.
Educational Hub
Beyond being a repository of biological diversity, the Shennongjia Museum of Natural History serves as an educational hub, offering visitors insights into the ecological importance and conservation needs of the Shennongjia region. It stands as a testament to the unique natural heritage of Shennongjia, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of the intricate balance of life within this captivating part of central China.
