Shennong Valley National Forest Park is located in the northeastern part of Yanling County, Zhuzhou City, Hunan Province. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The total area of the scenic area is 10,000 hectares, with a standing timber volume of 1.6147 million cubic meters and a forest coverage rate of up to 98.75%. It has a mid-subtropical monsoon humid climate with an average annual temperature of 14.4°C. It is characterized by primitive wilderness, steep deep gorges, and tranquil rural villages. The scenic area has the only remaining 116,000 mu of primeval forest in the intersection area of East China, South China, and Central China. The mountain slopes are steep, with many deep gorges and bare rocks. Small basins in the mountains are dotted with natural villages, resembling a paradise on earth.
Historical and Cultural Background
The history of Shennong Valley National Forest Park can be traced back to 1982 when the Taoyuandong Nature Reserve was established with the approval of the Hunan Provincial People's Government. In 1984, the construction of the national forest park began, and the management agency was established. In 1992, it was officially approved by the Ministry of Forestry to become "Taoyuandong National Forest Park" and became part of the Yan Emperor Mausoleum - Taoyuandong Scenic Area. In 2005, it was renamed Shennong Valley National Forest Park and was rated as a national AAAA-level tourist attraction in 2011.
During the Agrarian Revolutionary War, Shennong Valley was one of the core areas of the Jinggangshan Revolutionary Base, the Xianggan Revolutionary Base, and the three-year guerrilla war in the South. After 11 years of revolutionary struggle, it has left rich red cultural relics.
Main Attractions
Zhulian Waterfall
Zhulian Waterfall plunges down from a cliff with a drop of 48.2 meters. It is one of the areas with the highest negative oxygen ion content in China, with up to 130,000 ions per cubic centimeter. On sunny afternoons, an arc-shaped rainbow often appears below the waterfall, creating a fantastic landscape where water mist and sunlight intertwine.
Shennong Flying Waterfall
Shennong Flying Waterfall has a drop of 235.2 meters, making it the highest waterfall in Hunan. It cascades down in three tiers. The water rushes down from Shennong Peak at an altitude of 2,235.2 meters, resembling a white silk ribbon dancing among the green mountains and trees. The sound shakes the valley, presenting a magnificent spectacle.
Tree Embracing Stone
There is a wild chestnut tree over 1,500 years old by the Jinghua Stream. Due to its growth from seeds in rock crevices, its roots have wrapped around the rock, forming a unique "Tree Embracing Stone" landscape that demonstrates the miracle of natural vitality.
Black Dragon Pool
The water in Black Dragon Pool is crystal clear, and the surrounding environment is serene. Walking up the stairs from the entrance, you can see the naturally formed "One Line of Sky," a passage formed by giant rocks and mountain walls that is 2 meters wide at its widest and only half a meter at its narrowest, showcasing steep and peculiar beauty.
Local Cuisine
Yanling Preserved Meat
Yanling Preserved Meat is made from high-quality local pork through pickling and smoking over firewood. It has a mellow flavor and is fatty but not greasy. It is available in all farmhouses in the scenic area. The average per capita consumption is about 50 yuan, and vacuum-packed meat is sold at about 60 yuan per jin.
Yanling Tofu
Yanling Tofu is made from local soybeans, with a delicate and smooth texture and a strong bean fragrance. It can be made into tofu pudding, dried tofu, etc. The main dish in the scenic area restaurants is "Firewood Tofu," stir-fried with green peppers, with an average per capita consumption of about 30 yuan.
Wild Mushroom Soup
The forest in the scenic area is rich in wild mushrooms such as shiitake, black fungus, and boletus. Local restaurants use fresh mushrooms to make mushroom soup, which has a clear color and delicious taste. The average per capita consumption is about 40 yuan, and it is seasonally available (June to September).
Handmade Ciba
Handmade Ciba is made using traditional pounding techniques with glutinous rice as raw material. It has a soft and sweet taste. You can experience the production process in the folk activities in the scenic area. Fresh Ciba is sold at 5 yuan per piece, and vacuum-packed Ciba is 20 yuan per jin.
Entrance Tickets
The entrance ticket is 102 yuan per person.
You can 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.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open all year round. The specific opening hours are as follows: From May 1st to June 30th, 08:00-18:00; from July 1st to August 31st, 07:30-18:00; from September 1st to October 31st, 08:00-18:00; from November 1st to April 30th of the following year, 08:00-17:30. The best visiting seasons are from April to May (Rhododendron Season) and from October to November (Red Leaf Season). You can also escape the summer heat from June to August.
