Plan at a glance
A lakeside retreat in the Songbai direction
Shennong Tianchi, also known as Bataoyuan (巴桃园), is in Honghuaduo Village near Songbai Town. Its main features are a mountain lake, lakeside paths and leisure facilities arranged around the water. The site is fairly spread out and suited to driving inside, making it a good choice for lakeside walks, camping and a relaxed escape from summer heat.
Discount policies may change. Current options may include a CNY 30 half-price ticket and free entry for eligible Hubei Tourism Huimin Card (湖北旅游惠民卡) holders; confirm eligibility before booking. The full ticket is about CNY 55 per person. Opening hours are 08:00–17:30. Summer weekends can be busy, so arrive early.
How much time to allow
Allow about one hour to reach the lake, see Qiannian Shanwang (千年杉王, an ancient landmark fir) and walk part of the lakeside path. For the camping ground, waterside train-themed hotel and mountain cabin area, allow 2–3 hours. The stops are not close together, so count walking time and driving time separately.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
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Lake, Qiannian Shanwang and leisure facilities
Shennong Tianchi is the main lake view, with a path suited to a slow walk. Qiannian Shanwang is a landmark natural feature. The waterside train-themed hotel, mountain cabin area and camping ground are better for photographs, a rest or family activities; Caihong Qiao (彩虹桥, Rainbow Bridge) is another photo spot around the lake.
The climate is relatively cool in summer. Visitors who enjoy outdoor leisure can choose the camping ground and lakeside lawn, while families can select the children’s facilities and kayaking when they are open that day. Facilities and activities change with on-site management, so keep the lake, Qiannian Shanwang and lakeside path as the reliable core of the visit.
What kind of day does it suit?
Shennong Tianchi works well as a half-day stop in the Songbai direction, or as an alternative to Tianyan when choosing which direction to drive. It is a separate area from Tianyan and there is no shared pass. If someone in the group wants to avoid a long walk, drive to the lake and stay on the core path.
Build your day
About one-hour quick route
Enter through the main gate and drive to the lake. See Qiannian Shanwang first, walk part of the lakeside path for photographs, then return to the vehicle and leave. This route keeps the lake and main natural highlight together and suits a day that continues toward Songbai Town or another direction.
2–3-hour highlights route
After entering, go first to the camping ground, then stop at the waterside train-themed hotel for photographs. Follow the lake to the mountain cabin area, return to Qiannian Shanwang and finish at the lake or an on-site rest or food area open that day. You can drive between the areas, though some viewpoints still require a short walk; adjust the stops to the parking and opening conditions.
Rest and departure
The lakeside paths and camping areas work well as separate stops, so the facilities do not need to form one continuous sequence. On a busy summer weekend, complete the lake and Qiannian Shanwang first, then decide whether to visit the themed accommodation or activity areas. After leaving, return to Songbai Town for a meal; the onward vehicle plan is simpler from town.
Get there
From Songbai Town
A private or hired car is the most practical way to reach the scenic area. You can first travel to Songbai Town from Xingshan Station or Badong Station, but there is no direct public transport from Songbai to Shennong Tianchi, so arrange a second hired-car transfer. Set up this final leg before departure rather than planning around a public shuttle.
Driving and parking inside
After entering through the main gate, you can drive to the lake and camping ground. Parking areas are available and usually do not incur an extra charge. The mountain road has many bends, so anyone prone to motion sickness should prepare medication. After parking by the lake, walk the formal paths, return to the original parking point, and leave via the scenic-area road.
Know before you go
Ticket concessions and changing activities
The full ticket is about CNY 55 per person; the CNY 30 half-price option and free entry with the Hubei Tourism Huimin Card are concessions, so confirm eligibility before setting out. Children’s facilities, kayaking, themed accommodation and restaurants open according to the season or that day’s arrangements; check their operation on site.
Lake weather and summer visitor numbers affect parking and the walking experience. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Stay on formal paths and in open areas for photographs, keep out of the water and camping-management zones, and shorten the lakeside walk if rain or mist arrives before returning to the vehicle.
Songbai Town and Tianyan direction
Songbai Town is the more convenient place for a meal, while rest facilities inside the scenic area depend on what is open that day. Tianyan and Shennong Tianchi can be considered as alternatives when choosing which direction to drive. They are about 22 kilometres apart and the drive takes roughly 30 minutes in normal conditions, although mountain roads and weather can add time. They have separate tickets and are not one park.