Travelogue of Shennongding

During our trip to Shennongjia in Hubei, we visited the "Shennongding" scenic area. After purchasing tickets (a full pass for all 6 Shennongjia scenic spots costs 299 yuan, with a half-price ticket of 150 yuan for ages 60-70; ID information must be entered and scanned at the gate), we drove along the winding tourist road surrounded by picturesque landscapes, immersed in lush greenery everywhere (this became our most profound impression of Shennongjia). Our first stop was "Golden Monkey Ridge," a paradise for golden snub-nosed monkeys (though we unfortunately didn't spot any) and a quintessential representation of Shennongjia's primeval forests. Entering the area, towering firs and spruces formed a dense canopy, their trunks draped with moss and vines. Babbling streams flowed under log bridges and across giant stepping stones. Following the path along the creek, we encountered cascading waterfalls with mist spraying everywhere. Leaving Golden Monkey Ridge, we headed to "Shennong Valley." Known for its distinctive U-shaped canyon topography with depths exceeding 500 meters, the valley appeared shrouded in mist when viewed from the observation deck. The abyss with its stone forests and sheer cliffs loomed mysteriously through the haze. Legend says the valley's wonders are only fully visible on clear summer/autumn days when clouds disperse - but during our visit, strong winds and thin fog limited us to a "blurred view through the mist." Next, we ascended toward "Shennongding Peak" at 3,106.2 meters elevation. We climbed the "Central China First Watchtower" (serving critical forest fire prevention, pest monitoring, and weather observation functions) atop the summit. Gazing into the distance, endless mountain ranges swirled with clouds, creating an ethereal fairyland atmosphere. Finally, we entered the primeval forest of "Prince Slope," where sky-piercing firs stood proudly under a dense canopy, transporting us into an ancient mystical painting. The air here was exceptionally fresh with high negative oxygen ion levels, leaving us utterly refreshed and invigorated.