Shennongding Scenic Area
Shennongding Scenic Area lies within the nature reserve in southern Shennongjia. All of its peaks rise above 3,000 m, earning it the title “Roof of Central China.” It is a forest ecotourism area them…
Shennongding Scenic Area, Shennongjia · AI illustration for China Trip
Key facts
- Admission
- ¥130
- Time needed
- 0.5–1 day
- Guidebook rating
- 5 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 2045. Open in Google Maps
About Shennongding Scenic Area
Shennongding Scenic Area lies within the nature reserve in southern Shennongjia. All of its peaks rise above 3,000 m, earning it the title “Roof of Central China.” It is a forest ecotourism area themed on beautiful subalpine scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and the harmonious coexistence of people and nature. Main attractions include Shennong Peak, Fengjing Pass, Banbi Rock, the Lookout Tower, Xiaolong Pool, Dalong Pool, and Golden Monkey Ridge.
Tips from the guidebook
- 1. When visiting Banbi Rock, be sure to stay strictly on the scenic area's designated walking trails. The area lies deep within primeval forest, and snakes and other wild animals sometimes appear.
- 2. After snowfall each winter, the scenic area's shuttle buses only reach the Lookout Tower and do not go as far as Banbi Rock.
- Golden Monkey Ridge: Named after the golden snub-nosed monkeys that inhabit and roam here, it is one of the best-protected areas of Shennongjia's primeval forest.
- Fengjing Pass: Also called Badong Pass, it lies on the west side of Shennongjia's main peak, with its highest point at 2,950 m, earning it the reputation of “the First Peak of Shennong.” The hallmark of this spot is its striking peaks and graceful valleys. Standing at the pass and gazing into the distance, you see rolling mountain ranges and ever-changing vistas, a truly magnificent view.
- Shennong Stream Rafting: The Shennong Stream is a tributary of the Yangtze between Badong and the Xiangxi River. Like the Xiangxi, it rises in Shennongjia. The stream is over 60 km long, with picturesque scenery on both banks.
- Rafting: Rafts are the local iron flat-bottomed boats, pointed at both ends, carrying about 18 passengers each, with 4–5 boatmen. After rafting, you can take a speedboat from Badong County town back to Yichang. Fare: ¥110 per person; the journey takes about 2.5 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Shennongding Scenic Area cost?
Admission to Shennongding Scenic Area is ¥130, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
How long should I spend at Shennongding Scenic Area?
Plan on 0.5–1 day for Shennongding Scenic Area.
Where is Shennongding Scenic Area?
Shennongding Scenic Area is in Shennongjia, Hubei Province, in the Central China of China.
More places in Shennongjia
Xiangxiyuan Scenic Area
The scenic area lies in southeastern Shennongjia at an altitude of 1,200 m, with a cool climate and abundant water. It is only 100 km from Zhongbao Island of the Three Gorges Water Control Project, and 112 km from Songbai Town. The area centres on Shennong culture, combining a simple, unspoiled small town with rare and endangered ancient trees. Main attractions include the Shennong Altar, Xiaodangyang, the Xiangxi Source, and the Shanshuping Primeval Forest.
¥30; bonfire party ¥120 · 2–3 hours
Tianyan Primeval Ecological Tourism Area
This is the place that best showcases Shennongjia's original landscape and satisfies visitors' desire to explore and seek out wonders. The main attractions of the Tianyan scenic area include Yanzi Pass, Yanzi Cave, Tianmen Pass, and the 36 Peaks of Hongping. Within the scenic area lies a basin gorge stretching 15 km. Strolling across the flatland, you can admire picturesque scenery along both banks of the clear stream. The scenery changes with the seasons, each with its own charm, making it very beautiful, and so it is known as “Hongping Gallery.”
¥60; joint ticket ¥480 (includes Shennong Peak, Shennong Altar, Tiansheng Bridge, Guanmen Mountain, Tianyan, and Dajiuhu)
Yuquan River Scenic Area
If you love adventure and challenge, this is absolutely the place to come. Located in northeastern Shennongjia, it has the best-preserved primeval forest, as few people venture here. Highlights include the Shennongjia Natural Museum, Wushan Lake, Liudao Gorge, and more than 30 other sights. Liudao Gorge: The cliffs here are the steepest, and you can also witness the most distinctive local rural customs of Shennongjia. Laojun Mountain: Legend says Taishang Laojun once refined elixirs here for the Jade Emperor and crafted furniture for Yandi Shennong. Shennongjia Natural Museum: After seeing this “miniature Shennongjia,” you will understand why it is called a “wildlife park,” a “species gene bank,” and a “natural medicine garden.”
Dajiuhu National Wetland Park
Jiuhuping is surrounded by high mountains, with nine large ridges stretching east to west, densely forested and majestic. Nine small streams wind down from the clouds between the ridges like nine jade ribbons. On this high-mountain plain lie nine glistening lakes, which is how Dajiuhu (Great Nine Lakes) got its name. Dajiuhu is a rare high-altitude wetland. Forests cover the mountains, home to rare wildlife such as golden snub-nosed monkeys and South China tigers, and there is also a man-made deer farm.
¥100 · 3–5 hours