Shennongjia is a stunning part of northwestern Hubei Province. Known as the ‘Roof of Central China‘, it is a mountainous area of many peaks and is a natural reserve, encompassing three vertical vegetation zones.
Shennongjia is about 200kms north of Yichang, but is best accessed from the northern town of Shiyan, via national highway G209. Shennongjia is home to dense forests and an array of strange plants and animals. The endangered golden monkey resides in the reserve, along with, supposedly, the Chinese bigfoot. This red beast is said to be orangutan-like and roaming the jungles here.
The mountains of Shennongjia reach altitudes of over 3,000m and are good for hiking. It was made a protected area back in the 1980s and a UNESCO International Man and Biosphere Reserve Network in 1990 for its virgin forest in three vertical vegetation zones: subtropical, warm, and cold.
Getting There & Away
Shennongjia is accessed by the S307 highway. The best way in is by bus from the northwest Hubei town of Shiyan, via the G209 and the S307. Trip time is around 4 hours. The nearest airport is in Xiangfan, 150kms east of Shiyan. Flight time from Beijing to Xiangfan Airport is about 2 hours.