I thought western Sichuan was already breathtaking, until I came here...
I used to believe the scenery of western Sichuan was as beautiful as it gets, but after visiting Shennongjia, I realized this is the true fairyland on earth! Shennongjia was named by "China National Geography" as a must-visit destination in one's lifetime, and it's absolutely deserving of the title. My friends and I set off from Hangzhou and drove straight there, exploring three small towns along the way—Shennongjia, Wushan, and Xingshan—and the landscapes throughout the journey were simply spectacular!
First, let me share the highlights of the self-driving route: along the way, you'll encounter picturesque water highways where driving feels like gliding through a painting; towering peaks surround you, and the grandeur can only be truly appreciated in person; walking along the canyon, you'll come across ten consecutive waterfalls, their splashing waters creating a majestic scene; mysterious forest streams with crystal-clear water and lush greenery; unique geological observation zones showcasing various distinctive rocks and landforms; the mist-shrouded Wuxia Gorge, resembling a fairyland; and hidden ancient villages full of historical charm. This is the true essence of Hubei tourism!
Here’s a detailed breakdown of our five-day itinerary:
**Day 1: First Steps into Shennongjia**
• **Tianyan Scenic Area**: Ticket price 45 RMB. This area is drivable, making it very convenient. Don’t miss the Rainbow Bridge, a must-visit spot—it’s one of Asia’s highest-altitude landscape bridges. Standing on the bridge, you’ll see endless primitive forests with boxwoods, junipers, and firs thriving under the blue sky and white clouds, creating a perfect photo opportunity. The area also includes the Wild Man Cave and Swallow Cave, where you can see the ancient marine swiftlet variant—the short-billed swiftlet. The cave is quite dark, so bring a flashlight.
• **Shennong Tianchi**: Here, you’ll find lakeside wooden villas and a unique green-train-themed room. The area also features the spiritually significant Millennium Fir King. Stay overnight to join the bonfire party, which is lively and fun. At dawn around 6 AM, when the lake is shrouded in mist, waiting for the sunrise is an unforgettable, serene experience.
**Best route**: Enter from the south gate, visit Tianmenya Scenic Area first, then Swallow Cliff, and finally Shennong Tianchi.
**Best photo spots**: Rainbow Bridge, Swallow Cave entrance, and Shennong Tianchi lakeside.
**Day 2: Three Scenic Areas of Shennongjia**
• **Tianshengqiao (Natural Bridge)**: Ticket price 55 RMB. This is a classic example of Shennongjia’s karst landscape, with the stone bridge and waterfall as the main attractions. Over time, the river’s erosion has formed a gourd-shaped cave entrance, with the connected rock above resembling a naturally formed bridge. The Huangyan River flows beneath it, creating a majestic sight. The area features stunning waterfalls, the miraculous natural bridge, fragrant orchids, and perilous cliffside walkways.
• **Shennong Altar**: Ticket price 55 RMB. This iconic site explains the origin of "Shennongjia" and shares legends and history about Shennong (the Divine Farmer). The giant statue of Shennong is solemn and awe-inspiring.
• **Guanmen Mountain**: Ticket price 95 RMB. This is a scientific exploration and education zone themed around discovery, serving as a "grand garden" of Shennongjia’s ecology and geology. It also includes a panda exhibit and the Wild Man Cave.
These three areas are close together and can be visited in one day.
**Best route**: Start with Tianshengqiao to admire the unique landscape, then head to Shennong Altar for history, and finish at Guanmen Mountain for nature exploration.
**Best photo spots**: Under Tianshengqiao’s stone bridge, in front of Shennong’s statue, and at the panda exhibit.
Stay overnight at Shennong Hotel, surrounded by forests with beautiful views from the windows. The hotel has amenities like tennis courts and is conveniently located near attractions.
**Day 3: Crossing Shennongjia Forest**
• **Shennong Peak**: Ticket price 130 RMB. This is the highlight of Shennongjia, so dedicate half a day to explore. Highly recommend Golden Monkey Ridge to see adorable golden snub-nosed monkeys playing; Shennong Valley, with its deep canyons and stunning views; the Observation Tower for panoramic vistas; Skyline Ridge’s alpine meadows; and Banbiyan’s mysterious rock formations.
• **Dajiuhu (Nine-Lake)**: Ticket price 100 RMB. Known as Hubei’s "Hulunbuir," it features interconnected mountains with vast grasslands and lakes. Lakes 2, 4, and 5 are especially picturesque, with clear waters and grazing livestock.
• **Dangyang Grand Canyon**: This stretch tests driving skills but offers breathtaking scenery, especially during the rainy season with numerous waterfalls.
• **Wushan County**: Arrive in the evening and head to the mountain viewpoint for blue-hour photography, capturing the county’s sparkling lights.
**Best route**: Start with Shennong Peak (Golden Monkey Ridge → Shennong Valley → Observation Tower → Skyline Ridge → Banbiyan), then visit Dajiuhu (Lakes 2, 4, 5), proceed to Dangyang Grand Canyon, and end in Wushan County.
**Best photo spots**: Shennong Peak’s viewpoints, Dajiuhu’s lakesides, and Wushan’s observation deck.
**Day 4: The Long Wuxia Gorge of the Three Gorges**
• **Love Sky Road**: Overlooking the Three Gorges here, you’ll truly understand the ancient sentiment: "No water compares to the vast sea, no clouds rival those over Wushan." The Three Gorges’ majestic landscapes are unforgettable.
Stay overnight at Xingshan Zhaojun Villa, a large courtyard-style hotel in Xingshan County with amenities like KTV and a gym.
**Best route**: Drive slowly along Love Sky Road, stopping for photos at scenic spots.
**Best photo spot**: Love Sky Road’s viewpoints.
**Day 5: A Healing Mountain Town**
• **Zhaojun Village**: Ticket price around a few dozen RMB (exact price forgotten). This ancient mountain village showcases Wang Zhaojun’s history and features her statue. It’s perfect for hanfu photography, with its historic architecture and natural beauty creating time-travel-like photos.
• **Gaolan Grand Canyon**: Offers rafting, waterfalls, and grasslands. Summer rafting here is exhilarating, especially with the awe-inspiring Chaotianhou Waterfall. The area also has log cabins, RV campsites, large lawns, a children’s playground, and BBQ zones—ideal for a relaxing extended stay.
**Best route**: Visit Zhaojun Village first for history and photos, then head to Gaolan Grand Canyon for rafting and waterfall views.
**Best photo spots**: Zhaojun Village’s ancient streets, Gaolan’s waterfalls, and the grasslands.
**Tips**:
1. Shennongjia’s weather is unpredictable—bring rain gear and warm clothes.
2. Some driving routes, like Dangyang Grand Canyon, are challenging—drive carefully.
3. Food in scenic areas can be pricey—pack snacks and water.
4. Protect the environment—no littering.
**Local Delicacies**:
1. **Shennongjia Pan-Fried Potatoes**: Crispy outside, soft inside, seasoned with spices—delicious!
2. **Shennongjia Smoked Pork Trotters**: Richly flavored, great for stews or braising.
3. **Lazy Tofu**: Ground soybeans and greens cooked into a smooth, nutritious dish.
4. **Wild Vegetables with Eggs**: Local greens stir-fried with eggs—unique and tasty.
This trip to Shennongjia was truly unforgettable—don’t miss the chance to visit!