Itinerary Recommendations
A two-day, one-night in-depth tour is recommended:
Day 1: Purchase tickets at the visitor center → Visit the Jinghua Stream Primeval Forest Grand Canyon (explore Zhulian Waterfall, Fairy Watching Waterfall, Tree Embracing Stone) → Experience the Shennong Valley Jungle Crossing (a high-altitude adventure project, about 2 hours) → Check in at Shennong Bay Hotel → Participate in a bonfire party at night (available during peak seasons, 19:30-21:00).
Day 2: Go to the Reef Metasequoia Forest early in the morning (shoot morning mist reflections) → Hike on the Ancient Immortal's Grain-Carrying Trail (about 1.5 hours) → Visit the Red Army Barracks Relics → After lunch, go to Shennong Flying Waterfall (admire the 235-meter waterfall, about 3 hours round trip on foot) → Before returning, buy local specialties such as Yanling Yellow Peaches and wild honey.
Transportation
- Public Transportation:
- Take a bus from Changsha South Bus Station/Zhuzhou Bus Station to Yanling County (about 3.5 hours from Changsha, ticket price 80 yuan; about 2 hours from Zhuzhou, ticket price 50 yuan)
- Transfer to the scenic area's dedicated bus at Yanling County Central Bus Station (daily from 6:30 to 16:30, one bus per hour, ticket price 20 yuan, 1-hour drive)
- Self-driving Routes:
- Changsha → Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway → Hengyan Expressway → Yanling County → Shennong Valley National Forest Park (about 260 kilometers in total, 3.5-hour drive, toll fee about 120 yuan)
- Zhuzhou → Shanghai-Kunming Expressway → Hengyan Expressway → Yanling County → Shennong Valley National Forest Park (about 180 kilometers in total, 2.5-hour drive, toll fee about 80 yuan)
- Transportation Inside the Scenic Area:
- The sightseeing bus runs in a loop, stopping at major attractions such as Zhulian Waterfall and Shennong Flying Waterfall. The first and last buses are from 08:00 to 17:00, 20 yuan per person (included in the entrance ticket)
Must-visit Attractions
- Zhulian Waterfall: The waterfall with the highest negative oxygen ion content in Asia (130,000 ions/cm³). You can see a rainbow on sunny afternoons. The best shooting time is from 15:00 to 16:00.
- Shennong Flying Waterfall: The highest waterfall in Hunan (235.2-meter drop). The hiking trail is built along the canyon, and it takes 3 hours to go back and forth. It is recommended to bring hiking poles.
- Primeval Forest: The only remaining 116,000 mu of primeval forest in the intersection area of East China, South China, and Central China. You can observe rare plants such as dove trees and Chinese yews along the Jinghua Stream section.
- Red Army Barracks Relics: Well-preserved revolutionary sites that display the life scenes of the Red Army in those days. Free admission. Explanation services need to be reserved in advance.
Travel Tips
- There are many slippery stone steps in the scenic area. It is recommended to wear non-slip sports shoes. Prepare sun protection in summer and non-slip boots in winter (some sections may be icy).
- For an in-depth tour, it is recommended to stay inside the scenic area, such as Shennong Bay Hotel (four-star standard, room rate 300-500 yuan/night) or farmhouses (150-200 yuan/night, including three meals).
- Hiking to Shennong Flying Waterfall takes 3 hours. It is recommended to bring drinking water and energy food (there are few convenience stores along the way).
- You can enjoy wild rhododendrons in mid-late April (mainly distributed around Shennong Peak) and the best red leaves in mid-October (in the Reef Metasequoia Forest area).
Precautions
- Smoking is prohibited in the scenic area. Violators will be fined 50-200 yuan. Garbage must be thrown into designated trash cans to protect the original ecology.
- Some sections of the trail to Shennong Flying Waterfall are steep. The elderly and children need to be accompanied by adults. Pay attention to slipping on rainy days.
- Do not enter undeveloped areas (such as the core protection area of Shennong Peak) without permission to avoid getting lost or encountering wild animals.
- There are many mosquitoes in summer. Apply mosquito repellent. The temperature is relatively low in winter (-5°C to 5°C). Bring warm clothes such as down jackets.
- Self-driving vehicles must comply with the speed limit regulations in the scenic area (speed limit on mountain roads is 30 km/h). The parking lot charges 10 yuan per vehicle per day. It is recommended to arrive before 8:00 on weekends and holidays during peak seasons.