Scenic high mountains and valleys of Shennongjia
In August, a reporter learned from the News Office of the Shennongjia Forestry District Government that the People’s Government of Shennongjia Forestry District has issued a notice to regulate adventure tourism and other climbing-based outdoor activities, in accordance with the "Regulations on National Fitness," the "Measures for the Administration of Licensing for Operating High-Risk Sports Projects," and the "Hubei Province Shennongjia Natural Resources Protection Regulations." The move aims to effectively safeguard the lives and property of outdoor sports enthusiasts and strengthen ecological and environmental protection.
The notice states that organizations operating adventure tourism and other climbing-based outdoor activities within the Shennongjia area must obtain a permit for high-risk sports projects. Violators will be subject to administrative penalties by the competent cultural and sports authorities. Legally operating organizations must fulfill their primary responsibilities, improve emergency response plans, and enhance safety assurance capabilities. It is strictly prohibited to organize adventure tourism or climbing-based outdoor activities, or to serve as guides, under personal names. Those responsible for causing safety incidents will bear corresponding legal liabilities. Hunting, illegal harvesting of rare flora and fauna, unauthorized collection of rock, fossil, or mineral specimens, and outdoor fires during the forest fire prevention period are all strictly prohibited, with violators subject to legal accountability.
The notice requires all townships, forestry administrations, nature reserve administrations, Dajiuhu Wetland Administration, and scenic areas within the Shennongjia Forestry District to strengthen supervision of outdoor activities in their regions. Warning signs should be set up in key areas for adventure tourism, and an information liaison system should be established to promptly report relevant situations. Tourism administrative authorities must earnestly carry out their supervisory duties, strictly investigate and punish travel agencies for illegally operating outdoor activities, actively promote knowledge about adventure tourism, and raise safety awareness among outdoor enthusiasts. Other relevant departments should fulfill their respective responsibilities, strengthen the regulation and guidance of the adventure tourism market, and work to create a harmonious, civilized, and orderly tourism environment.
Shennongjia is located on the eastern edge of China’s second topographic step, characterized by mid-to-high mountain landforms formed by the eastern extension of the Daba Mountain Range. The mountains here are tall and generally decrease in elevation from southwest to northeast. The average altitude of Shennongjia is 1,700 meters, with most peaks exceeding 1,500 meters. Among them, there are six peaks over 3,000 meters and more than 20 peaks above 2,500 meters. The highest peak, Shennongding, stands at 3,106.2 meters, making it the highest peak in Central China, hence Shennongjia’s reputation as the “Roof of Central China.” The lowest point in the region is Shizhu River in the southwest, at just 398 meters above sea level, resulting in a relative elevation difference of 2,708.2 meters. This makes Shennongjia an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts interested in climbing, mountaineering, and exploration.