The introduction of Shennongjia National Park

 

Located in the west of Hubei Province,and covering an area of 76,950 hectares,Shennongjia National Park is well-known for its vast expanse of primeval forests,a number of world endangered species,tremendous variety of medicinal herbs and some mysteries of nature.

 

Towering and heavily forested peaks form a striking feature of the terrain and dominate their lowland surroundings. The 6 peaks soaring over 3,000 meters above sea level are noteworthy and highlight the landscape including the Great Shennongjia Peak,the major peak that rises 3,052 meters above sea level and gave the park the honorable name “The First Peak or The Roof of The Southern Central China”.

 

Sliced by the past faults,the park is filled with a great number of deep canyons and ravines. The forest-clad majestic peaks offer splendid views of the vast ocean of green forests that stretch from horizon to horizon,covering 85 percent of the park land;the huge blue mirror-like lake surrounded by natural pastures lies atop the mountain at an elevation of 1,900 meters;limpid streams and rivers intersperse the mountain and the pastures. Waterfalls dot the mountains and the peaks.

 

Main scenic spots

 

The Precious And Rare Plant Species:

 

The forests are packed primarily with evergreen and deciduous hardwoods such as beech,oaks,popular and birch at the lower elevations,coniferous trees such as firs and fountain bamboos at the higher elevations. The mountains over an elevation of 3,000 meters are strewn with alpine meadows.

 

Among the almost 2,000 species of higher plants,some world rare and endangered ancient tree species such as long petiole beech ,katsuratree,Chinese tulip tree and dove tree are on the verge of extinction in the world but thrive here. Many other tree species of high economic value,such as Chinese redbud,Chinese phoebe,camphor tree and Chinese box abound here.

 

The park boasts a number of ancient,gigantic trees. Most noteworthily is the david ketelleeria,which is a huge spiring tree of around 900 years old. Soaring up into the sky with sky stabbing crown,the tree sweeps the clouds at 46 meters and has a diameter up to 2.38 meters. Awesome in size and age,its trunk requires 5 people ,hands clasped,to encircle. One might call it the skyscraper of the area.

 

The Various Strange Animals:

 

The pleasant climate,complex terrain,dense forests,lush vegetation,a plenty of lakes and streams in this park support a tremendous number of wildlife,570 species in all,of which over 203 species are key animals under state protection. Walking in the park,you often have the chance of spotting monkeys,deer,black bears,pheasants and other wildlife,who make comings and goings here and there much to the delight of visitors.

 

The park is called,therefore,a realm of wildlife and plant life. Herds of golden monkeys,which are one kind of the world-rare and valuable animals unique to China,dwell in the forests and feed on pine seeds,wild fruits,twigs and grasses.

 

The  Peculiar Caverns:

 

A number of caverns stud the mountains and cliffs,each containing a great variety of elaborate formations and fanciful figures resembling different giant sculptures.

The Fish Cavern abounds huge numbers of fish. Many caverns in Shennongjia contain springs,whose waters run out of the caverns and pour into the rivers that are only around one meter lower than the caverns.
The Thunder Cavern  refers to the cavern where you can hear the thunders rumbling in the cavern and making you tremble with fear.

The Wind Cavern offers ceaseless blusters of cold wind,that make you tremble with cold.
The Tide Cavern spills a splendid plume of tidewater,which rises and ebbs for 3 times a day—in the morning,at noon and in the evening.

 

This is a hospitable park that inspires feeling of peace and serenity even at its most crowded,and gives you glimpses into the history of the region. Much of the park remain unsullied by human development. Stop to enjoy the most inviting overlooks,take a couple of walks,visit one or two of the most popular attractions,you will forget the noise outside the park.

 

If you prefer a longer stay in the park,the must-see stops including the historical exhibits,the Heavenly Lake,some of the caverns,some of the caverns,hiking and fishing opportunities are enjoyable as well.

 

Related Tours:

 

China Eco-tour

China wildlife tours

China Hiking & Trekking Tour

China Overland Tours

October Photo Tour in Sichuan

Fairy Land Photo Tour in October