Summer in Shennongjia is truly an ideal paradise on earth.

Melting in the city’s heatwave? Dive into the cool embrace of Shennongjia, where the annual average temperature is 20°C. It’s a natural air-conditioned haven hidden at 31°N latitude, letting you say goodbye to the scorching summer and embark on a forest adventure🌳 🌞Best time to visit: July in Shennongjia is perfect for escaping the heat. The mountains are shaded with lush green trees, waterfalls are full and vibrant, wildflowers bloom freely, and everywhere you look is vibrant green. The air is filled with the fresh scent of plants and negative oxygen ions, refreshing and invigorating. 🗺3-day itinerary plan: - Day 1: Encounter the first impressions of mountains and waters Morning: Arrive at Xingshan Station, take a bus to Muyuzhen, drop off your luggage, and start a leisurely food and stroll tour. Try local specialties like soft glutinous corn cakes and fragrant lazy tofu. Afternoon: Head to Tiensheng Bridge to witness nature’s masterpiece. Watch the waterfall rush down beneath the natural stone bridge and feel the cool mist, as if stepping into a fairy tale world. Then visit Shennong Altar, pay respects to the giant statue of Emperor Yan, touch the thousand-year-old iron fir, and experience the blend of history and nature. Evening: Find a restaurant in Muyuzhen for a steaming pot of cured pork hock with mountain wild vegetables. Enjoy a hearty meal before resting at the hotel. - Day 2: Explore Shennongding and encounter Dajiuhu Early morning: Get up early to visit Shennongding Scenic Area. First stop is Xiaolongtan, where golden snub-nosed monkeys leap and play in the forest, their adorable antics melting your heart. Morning: Hike along the Shennong Valley plank road. Mist swirls in the valley, making you feel like you’re walking in the clouds. Overlooking the thousand-meter-deep valley, the spectacular scenery is breathtaking. Noon: Picnic near the lookout tower, enjoying the alpine meadow views while savoring your food—pure bliss. Afternoon: Head to Dajiuhu, take the scenic area shuttle bus, stroll among lakes and mountains. The reflection on Lake No. 5 is like a mirror of the sky, and the reeds in Lakes No. 7 to 9 sway gently in the breeze. Return to Pingqian Ancient Town for overnight stay. - Day 3: Discover Tianyan and a perfect return Early morning: Visit Dajiuhu to see the morning mist. The plank road scenery is dreamlike, like a fairyland. Lake No. 6 is the best spot for photographing mist reflections. Morning: Drive to Tianyan Scenic Area, challenge the Rainbow Bridge, and stand on the glass viewing platform overlooking the deep valley, heart racing. Explore Swallow Cave to discover the mysterious underground world and watch the short-tailed golden swifts fly freely. Noon: Taste Hezha rice in Hongping Town, a simple yet satisfying delicacy. Afternoon: Pack up and head home, carrying wonderful memories. 🚗Transportation guide: - High-speed rail: Arrive at Xingshan Station, then go to Xingshan Bus Station and take a bus to Muyuzhen. The journey takes about 1 hour, ticket price 25 RMB per person. - Airplane: Arrive at Shennongjia Hongping Airport, then take the airport shuttle bus to Muyuzhen, 50 RMB per person, about 1.5 hours. - Self-driving: Depart from nearby cities. The scenery along the way is beautiful, but the mountain roads are winding. New drivers should be cautious and prepare the scenic area pass in advance (hotels can help collect it). 🏨Recommended accommodations: - Muyuzhen: Shennong Mountain Villa, an old state-owned hotel with great value. Mountain view rooms cost about 200 RMB per night including breakfast. It’s a 5-minute walk to the commercial street, very convenient for dining and entertainment. - Pingqian Ancient Town: Yunshang Dajiuhu Homestay, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the wetlands. During the mist season, about 400 RMB per night, including shuttle service to Dajiuhu. The owner is an excellent photographer who can help you capture stunning morning mist photos. 📸Photo spots: - Shennong Valley: Hiking plank road to encounter dreamlike sea of clouds. Every shot is wallpaper-worthy. - Dajiuhu Lake No. 5: Calm lake surface reflecting blue sky and white clouds. Wear light-colored clothes to easily capture “sky mirror” photos. - Tiensheng Bridge: Waterfall flows through the bridge. In summer, the water volume is large. Wearing Hanfu for photos makes you look like a fairy traveling through time. 💡Tips: - Bring a windbreaker; the temperature difference in the mountains is big, especially when watching the morning mist and climbing Shennongding. Keeping warm is important. - Prepare hiking shoes; some trails are slippery. Comfortable shoes make walking easier. - Book tickets and accommodation online in advance to avoid price hikes and full bookings during peak season. - Food options inside the scenic area are limited and slightly expensive. Bring some snacks and fruits to replenish energy. This July, come to Shennongjia for a date with nature, and find inner peace and coolness among the mountains and waters~