Don't ignore advice and visit Shennongjia in July! You'll only truly understand once you experience it yourself...

Shennongjia, this mysterious and vast land, holds countless breathtaking natural wonders and unique charms. After concluding my journey in Shiyan, I embarked on an exploratory trip to Shennongjia and have compiled a detailed 3-day travel guide to help you immerse yourself in its beauty. Itinerary Overview - Day1: Tianyan Scenic Area → Hongping Scenic Area → Guanmen Mountain → Muyu Town - Day2: Tiansheng Bridge → Shennong Altar → Shennong Peak → Jiuhu Lake - Day3: Morning Mist at Jiuhu Lake → Return Trip Day1: Exploring Nature Through Mountain Forests Tianyan Scenic Area The first stop in Shennongjia is the Tianyan Scenic Area, where the iconic Tianyan Rainbow Bridge spans across the mountains like a vibrant ribbon. Standing on the bridge, with deep valleys beneath and mist swirling around, you'll feel a sense of being "isolated from the world." The unique design of the bridge allows you to enjoy both the majestic mountain views and the slight thrill of its gentle sway, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. Hongping Scenic Area After leaving Tianyan, head to the Hongping Scenic Area. The Hongping Gallery Valley is the highlight here, with babbling streams winding through the canyon. Even if you don't venture into the water, a stroll along the riverside path, admiring the oddly shaped rocks and breathing in the fresh air, is incredibly refreshing. The valley is rich in vegetation, offering different scenery in each season, especially the stunning red leaves in autumn. Guanmen Mountain Guanmen Mountain offers a unique charm. Walking along the trail, you'll see scattered buildings full of life. The most astonishing sight is the cliffside beehives, densely packed and showcasing the local beekeeping culture. The zoo in the area is also a must-visit, where adorable pandas leisurely eat and play, along with other rare animals like red pandas and golden monkeys, allowing you to get up close with nature's wonders. Accommodation Recommendation: Stay overnight in Muyu Town, the core service area for tourism in Shennongjia, with well-developed facilities. The town offers a variety of hotels and homestays, from cozy boutique inns to fully-equipped business hotels, catering to different needs. Food Recommendation: For dinner, try local specialties like Shennongjia cured meat hotpot, where the savory cured meat pairs perfectly with the rich broth, warming both your stomach and soul. Another must-try is the pan-fried potatoes, crispy on the outside and soft inside, sprinkled with chili powder and scallions for a flavorful bite. Day2: Mountains and Waters, Experiencing Shennong's Charm Tiansheng Bridge Start your morning in Muyu Town and head to Tiansheng Bridge. Known for its unique caves, bridges, waterfalls, and pools, the area offers stunning views at every turn. Waterfalls cascade down the mountains, creating spectacular curtains of water. Along the streams, you'll find many scenic spots perfect for pausing and admiring nature's craftsmanship. Shennong Altar After Tiansheng Bridge, visit the Shennong Altar, built to honor the legendary Emperor Shennong. The grand altar features a solemn statue of Shennong with a bull's head and human body, standing majestically amidst green mountains. Climbing the steep steps to get a closer look can be challenging, but the panoramic view from the top is worth the effort. If you're short on energy, taking photos at the plaza below still lets you soak in the cultural atmosphere. Shennong Peak Shennong Peak is the core scenic area and a must-visit spot. Due to the high altitude and cooler temperatures, be sure to bring warm clothing—a windbreaker is a good choice. The area boasts breathtaking landscapes, with sea of clouds, peaks, and meadows intertwined. Walking along the trails feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Try to avoid holidays to prevent traffic congestion and ensure a smooth experience. Accommodation Recommendation: Stay overnight near Jiuhu Lake, where most homestays offer lakeside views, providing tranquility and beauty. At night, you can admire the starry sky, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Food Recommendation: Local restaurants around Jiuhu Lake serve various farm-style dishes. The braised free-range chicken with mushrooms is a signature dish, featuring tender chicken and fresh mushrooms in a rich broth. Another highlight is stir-fried cured meat with pickled peppers, where the spicy and sour peppers perfectly complement the savory meat, making it a great dish with rice. Day3: Morning Mist at Jiuhu Lake, a Poetic Finale Jiuhu Lake Don't miss the morning mist at Jiuhu Lake. With the cooler weather, waking up around 7 am is ideal. The lake is enveloped in a thin mist, resembling an unfolding ink painting. The surrounding mountains and trees appear faintly visible, while herds of cattle and sheep graze leisurely by the lake, creating a picturesque rural scene. Stroll along the lakeside boardwalk, soak in the serenity, and capture every moment with your camera, perfectly concluding your Shennongjia journey. Ticket Information A joint ticket for Shennongjia's six major scenic areas (Tianyan, Jiuhu Lake, Shennong Altar, Shennong Peak, Tiansheng Bridge, and Guanmen Mountain) costs 300 yuan. Annual pass holders can reserve free entry to some areas—check official information for details. The Hongping Gallery Valley requires a separate ticket, so plan according to your interests. The beauty of Shennongjia lies in its pristine and untouched nature. May this guide help you embark on an unforgettable journey to experience its unique charm firsthand!