5 Days of Autumn Chasing in Shennongjia! Real Experience + Pitfall Avoidance Guide

I spent a full 5 days in Shennongjia, Hubei, soaking in the autumn scenery to the fullest 🍁 Thinking back to those colorful forests and sea of clouds in the mountains still makes my heart flutter 💓 Today, I’m sharing the most practical travel experiences and tips—friends planning to chase autumn, be sure to save this!

First, let’s talk about accommodation. Choosing the right place can make your trip much smoother! If you fly into Shennongjia Hongping Airport, staying in Hongping Town on the first night is the most convenient—close to the airport and you can visit Tianyan Scenic Area and Hongping Gallery along the way without backtracking; if you plan to visit core spots like Shennongding, Guanmenshan, and Shennongtan, Muyuzhen is the top choice 🏨 with plenty of dining and lodging options nearby; if you want to catch the morning mist at Dajiuhu, you must stay in Pingqian Ancient Town (or inside the scenic area), so you don’t have to get up early to rush, just open the window and feel the romantic autumn lake mist 🌫️. Autumn in Shennongjia is not static; picking the right time lets you see the most beautiful views! Mid-October to mid-November is the best period: late October is peak for the forest sea at Shennongding, meadows at Dajiuhu, and colorful leaves at Tianyan Scenic Area 🍂; by early to mid-November, the streams at Guanmenshan, ancient trees at Shennongtan, and rock walls at Tianshengqiao show even richer autumn vibes, every snapshot feels like a cinematic masterpiece ✨.

For activities, planning by time is foolproof! Only 1 day? Head straight to Shennongding, the autumn scenery along the way will keep you amazed; have 2 days? Combine Shennongding and Dajiuhu—one day hiking to the summit for panoramic views, another day strolling lakeside to enjoy autumn, totally worth the ticket 🎫; got 3 or 4 days? I recommend buying the six major scenic spots combo ticket and leisurely exploring every corner to truly experience Shennongjia’s charm~

Don’t miss these hidden gems! At Shennongding, find the “internet-famous tree,” a solitary trunk standing on golden meadows, perfect for photos 📸; the Rainbow Bridge in Tianyan Scenic Area is a must-walk—standing on it surrounded by colorful leaves feels like stepping into a fairy tale 🌈; Dajiuhu’s Lake No. 5 is the most photogenic, with water reflecting autumn trees, every frame looks like a painting; Guanmenshan’s Panda Pavilion lets you see the chubby pandas 🐼, Tianshengqiao is great for exploring caves, and Shennongtan lets you hear the legend of Shennong.

A final reminder! Shennongjia is all mountain roads, winding and narrow—if driving, slow down and stay safe ⚠️; October to November is especially cold here, with temperatures below 10°C in the mornings and evenings, rain makes it even chillier, so don’t forget your down jacket, windbreaker, and thermal pants (or tights), don’t let the cold spoil your trip ❄️.

If you missed the autumn in Altay or Arxan this year, don’t be sad! Come to Shennongjia, where autumn has forest seas, cloud seas, and lake mist, letting you tuck all the beauty of autumn into your memories~

Post by HUGO FRANCIS | Oct 24, 2025