The Dalinbei Ancient Trail

The Dalinbei Ancient Trail

Locals refer to the ancient trail from Xiajinniao Village to Dalinkeng Village as Dalinbei because the path crosses over a mountain ridge, hence the name. This explanation feels somewhat far-fetched—crossing mountains and ridges is the most normal thing in mountainous regions. According to a villager who looked to be a retired official in his 60s, in the past, people from areas like Wenzhou and Qingtian who wanted to head in the direction of Yongkang all had to pass through the Dalinbei Ancient Trail.

Xiajinniao Village and Shangjinniao Village are very close to each other and belong to the same administrative village. A small stream runs through Xiajinniao Village, with the Cai Family Ancestral Hall located in the center of the village. The main hall of the hall is filled with densely arranged ancestral tablets, while a simple makeshift stage is piled high with miscellaneous items. The entire ancestral hall is overgrown with weeds, disordered and desolate, presenting a scene of decline. From a single ancestral hall, one can see the rise and fall of a clan’s lineage.

The ancient trail follows the small stream all the way forward. After crossing a small mountain pass, you’ll arrive at Dalinkeng Village, which is about five or six li away. The pass isn’t high—the altitude measured there is around 350 meters. Most of the ancient trail consists of stone-paved mountain paths, about a meter wide. Along the way, the scenery is lush and green, pleasing to the eye. Perhaps because few people walk the path, many thick-stemmed bitter greens grow along the sides. Almost every visitor comes back carrying a full plastic bag of wild vegetables.

Worth mentioning on the ancient trail is that near Dalinkeng Village, there are two unnamed stone arch bridges. They are entwined with old vines and accompanied by the murmuring of a stream, creating a rather picturesque scene.

Dalinkeng Village is a settlement of a few hundred people, but nowadays only about ten remain. The village now has a cement road, and following it for three li will take you to Linggen Village. Continuing for another five li or so will bring you back to Huangcun. The journey isn’t long, the scenery is beautiful, and there are plenty of wild vegetables.

On January 7, 2011, it was announced as part of the sixth batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Shiliang Town: Shiliang Town in Quzhou District is located about ten kilometers northwest of downtown Quzhou. It borders Qili Township and Jiuhua Township to the north, Kecheng Township to the south, Hangbu Town and Gouxi Township to the west, and Wantian Township and Jiuhua Township to the east. The area covers 121.6 square kilometers, governs 34 administrative villages, has a population of about 31,000, and a labor force of approximately 16,000. It is a major agricultural town and known as the “hometown of oranges.” The orange-growing area spans 18,000 mu, and two orange brands, “Paixitou No. 7” and “Xiacun No. 1,” have won the national Ministry of Agriculture’s “Second Prize” for excellent taste. Other local agricultural specialties of Shiliang Town include “Mapengqing” soybeans and “Dajuyuan Jing Sun Dry”... More details about Shiliang Town++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units