Shennonggu National Forest Park is located in the northeastern part of Yanling County, Zhuzhou City, Hunan Province, and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Covering a total area of 10,000 hectares, it has a standing timber volume of 1.6147 million cubic meters and a forest coverage rate as high as 98.75%. Belonging to the subtropical monsoon humid climate zone, the park has an average annual temperature of 14.4℃, featuring primitive wild charm, precipitous canyons, and tranquil rural villages. It preserves China's only remaining primeval forest of 7,733 hectares (116,000 mu) in the intersection area of East China, South China, and Central China. With steep mountain slopes, numerous deep canyons and bare rocks, the small basins in the mountains are dotted with natural villages, resembling a fairyland.
History and Culture
The history of Shennonggu National Forest Park dates back to 1982, when Taoyuandong Nature Reserve was established with the approval of the People's Government of Hunan Province. In 1984, the construction of the national forest park began and a management institution was set up. In 1992, it was officially designated as "Taoyuandong National Forest Park" with the approval of the Ministry of Forestry, and became part of the Yandi Mausoleum-Taoyuandong Scenic Area in the same year. It was renamed Shennonggu National Forest Park in 2005 and rated as a national AAAA-level tourist attraction in 2011.
During the Agrarian Revolutionary War, Shennonggu was one of the core areas of the Jinggangshan Revolutionary Base, the Hunan-Jiangxi Revolutionary Base, and the Three-Year Guerrilla War in South China. After 11 years of revolutionary struggle, it has left rich red cultural relics.
Major Attractions
Bead Curtain Waterfall
Plunging down from a sheer cliff with a drop of 48.2 meters, Bead Curtain Waterfall is one of the areas with the highest negative oxygen ion content in China, reaching 130,000 ions per cubic centimeter. On clear afternoons, an arc-shaped rainbow often appears below the waterfall, where water mist interweaves with sunlight, creating a magical landscape.
Shennong Waterfall
With a drop of 235.2 meters, Shennong Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Hunan, cascading down in three tiers. Water rushes down from Shennong Peak (2,235.2 meters above sea level), like a white silk ribbon dancing among green mountains and trees, roaring through the valley with magnificent momentum.
Tree Embracing Stone
By the Jinghua Stream stands a wild chestnut tree over 1,500 years old. Its seeds germinated and grew in the cracks of stone cliffs, with its roots wrapping around the rocks to form the unique "Tree Embracing Stone" landscape, demonstrating the miracle of natural vitality.
Black Dragon Pool
The water of Black Dragon Pool is clear and the surrounding environment is serene. Climbing up the steps from the entrance, you can see the naturally formed "One-Line Sky" — a passage formed by boulders and mountain walls, 2 meters wide at its broadest point and only 0.5 meters at its narrowest, with a precipitous and unique landscape.
Recommended Itinerary
Recommended 2-day 1-night in-depth tour itinerary:
Day 1: Purchase tickets at the Visitor Center → Jinghua Stream Primeval Forest Grand Canyon (visit Bead Curtain Waterfall, Fairy Watching Waterfall, Tree Embracing Stone) → Shennonggu Jungle Adventure (experience high-altitude expansion projects, about 2 hours) → Check in at Shennongwan Hotel → Attend the bonfire party at night (open in peak season, 19:30-21:00).
Day 2: Early morning trip to the Reef Dawn Redwood Forest (photograph morning mist reflections) → Hike the ancient Xianfeng Grain Transportation Trail (about 1.5 hours) → Visit the site of the Red Army Camp → After lunch, go to Shennong Waterfall (admire the 235-meter waterfall, round-trip hike takes about 3 hours) → Buy local specialties such as Yanling yellow peaches and wild honey before returning.
Travel Tips
- The park has many wet and slippery stone steps. It is recommended to wear non-slip sports shoes. Bring sun protection supplies in summer and non-slip boots in winter (some sections may be icy).
- For in-depth tours, it is recommended to stay inside the park. Options include Shennongwan Hotel (4-star standard, room rate 300-500 RMB/night) or farm stays (150-200 RMB/night, including three meals).
- The hike to Shennong Waterfall takes 3 hours. It is advisable to bring your own drinking water and energy snacks (there are few snack bars along the way).
- Wild azaleas can be enjoyed in mid-to-late April (mainly distributed around Shennong Peak), and the red leaves are at their best in mid-October (in the Reef Dawn Redwood Forest area).
Notes
- Smoking is prohibited in the park, with a fine of 50-200 RMB for violators. Garbage must be disposed of in designated bins to protect the primitive ecology.
- Some sections of the plank road at Shennong Waterfall are steep. The elderly and children must be accompanied by adults, and extra care should be taken on rainy days to avoid slipping.
- Unauthorized entry into undeveloped areas (such as the core protection zone of Shennong Peak) is prohibited to prevent getting lost or encountering wild animals.
- There are many mosquitoes in summer; please apply mosquito repellent. Winter temperatures are low (-5℃ to 5℃), so warm clothing such as down jackets is necessary.
- Self-driving tourists must abide by the park's speed limit (30km/h on mountain roads). Parking fees are 10 RMB per vehicle per day. It is recommended to arrive before 8:00 AM during peak seasons (weekends and holidays).
Transportation
- Public Transportation:
- Take a coach from Changsha South Bus Station or Zhuzhou Bus Station to Yanling County (3.5 hours from Changsha, 80 RMB; 2 hours from Zhuzhou, 50 RMB).
- Transfer to the park special bus at Yanling County Central Bus Station (operates from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM, hourly departures, 20 RMB, 1-hour journey).
- Self-Driving Routes:
- Changsha → Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway → Hengyang-Yanling Expressway → Yanling County → Shennonggu National Forest Park (approximately 260 km, 3.5 hours, toll fee about 120 RMB).
- Zhuzhou → Shanghai-Kunming Expressway → Hengyang-Yanling Expressway → Yanling County → Shennonggu National Forest Park (approximately 180 km, 2.5 hours, toll fee about 80 RMB).
- Internal Transportation:
- Sightseeing buses operate in a loop, stopping at major attractions such as Bead Curtain Waterfall and Shennong Waterfall. Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Fare: 20 RMB per person (included in the ticket price).
Opening Hours
The park is open year-round. Specific hours: May 1 - June 30: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM; July 1 - August 31: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM; September 1 - October 31: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM; November 1 - April 30 (next year): 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM. The best visiting periods are April-May (azalea season) and October-November (red leaf season). June-August is ideal for summer retreats to escape the heat.
Ticket Information
Ticket price: 102 RMB per person.
Search for the official WeChat public account "神农谷国家森林公园" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Online Booking
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