3 Days Shennongjia Tour: UNESCO Wilderness, Roof of Central China

Welcome to Muyuzhen (Muyu Town), the main gateway to Shennongjia. We will be waiting for your arrival at the airport or train station. Afterwards, we will take you to your well-selected hotel in Muyuzhen, located close to Shennongjia National Park, for check-in. Sleep well in preparation for your Shennongjia Tour tomorrow!

Optional Night Drama: If time permits, you may choose to watch the A Secret Realm in Shennongjia, at 19:30 (7:30 PM). It dramatizes the ancient legend of Shennong tasting hundreds of herbs and the mysterious Wild Man legend, making it a show full of imagination and rich Tujia ethnic colors.

Get to Muyuzhen, Shennongjia (Our private transfer will pick you up from Yichang):

• Flight to Shennongjia: Flights typically land at Yichang Three Gorges Airport, which offers direct services from major cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, and Chengdu.
• High-Speed Train to Shennongjia: Yichang East Railway Station is the most popular high-speed train hub, with bullet trains arriving from Wuhan(2 hours), Chongqing (4.5 hours), Chengdu (7 hours), and Shanghai (7 hours).

Today, after breakfast, you will begin exploring part of Shennongjia Nature Reserve, visiting Shennongtan Scenic Area, Guanmenshan Scenic Area, and Tianshengqiao Scenic Area.

Shennongjia (神农架), a UNESCO Natural Heritage site listed in 2016, is known as the "Roof of Central China," with an average elevation above 1,000 meters and a 3,253 square-kilometer Global Geopark. It is rooted in the legend of Shennong (Yan Emperor), who gathered herbs and wrote medical texts here. Rediscovered in the mid-20th century, the area is famed for its dramatic seasonal landscapes, rare plants and animals, Shennong culture, and the mysterious Wild Man legend.

You will explore the Shennongjia Forest Park, which is made up of several independent scenic sections, spending your first day traveling near Muyuzhen.

First, visit Shennongtan Scenic Area (神农坛), the cultural landmark and spiritual core of Shennongjia. Here, you will see the 21-meter giant statue of Shennong, depicting him with the body of a man and the head of an ox, which commemorates the ancestor. Thousand-year-old trees stand around the statue. Wander through the area and feel the ancient light of civilization.

Next, head to the adjacent Guanmenshan Scenic Area (官门山), the "Ecological Museum" for in-depth contact with Shennongjia's flora and fauna. You will visit the museum to learn about the region's biodiversity and have close encounters with the Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey and pandas. You can also stroll through the beautiful canyons and streams and admire the visually striking cliffside beehives.

Then, visit the nearby Tianshengqiao Scenic Area (天生桥), the Karst Wonderland of Shennongjia. You will see a huge natural stone arch bridge formed by water erosion and collapse. Walking beneath the bridge allows you to feel the power of nature. Waterfalls and deep pools are visible everywhere along the route. The sound of the running water is soothing, and the air is moist and cool.

After the tour, stay overnight at Muyuzhen.

Tips:

• Shennongjia experiences large temperature differences and rapid weather changes. Even in summer, you must bring a warm outer layer (such as a windbreaker or insulated jacket).
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is strong at high elevations, so remember to wear sun protection.
• The scenic area involves a lot of walking and boardwalks, so wear a pair of non-slip, comfortable hiking shoes.

After breakfast, this whole day will spend on the Shennongding Scenic Area, 30 minutes away from Muyuzhen.

Shennongding Scenic Area is the core and soul of Shennongjia, a must-visit area for all travelers, offering the most majestic and spectacular natural scenery. It concentrates the highest peaks of Shennongjia (3106.2 meters) and features the most complete and pristine forests. The famous "Wild Man" legends were also reported here.

Route of Shennongding (Sightseeing Bus): Xiaolongtan - Jinhouling - Shennonggu - Shennongding - Wooden Partition Rock

Your first two stops are Xiaolongtan (小龙潭) and Jinhouling (金猴岭) to observe wild Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys. Jinhouling is a natural habitat for these monkeys, where young ones often appear. Try to take some photos with these magnificent golden creatures.

Then, head to Shennonggu (神农谷) for a "U"-shaped valley hike. This is the essence of the Shennongding area, featuring spectacular peaks, beautiful valleys, and natural stone forests. From the viewing platform, you can also admire the ever-changing sea of clouds.

Next, ascend to the Watchtower, the highest accessible point in Shennongjia. From here, you can gaze across to the 3,105-meter Shennong Peak (神农顶), the "Highest Peak in Central China." With expansive views, you can take in the magnificent beauty of Shennongjia in its entirety. The mountains stretch and undulate at your feet, and the distant peaks layer at a 45-degree angle, resembling green waves surging toward the sky.

Finally, visit Wooden Partition Rock (板壁岩), an area of stone forest deep within the Shennongjia primeval forest. Legend holds this is where the Wild Man was first spotted, and it is known for its strangely shaped peaks and unusual rocks.

After the tour, transfer to Airport/Train Station.

Extend to Wudang Mountain or Yangtze River Cruise: Shennongjia is close to Mount Wudang and the Yangtze River. From there, you can start Daoist mountain hiking and Tai Chi, or take Yangtze River cruise to Chongqing.

It is time to end your 3 Days Shennongjia Tour. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip around China and Asia. Safe journey!