Travel guide to the alpine azalea sea in Shennongjia, Hubei in May

[Star]Recommendation reason May is the peak flowering period of the alpine rhododendrons in Shennongjia. The sea of ​​flowers stretching for more than ten kilometers, together with the virgin forest and rare animals (such as golden monkeys), form a "natural ecological picture". It combines the subtropical forest ecosystem with Tibetan culture, making it an ideal destination for photography, hiking and cultural experience. [Star] Core highlights [One] Alpine Rhododendron Sea [CoconutTree] Shennongding Scenic Area: As the area with the highest concentration of rhododendrons in central China, there are 7 genera, 35 species and about 150 million wild rhododendrons distributed on the ridges at an altitude of 1,200-3,000 meters. The sea of ​​flowers stretches from Shennongying to Taiziya, creating a spectacle of "red silk dancing among the sea of ​​clouds". The best viewing period is from May to mid-June. [CoconutTree] Shennong Valley: Various azalea varieties such as pink and white and twisted azalea are distributed on both sides of the plank road, which contrast beautifully with the stone forest and sea of ​​clouds. The flowering period in some high-altitude areas can last until June. [CoconutTree] Dalongtan Golden Monkey Base: At an altitude of 2,200 meters, the ecological scene of azaleas and golden monkeys coexisting together shows the beauty of natural harmony. [Two] Original ecological and cultural experience [CoconutTree] Golden monkey observation: Dalongtan Research Base is the area where golden monkeys are most active, and you can observe the agile figures of this national first-class protected animal up close. [CoconutTree] Guanmenshan Ecological Museum: Displays the biodiversity of Shennongjia, including unique species such as giant salamanders and Chinese honey bees, suitable for parent-child study. [CoconutTree] Tianyan Scenic Area: Explore the Swallow Cave and Rainbow Bridge, and overlook the three-dimensional landscape of sea of ​​clouds and rhododendrons. [Three] Climate and Wonders [CoconutTree] "Different skies every ten miles": In May, the amazing sight of "flying snow and azaleas in the same frame" may appear in Shennongjia. Rime may occasionally appear in the high mountainous areas, while 30,000 crabapple trees are in full bloom in the low-altitude Dajiu Lake wetlands, creating a poetic picture of red clouds reflecting on the water. [Star] Itinerary planning suggestions [One] Classic 4-day tour route [BeachUmbrella] Day 1: Arrival at Muyu Town [Cloud]Adapt to the altitude, stay in a Tibetan homestay, and taste special foods such as bacon hotpot and lazy tofu. [Sunset] Take a walk along Xiangxiyuan in the evening and feel the tranquil combination of the stream and rhododendrons. [BeachUmbrella] Day 2: In-depth tour of Shennongding [CityScene]Morning: Enjoy the sea of ​​flowers at Shennongying meadow and take aerial photos of the magnificent scene of azaleas blending with the sea of ​​clouds. [Sunset] Afternoon: Hike along the Shennong Valley plank road to explore the Stone Forest and Rhododendron Valley; head to Taiziya and take photos of the fir forest at sunset along the “Rhododendron Corridor”. [BeachUmbrella] Day 3: Dajiu Lake and Golden Monkeys [CityScene] Morning: Cycling in Dajiu Lake Wetland, taking photos of crabapple flowers and water birds in the morning mist. [Sunset] Afternoon: Observe the monkeys at the Dalongtan Golden Monkey Base and visit the century-old ancient rhododendron community at Banbi Rock. [BeachUmbrella] Day 4: Tianyan Scenic Area and Cultural Experience [CityScene]Morning: Climb the Rainbow Bridge to overlook the sea of ​​clouds and explore the karst wonders of Swallow Cave. [Sunset] Afternoon: Return to Muyu Town to participate in intangible cultural heritage handicrafts (such as bamboo weaving and herbal sachet making), and buy local specialties such as wild honey and high mountain tea. [Star] Useful Information [One] Transportation Guide [CarFront] External transportation: You can fly directly to Shennongjia Hongping Airport, or take a bus from Yichang/Xiangyang (about 4 hours). [CarFront] Internal transportation: You need to drive or charter a car between scenic spots. It is recommended to buy a combined ticket (a combined ticket for 5 scenic spots including Shennongding + Dajiu Lake + Guanmen Mountain + Tianyan is 142 yuan/person). [Two] Food List [HotSpring] Must-try dishes: cured meat hotpot, fried cold-water fish with squeezed Guangjiao, mountain baby potatoes, and lazy tofu. [Star] Notes [One] Altitude sickness: Shennongding is 3,105 meters above sea level. It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise on the first day and prepare oxygen cylinders. [Two] Weather and equipment: The temperature difference between day and night is large in May, so you need to bring a windproof jacket, rain gear and non-slip shoes; the ultraviolet rays in high altitude areas are strong, so you need to wear sunscreen. [Three] Environmental protection and safety: Do not step on the azalea bushes, comply with the no-smoking regulations in the scenic area, and observe wild animals while keeping a safe distance. [Star] Extended Experience [One] Surrounding linkage: If you have enough time, you can combine it with Yichang Three Gorges Dam or Enshi Grand Canyon to experience the diversity of Hubei's mountains and rivers. [Two] Festivals: Pay attention to the Shennongjia Ecological Tourism Season (lasts until May), participate in the azalea photography competition or folk performances.