The Shennongjia Nature Reserve is located in the western frontier of Hubei Province. Legend has it that it was named after the ancient deity Shennong (the “Divine Farmer”), who supposedly set up a scaffold to climb the mountains in search of medicinal herbs. Shennongjia has preserved the pristine natural landscape from prehistoric times, and is even famous for reported sightings of the “Wild Man.” In ancient times, the Shennongjia forested area was once an ocean. Through the Yanshan and Himalayan movements, it gradually rose to form multiple landmasses and gave rise to distinctive local strata such as the Shennongjia Group and the Macaoyuan Group. Today’s Shennongjia Nature Reserve includes four major scenic areas: the Shennongding National Nature Reserve, Yantian Scenic Area, Xiangxiyuan Tourist Area, and Yuquanhe Tourist Area. It is the only well-preserved inland oasis in China, boasting the only intact subtropical forest ecosystem in mid-latitude regions of the world. Its flora and fauna are ancient and precious, earning it the title of “World Ecological Treasure Trove.” The reserve is covered with towering fir, yew, and fir-like trees; among the woods roam rare animals such as golden snub-nosed monkeys, white bears, serows, giant salamanders, and white cranes.
Owing to its breathtaking scenery, Shennongjia has become an ideal destination for travel enthusiasts, backpackers, and explorers seeking adventure and vacation. The China Eastern Airlines route from Wuhan to Shennongjia covers a total distance of 593 kilometers, with an estimated flight time of about 50 minutes. The aircraft used is the Airbus A319 highland model, known as the “Prairie Eagle,” which has 122 seats. Flights depart from Shanghai Pudong at 8:45 AM, arriving at Wuhan Tianhe Airport at 10:30 AM. The plane then takes off from Wuhan at 11:30 AM and arrives at Shennongjia Airport at 12:10 PM. The launch of this route and the successful operation of Shennongjia Airport are of great significance in promoting the development of the western Hubei ecological tourism circle, as well as boosting the economic and social progress of Shennongjia and its surrounding regions.