Hubei Shennongjia was inscribed as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2016.

Shennongjia, located in the western part of Hubei Province, derives its name from the legendary figure of Chinese history, Emperor Shennong, who is said to have climbed the mountains to gather medicinal herbs, thus bestowing upon it its name. Over billions of years, Shennongjia has undergone extensive geological evolution, taking its present form around 30 million years ago. With its diverse climate zones, Shennongjia provides a suitable habitat for over 3, 000 plant species and more than 1, 000 animal species.

The unique geographical location, excellent natural environment, and climatic conditions make Shennongjia a convergence point for flora and fauna from eastern, southern, western, and northern China. It is renowned as a"gene bank"and a"sanctuary for endangered species, "making it an ideal location for studying biodiversity, typical species, and the natural succession of vegetation. Shennongjia holds significant value for both scientific research and conservation efforts.