Foreword

For thousands of years,Shennongjia has boasted abundant natural resources and enjoyed the reputation ofa “paradise on earth,”with its towering mountains and crystal waters.Yandi(Emperor Yan),honored as the first ancestor of the Chinese nation,harvested herbal medicines and initiated crop farming here.Later he became an incarnation of immortal god, leaving behind many legendary tales that have paved the way for today’s health preservation.

Since the foundation of China in 1949,the central government has been attaching great importance to the preservation of Shennongjia. In the 21st century,Shennongjia has drawn more and more attention from the United Nations,as well as some international geographic agencies,eco-environmental organizations, and cultural institutions in regards to its geographical age,geographical location,geologic structure,diverse species,and cultural relics.Furthermore,it has won numerous certifications and honors in forestry,tourism,and medicinal plants.Known as “the lung of the earth,”it still has a long way to go in the exploration of the health care industry.

In recent years,the so-called“ancient paradise”has been witnessing a rapid development because of the construction of freeways,high-speed railways,and an airport.It is simply much easier to travel to Shennongjia now. What’s more, a well-functioning government,increasingly harmonious society,improved infrastructure and quality of life have added color to the prosperity of Shennongjia.

Living in such a crowded and fast-paced world,modern city-dwellers are more enthusiastic about their health and wellness.Shennongjia,as an ideal health resort,has become renowned both at home and abroad,which best echoes the slogan“Beautiful scenery are the gold and silver mines.”

In developing Shennongjia’s health care industry,the local government clearly adheres to the principle of industry integration.The integrating of the three industries of Shennongjia offers great opportunities for its socio-economic development and betterment of people’s living standard.Apparently it is also good news for the tourists who can improve their health and refresh their mentality by visiting.

Here is a panorama of Shennongjia’s beautiful sceneries for you to appreciate.

前言

千山万壑(陈吉华摄)Ridges and valleys of Shennongjia Mountains(Photo by Chen Jihua)

巍巍神农架，悠悠亿万年，灵山秀水，奇幻相生，人间仙境，气象万千。始祖炎帝于此搭架采药，尝百草，植五谷，登坛入仙，万古相传，为这片绿林埋下健康养生之文化伏笔。

新中国成立后，神农架得国家重视，保护不断升级。新世纪以来，神农架在地理年龄、位置、构造、物种和地球遗迹等方面，越来越受到联合国等国际地理、生态环保、人文机构重视，各项认证顺利通过，各种殊荣纷至沓来。神农架在林业、旅游、药材种植等方面开发有序、保护得力，成绩卓著，但作为“地球之肺”的神农架，其健康养生之自然资源，一直处于待开发状态。

时光荏苒，国家发展，社会进步，民生改善，加之机场、高铁和高速公路相继修建，进入神农架不再耗时费力。近年来，林区政通人和，设施改善，安全便达，神农架发展进入一个崭新的时代。

时下，闹市喧嚣愈烈，生活节奏加快，国民健康养生意识渐浓，神农架这个理想康养之地的影响广播于寰宇，正是其践行“绿水青山就是金山银山”思想，发挥自然魅力，造福天下苍生的好时机。

健康养生产业的提出顺时应势，推动务实聚力，是林区党委政府的英明抉择，将为林区“一二三”产业融合、经济社会发展和林区人民生活水平提高创造无限机遇，更为寻求康养、逐梦旅途之人调养身体、放松心情、焕发活力提供无限便利。本刊特撷神农架林区大美之冰山一角，编制此辑，以飨读者。