Shennongjia Nature Reserve Area has the wildest scenery in Hubei, combining rolling, majestic mountains and vast expanses of thick forest.

Shennongding, 3105 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in central China. But among the mountains there are many beautiful valleys, including the so-called Hongping Gallery, with its "natural" art displays. Caves, waterfalls and trickling streams add to the charm of the region.

Of the more than 2000 species of wild plants, around 30 are rare. The area is also home to 500 species of wild animals, including 20 that are officially protected by the state.

Climate:
The weather of Shennongjia varies as the sea level increases, ranging from Temperate Zone to Frigid Zone. Its extreme low temperature is -21C, but it can rise as high as 38.5C. September to April is the frost period. The weather is changeable. At times, you may witness a strange local phenomenon: while the sun shines in the west, it's raining in the east.

The best time to visit Shennongjia Scenic Area is from June to October.

Local Features: Bigfoot
Shennongjia is reputed to be the home place of a wild, ape-like creature - the Chinese equivalent of the Himalayan Yeti or the North American Bigfoot. In recent years, there have been over 200 sightings. Many of the witnesses describe the creature as a huge fast-moving, tailless creature with reddish fur, standing about 2.5 metres tall.

Chinese scientists have made several attempts to find the legendary half-man, half-ape. On one occasion they found 40-centimetre footprints, brown hair and chewed corncobs at the spot where a witness said he had encountered the strange beast. Bears were ruled out. So, what was it?

Despite high profile searches by several teams of scientists, reporters and local enthusiasts, as yet no live one has been captured. In the meantime, China's Bigfoot - rather like the rest of the world's Bigfoots - remains a myth.

Exquisite Floral Plants
As one of the few remaining primeval forests in central China and known as the "Natural Botanical Garden" and "Million Treasure Mountain", Shennongjia is home to rich plant life including the metasequoia, beech, ginkgo and Chinese tulip tree. Amid the nearly extinct plants and rich grasses are many exotic flowers, rare fruits and also herbs. It is said that Shennongjia was where Shennongshi, the legendary founder of Chinese traditional medicine, collected his herbs and taught the locals how to cure diseases.

Rare Wild Animals
Shennongjia acted as a haven for animals in the glacial times of the third and fourth centuries because of its favourable geographical condition. This heritage that has given the area a unique range of fauna. Many of the local animals are protected species, including the golden monkey, the South China tiger and the giant salamander.

The golden monkey is only found in China. Mainly living in the dense forests of the higher mountains in southwest China, it is hard to find even traces of these shy creatures. The forests of Shennongjia mountains however are home to a great number.

In the area close to the summit of the mountain is a preponderance of "white" animals including white bears, white deer, white rats, white snakes and white monkeys.