Experience the Shennongjia Primeval Forest: A Snowy Tour of Shennongjia
Two days in Shennongjia for about 2000 RMB per person! I chased the sea of clouds in the primeval forest, encountered the "snow mountain spirits" in the Golden Monkey Valley, and explored the mysterious green lungs at 31°N latitude.
As the first ray of sunlight pierced through the mist of the primeval forest, I stood atop Shennongding Peak at an altitude of 2,997 meters. Below me, the sea of clouds surged like waves, and distant peaks appeared faintly, like fairy mountains floating in the sky. A clear call sounded in my ears—a golden snub-nosed monkey leapt from the treetops, its golden fur shimmering in the morning light, as if a messenger from ancient times.
At that moment, I finally understood why this place is called the "Roof of Central China," why legends say wild men once roamed here, and why the mysterious 31°N latitude line has reserved the most primitive, magnificent, and mysterious corner for Shennongjia.
This time, as a travel blogger, with a budget of less than 2000 RMB per person for two days and one night, I delved deep into this unique national nature reserve in China, established as a "forest district," embarking on an ecological adventure blending alpine meadows, primeval forests, rare species, and geological wonders: hiking the Dajiuhu wetlands, watching adorable giant pandas at Guanmenshan, spending the night in a mountain cabin listening to the pine waves, all to touch the last pure land left by the Earth.
🌲 Day 1: Explore Dajiuhu × Encounter National Treasures, Step into Earth's Green Memory
Depart early morning from Wuhan by high-speed train (G-series to Yichang East Station, about 2 hours, ticket 156 RMB), then transfer to a tourist shuttle bus to Pingqian Ancient Town (about 3.5 hours, ticket 80 RMB). Along the way, we passed through the Wuling Mountains, with continuous tunnels, deep valleys, and rushing streams outside the window. The deeper we went, the fresher the air became, as if entering another world.
Arriving in the afternoon at the first stop—Dajiuhu National Wetland Park (entrance 120 RMB + park shuttle 60 RMB). This is a rare mountain basin swamp wetland named after nine connected lakes, known as the "Little Switzerland of Hubei." I chose to walk the boardwalk around the lake:
In spring and summer, thousands of azaleas bloom across the hillsides;
In autumn, the forests turn vibrant, red leaves reflecting on the lake like a painting;
In winter, snow covers the area, with frost and rime creating a fairy tale world.
I took a small boat to drift on the headwaters of Luxi River, where the water was crystal clear, reeds swayed, egrets startled and flew away, and distant cattle and sheep grazed leisurely, as if in an Alpine valley.
Next, I visited the Shennongjia Natural Museum and Guanmenshan Scenic Area (combined ticket included). This is a window into ecological protection:
Entering the giant panda pavilion, two national treasures from Sichuan lazily munched bamboo, their round and chubby appearance melting everyone's heart;
At the golden snub-nosed monkey breeding base, through glass, I observed the daily life of these "snow mountain spirits"—agile jumpers with lively eyes, one of the few remaining populations of Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys worldwide;
The geology exhibition displayed Cambrian fossils and glacial relics, revealing the billion-year evolution of this land.
In the evening, I stayed at a boutique guesthouse in Pingqian Ancient Town (recommended "Dajiuhu Impression" or "Guiyuanju," about 580 RMB/night for a standard double room including breakfast). The rooms were renovated from old wooden houses, with sufficient floor heating, and the window overlooked green-tiled roofs and distant mountain outlines. Dinner featured authentic mountain wild flavors: stewed cured pig trotters with potatoes, alpine baby cabbage, wild mushroom scrambled eggs, and slightly intoxicating corn wine, warming me to the core.
🐒 Day 2: Climb Shennongding × Explore the Primeval Jungle, Search for Wild Man’s Footprints
On the second day, I woke at 5:30 AM and drove to Shennongding Scenic Area (entrance 40 RMB + shuttle 60 RMB), aiming for the "Highest Peak of Central China." Along the way, I passed a lookout tower overlooking a canyon with a thousand-meter drop; then by Banbiyen Rock, with jagged stones resembling crouching beasts, said to be the haunt of wild men. I hiked stone steps through the fir forest, the air moist and cool, moss covering the rocks, like Pandora’s planet.
At the moment I reached the Shennongding viewing platform, all was silent. Gazing far, the mountains stretched like a giant coiled dragon, the sea of clouds roiled like a pouring Milky Way. The guide whispered, "Only 30 days a year can you see the full view; you are very lucky." I stood quietly, letting the mountain wind tousle my hair, feeling a deep reverence for nature rise in my heart.
On the way down, I visited the Tianshengqiao Scenic Area (entrance 55 RMB): a natural stone arch bridge formed by millennia of water erosion spanning a stream, with a waterfall cascading down, mist spraying the face, and the pool below emerald green like jade. I rested in a stone pavilion, listening to the roaring water and watching a rainbow appear and disappear, as if time slowed down.
At noon, I returned to Pingqian Ancient Town for lunch at a local restaurant (about 60 RMB per person): Hezha with steamed bread, smoked cured meat stir-fried with garlic sprouts, wild vegetable soup—simple but full of mountain forest flavor.
At 2:00 PM, I started the return trip, stopping at a scenic overlook on National Highway 209 to take photos, capturing the rolling green mountains and winding road.
✅ Cost Breakdown (approx. 1960 RMB per person)
Round-trip transportation (high-speed train + bus + local carpool): about 436 RMB
Scenic area combined tickets + shuttle fees (Dajiuhu, Shennongding, Guanmenshan, Tianshengqiao, etc.): about 355 RMB
One night accommodation (shared double): 580 RMB
Meals + insurance + souvenirs: about 589 RMB
📌 Travel Tips:
✔️ Best seasons: June–August for cool weather and flowers, September–October for stunning autumn colors, December–February for magical snow scenes
✔️ Essentials: non-slip hiking shoes, windbreaker (big temperature difference at the peak), rain gear, mosquito repellent, wide-angle camera lens
✔️ Respect ecology: no feeding animals, no picking plants, carry out all trash
✔️ Want to shoot amazing photos? Recommended spots: Dajiuhu morning mist reflections, Shennongding sea of clouds sunrise, golden snub-nosed monkey interactions, dynamic shots of Tianshengqiao waterfall
On the day I left, I pressed a flattened Paulownia leaf into my diary.
It was not just a plant specimen but my heartfelt farewell to this primeval secret realm.
If you want to hear the Earth's original breath in one place,
go to Shennongjia—
let the sea of clouds cleanse your eyes,
let the forest heal your soul,
and let this journey of life, miracles, and the unknown
become your most unforgettable natural pilgrimage.