Wusong Ancient Trail

Wusong Ancient Trail

Wuyi–Liandu–Songyang She Ethnic Forest Ancient Trail

Start and end points: Yeyuan Village, Sangang Township, Wuyi – Yelingjiao Village, Laizhu She Ethnic Town, Liandu District – Wuchikou Village‡ – Dalaokou Village, Xiping Subdistrict, Songyang. Total length: 75 km

Total length: 75 km

Overview and main features: This ancient trail starts from Dingzhao Temple in Dalaokou Village, Xiping Subdistrict, Songyang, the former study site of Xiang Anshi, a renowned figure of the Song Dynasty, and winds uphill through the mountains. It passes through Lingkanshan Village in Sandu Township before reaching Zicao Village. One branch goes via Chenghui (or Shuizhu), Huanglinggen, Zhoushantou, and Zhangtian Village in Sidu, leading to Niutoushan Village in Wuyi County; another branch continues through Huanglinggen Village all the way to Wuchikou Village (Matian Natural Village) in Liandu District. It was a major official route for trade and travel in ancient times. To facilitate merchants and travelers, post stations such as Baishu Pavilion, Banshan Pavilion, Suma Pavilion, and Shuizhu Pavilion were built along the way, offering tea and resting spots for people, horses, and carts. The ancient trail is lined with century-old pine trees and yew trees, towering high into the sky, which further accentuate the trail’s ancient and serene atmosphere. The numerous ancient trees form a stunning “scenic forest” landscape belt.

Source: Zhejiang Provincial Forestry Bureau

Sangang Township: Located in the southern mountainous region of Wuyi County, Zhejiang Province, Sangang Township is considered the southern gateway of Wuyi. The township covers an area of 45.36 square kilometers, governs 11 administrative villages, 35 natural villages, has 1,711 households, and a population of 5,016.

Sangang Township has more mountainous land than arable fields and is rich in forest resources, with a forest coverage rate of 70%, making it one of the county’s key forestry bases. The area is abundant in shiitake mushrooms, bamboo, tea oil, chestnuts, and medicinal herbs. Currently, shiitake mushroom production has become one of the pillar industries of the township, with an annual cultivation of over 2 million bags. In recent years, the township has successively developed crops such as National Day peaches, persimmons, and pecans... More details about Sangang Township++

Further reading:

· Top Ten Classic Ancient Trails in Zhejiang