Nestled along the northern bank of Badong County in Hubei Province, at the confluence of the Xiling Gorge and Wu Gorge of the Yangtze River, Shennong Stream originates from the southern slopes of the Shennongjia Mountains. Stretching 60 kilometers from north to south, it boasts an average annual flow of 20 cubic meters per second. The scenic area spans 300 square kilometers, with over 85% forest coverage. Along its course, the stream merges with 17 tributaries before cascading into the Yangtze River at Xirangkou, opposite Badong’s new urban area. Its total drainage basin covers 1,031 square kilometers.
The stream’s main highlights include** Longchang Gorge, Parrot Gorge, Shennong Gorge**, and its tributary Mianzhu Gorge. Each offers distinct landscapes:
Renowned for its majestic, peculiar, precipitous, and picturesque scenery, Shennong Stream invites travelers to embark on an exhilarating yet safe rafting adventure in traditional wooden boats shaped like "pea pods." Along the journey, marvel at sheer cliffs, karst pillars, limestone caves, stalactites, cascading waterfalls, and natural springs that define the stream’s dramatic beauty.
The stream is also the birthplace of China’s boat trackers' culture. Witness live demonstrations of trackers hauling boats against the current, a centuries-old tradition that immerses visitors in local folklore.
Beyond its natural wonders, Shennong Stream brims with cultural treasures. Explore ancient cliffside coffins, timeworn plank roads, historic watermills, and shadow puppet theaters that reflect the region’s Tujia ethnic heritage. The stream flows past two traditional Tujia villages, where visitors can:
A journey here is not just a feast for the eyes but a deep dive into the harmony of nature, history, and ethnic traditions.
