The splendid geological sight of the Shennongjia area is a result of a very long evolution, during which the deposition in the area experienced several tectonic movements.

    After a violent folding, the area was either split or elevated, forming the embryo of today's landform.

    The Shennongjia area has six mountains surpassing 3,000 meters above sea level, most of which are composed of the intrusive diabase rocks.

    The Shennongding Peak, 3,105.4 meters above sea level, is the highest mountain in the Shennongjia area and is known as the "Roof of Central China."

    A large area of well-preserved virgin forests surrounds the peak, making it a good habitat for many wild animals and plants, such as golden haired monkeys, giant salamanders and spotted deer.

    Tourists to the mountains will find themselves surrounded by blossoming flowers and thriving trees. They can experience and enjoy the beauty of four different seasons at different altitudes on their way to the top of the mountain.

Stone forests and caves

    Soluble carbonate rocks are widely distributed on the top of many mountains in the area. These rocks are easily eroded by water and have formed splendid high-altitude Karst Landforms.

    The Fengjingya (the Scenery Pass) is representative of the landforms, with a group of straight and graceful stone pillars.

    Picturesque scenery consisting of virgin forests, clear streams and grand waterfalls in thousands of canyons makes tourists feel completely relaxed and refreshed.

    Peculiar caves, formed by erosion, also amaze visitors. The Swallow Cave, inhabited by thousands of rare swallows, is one of the famous caves in the area.

    The cave is 2,340 meters above sea level and more than three kilometers long. The cave's mouth is 14 meters tall and 16 meters wide.

    The cave is a treasure site for scientific research in geology, archaeology and zoology.

    The Shanbao Cave (the Treasure Cave) faces south under a cliff. It is a typical cave, abundant in various types of stalactite, stalagmite and stone pillars.

    The Icy Cave is located 38 kilometers southwest of Songbai Town. The cave has an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level.

    In summer, the temperature in the cave is 10 to 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature.

    In winter, however, the temperature in the cave is higher than outside. In addition, the water droplets never freeze.