Muyu Scenic Area, Muyu Town

　　Muyu Scenic Area is situated in Muyu Town of the Shennongjia tourism development zone, acting as the southern gateway to Shennongjia tourism and the central tourist region. The famous Xiangxi River meanders gently southward from here. The entire scenic area is embraced by verdant mountains, offering breathtaking beauty and tranquility, attracting countless compatriots from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese who come here to trace their roots and pay homage to their ancestor — Emperor Yan, also known as Shennongshi, the progenitor of the Chinese nation.

　　The scenic area is divided into five main sections: the Main Worship Area, Ancient Botanical Garden, Millennium Ancient Fir, Butterfly Specimen Museum, and Chime Performance Hall. As Shennongjia was once the place where the legendary Shennong tasted herbs and gathered medicinal plants, this auspicious land was chosen to build an altar in his honor — to commemorate his lifetime of great achievements and provide a sacred site for generations of Chinese descendants to worship.

　　The centerpiece of the Shennong Altar is a massive statue of Shennong with the head of an ox and the body of a human. The statue stands 21 meters tall and 35 meters wide, totaling 56 meters to symbolize the unity and flourishing development of China’s 56 ethnic groups. The statue is erected amidst lush mountain ranges, with the earth as its body, its eyes slightly closed as if observing the minutest details, seemingly pondering the universe. In the worship area, beneath your feet are circular and square patterns representing heaven and earth respectively. Within the square pattern symbolizing earth, five-colored stones represent the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth from ancient Chinese philosophy. Nearby, ten-meter-tall totem poles stand on both sides of the altar, with varying sizes of ox heads symbolizing Shennong’s human body with an ox head and the continuation of his descendants. In front of the totem poles are two large-scale reliefs depicting the great achievements of Shennong’s life. Between the two reliefs are nine tripods and eight gui vessels (ancient utensils used for cooking and offerings, now regarded as the highest ritual vessels of the Chinese nation) and a bell and drum tower, providing a place for Chinese descendants to worship their ancestors and seek blessings. Ascending 343 steps leads you to the viewing platform in front of the statue (in ancient times, this was where emperors would worship and pay respect).

　　The barbecue and bonfire party at the Shennong Altar is set against the backdrop of the lives of Shennongjia’s mountain folk, reflecting local customs and traditions with strong expressive power and distinctive regional characteristics. Dances such as hunting, wedding ceremonies, and Double Flower Sticks vividly portray the authentic lives of the mountain people. Love duets sung by couples further illustrate the timeless tradition of Shennongjia youth expressing love through song and betrothal via shoes. The evening also features tasting of wild game barbecues, local girls serving guests Shennong yellow rice wine, and teaching mountain folk songs, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere throughout the night.

　　Time Needed

　　4 hours

　　Transportation

　　Muyu Town in Shennongjia is traversed from northwest to southeast by National Highway G209 (within the town, G209 is known as Yingbin Avenue), making transportation convenient. It is recommended to go by self-driving or private car.

　　Location

　　Muyu Town, Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province