Opened in 1983, the Shennongjia Nature Reserve. covers 70464 hectares on the borders of Fang, Xingshan and Badong counties, Hubei Province. It is sited at transitional belt among subtropical and temperate zone, being a gold mine of plant reserves. Statistics record 2062 species of pterid&phytes and seed plants. In the area, specific examples are the Chinese yew, dove tree, katsuratree, ginkgo and Chinese anthocephalus, 32 of which are under key state protection. The Henry buckthorn and zahlbruckner mountainash are peculiar to Shennongjia. Medicinal plants are another treasure of Shengnongjia, the eucommia, magnolia, gagtrodia and manyleaf paris grow everywhere, many of which occur nowhere else.
With its special natural environment and ecosystems , Shennongjia Nature Reserve is an important base for scientific research into excavation and cultivation of further plant resources.

Over 334 species of vertebrates are residents in the Reserve, over 54 of which are under key state protection, such as the South China tiger, leopard, golden monkey, golden eagle, white—crested pheasant and salamander. Here is the east limit of habitat of the golden monkey. Besides these animals some albinos 'of note include musk deer, bear and snake.

Shennongjia Nature Reserve, the mysterious treasure house possesses special attractions for the naturalists and any visitor.