# Tianyan Primeval Ecological Tourism Area (天燕原始生态旅游区)

Shennongjia, Hubei Province · Central China, China · Guidebook rating: 5/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/tianyan-primeval-ecological-tourism-area
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** ¥60; joint ticket ¥480 (includes Shennong Peak, Shennong Altar, Tiansheng Bridge, Guanmen Mountain, Tianyan, and Dajiuhu)
- **Opening hours:** 7:00–17:30 (June 26–October 31); 8:30–17:30 (November 1–June 25) Yanzi Pass and Yanzi Cave are said to be where Yandi Shennong and Taishang Laojun once met. At an altitude of 2,200 m, the pass faces Tianmen Pass across a north–south axis, overlooks the Zizhu River valley, and is surrounded by extensive primeval forest. About 1,000 m northeast of Yanzi Pass, on a cliffside, lies the renowned Yanzi Cave. The cave is 14 m high and 16 m wide, with a main passage of about 3,700 m. It is home to large numbers of short-billed swiftlets (短嘴金丝燕). Shennongjia's favourable natural environment has caused them to lose the migratory habits typical of their kind, so they no longer fly south or north. From the stone-stepped pavilion northwest of Yanzi Pass, looking back toward the cave mouth, you can see the spectacular sight of swarms of swiftlets wheeling through the air. Hongping Gallery, also known as Shennong Ladder, is a large gorge within the primeval forest. The peaks and streams of the gallery each have their own charm through the four seasons. North of Hongping Gallery is the Tianmen Pass scenic area; if you have ample time, visit both.
- **Getting there:** From Hongping Town in Shennongjia Forest District. A taxi from town costs ¥10–15.
- **Good for:** Gardens & Flowers, Mountains & Adventure, Nature

## About 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.”

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 2042. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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