Geography and Nature

Shennongjia (神农架) district is a county-level administrative unit in Hubei (湖北) province, China. As of 2014, its population is estimated at 79,000. On July 17, 2016, Shennongjia was listed as World Heritage Site, the 50th World Heritage Site in China.

The district is mountainous and heavily forested, which, historically, made forestry the main industry. It has comparatively a small amount of agriculture; nonetheless, the district tries to put itself on the world map as a tea producer. There are mining operations throughout the district. The temperature during summer is usually from 50 °F to 82 °F.

Shennongjia has numerous rare and endangered species including the Huanan tiger and Golden Snub-nosed Monkey. Some people also claimed they spotted wild man there.

Travel to Shennongjia

1. The first step is to travel to Yichang (宜昌), Hubei.

• By air
  • From Beijing, at least 4 direct flights, the duration is about 2.5 hours.
  • From Shanghai, at least 2 direct flights, the duration is about 2.5 hours.
• By train
  • From Beijing, it takes 6 to 7 hours to Yichang East (宜昌东).
  • From Shanghai, it takes 6 to 8 hours to Yichang East (宜昌东).

2. The second step is to travel from Yichang to Songbaizhen (松柏镇), Shenongjia

• Rent a van or take the bus

Health and Safety Considerations 

• Useful phone numbers
  • Police: 110
  • Fire: 119
  • Health emergency: 120
• The weather can be cold and humid during summer, bring more clothes.
• Bring necessary medicines for cold, headache, insect bites, diarrhea, etc.
• When walking in trees or mountains, wear a hat, long sleeves and pants to avoid biting by snakes or insects.
• Do not bring lots of cash or show money to others.
• If you’re going outside, go with at least one other person.