Shennongjia is situated in western Hubei Province, covering an area of over 3,000 square kilometers. The special terrain here creates a warm and humid climate, making it a paradise for plants and animals at the meeting point of North and South China.
It is said that Shen Nong once looked for herbs here by chewing various kinds of plants in a bid to find solutions to patients in antediluvian times. Due to precipitous paths, he had to resort to shelves to climb the mountain for herbs. In commemoration of him, local people named it “Shen Nong Jia” afterward.
Known as “The Oriental Botanic Garden” and the natural gene bank of biological species, Shennongjia shelters some of the world's rare or endangered plants and animals, such as Chinese dove trees, South China tigers, white bears and white snakes.
Shennongjia is the “Sacred Green Land” in people's minds, where a primitive natural ecology is well preserved. In 1986 with the approval of the State Council, Shennongjia became “The National Nature Reserve of Forests and Wild Animal Species”.
In 1990, UNESCO accepted it into “the network international nature protection area of Man and Biosphere”. In 1992, it was selected as the “Demonstration of Natural Reserve of Biodiversity” by the United Nations Development Program. In 1995, it was regarded as “biodiversity protection pilot base” by the World Nature Foundation.
The tourist resources provide an array of attractions: the primitive forests, mountains and valleys, brooks and waterfalls, rare animals and plants, as well as the mysterious “savages”. It is said that more than 200 locals have witnessed the savage in person in the past 30-odd years. The above legeng adds mysterious atmosphere to the mountain.
A trip to Shennongjia can be done with various focuses: scientific research and study, adventures, sightseeing and holidays, as well as skiing and snow fun.
There are over twenty major scenic spots in Shennongjia, including Fengjingya, Hongping Valley, Shennong Top, Source of Fragrant Brook and Dajiu Lake.
Shennong Top Peak, known as the first peak in central China, is 3105.4 meters above sea level, where traces of ancient floods can still be seen through the mountain top, the slope, the uneven surface, the exposed huge rocks, and many pebbles.
Fengjingya is a dream-like place with many spectacular views: changing clouds and mist, exotic stone poles and stone peaks, and magnificent mountains reflected in the lucid water.