Why go
Shennongjia is one of the most biologically diverse forest reserves in the world's subtropical zone. Its three vertical zones — subtropical, temperate and cold — create habitats for over 3,700 plant species and more than 500 vertebrates, including the rare golden snub-nosed monkey.
The area is also famous in Chinese popular culture for reported sightings of the yeren — the 'wild man' — a supposed hominid. Decades of expeditions have produced hair samples and footprints but no specimen, and the reserve's real wildlife riches are far more compelling than the legend.
UNESCO inscribed Shennongjia in 2016, extending it in 2021, for its intact primary forests and endemic species.
- Shennong Peak (3,106 m) — the highest in central China
- The Golden Snub-nosed Monkey reserve
- Dajiu Lake wetland and alpine meadow
- Tianyan Scenic Area — cliffs, valleys and old-growth forest
Where to go
Base yourself in Shennongjia's Muyu town. The reserve is divided into several scenic areas connected by mountain roads — plan for two or three days to see the main ones without rushing.
Visit the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey rescue and research area for close views of these blue-faced primates. At Tianyan, boardwalks thread through old-growth forest and along cliff edges. Dajiu Lake (Nine-pond) is a high-altitude wetland of meadows and marsh — a landscape unusual in central China.
Shennong Peak is reached by a long stone staircase; on a clear day the view stretches across the whole Daba range. Bring layers — at 3,000 metres even summer days are cool.
Practical notes
The mountain roads are slow and winding; allow more time than the map suggests. Summer is peak season — book Muyu accommodation early. Winter closes the high areas but the ski field operates on the lower slopes.
Getting there
- High-speed train to Xingshan, then bus
- Flights to Shennongjia Hongping Airport (seasonal)
- Area
- Over 3,000 sq km
- Highest peak
- Shennong, 3,106 m
- UNESCO
- World Heritage since 2016
