Ancient Cangling Trail

Ancient Cangling Trail

The Ancient Cangling Trail is a cultural relic protection unit of Zhejiang Province.

Ancient Cangling Trail

Starting and passing points: It starts in the west from Canglingjiao Village, Huzhen Town, Jinyun County, passes through Huangyangshu, Huaihuashu, Lengshui, Huangniling, Nantian, and other villages, and ends in the east at Canglingkeng Village, Xianju County.

Total length: 26 kilometers

Overview and main features: The Ancient Cangling Trail was carved before the Tang Dynasty and served as a key transportation route connecting ancient Wuzhou and Chuzhou to Taizhou. Historically known as the "Wukuo Passage" and the "Millennial Post Road of Zhejiang and Jiangxi," it was, more precisely, a salt route from Xianju to the inland areas. The trail is one to two meters wide, paved with large rocks. Towering mountains flank both sides of the path, creating steep ridges and winding roads. It is hailed as the "First Ridge of Southwest Zhejiang." In late autumn, the surrounding maple trees turn brilliant red, casting vibrant hues across the trail. When the sunset glows and the leaves are fully aflame, the crimson ridges bathed in the evening light create a breathtaking scene. For this reason, the "Cangling Red Maples" are celebrated as one of the "Eight Ancient Scenic Spots of Xianju." Today, it is also recognized as one of the top ten hiking routes in Zhejiang Province.

Source: Zhejiang Provincial Forestry Bureau

Huzhen Town: Located on the upper reaches of Haoxi, a tributary of the Ou River, Huzhen Town in Jinyun County lies in the northernmost part of Lishui and at the junction of Lishui, Jinhua, and Taizhou cities. It is situated in the hinterland of Jinyun, Yongkang, Pan’an, and Xianju counties and cities, making it one of the three major ancient towns in southern Zhejiang. It is 25 kilometers from the county seat, covers a total area of 228 square kilometers, has a population of 100,000 (including 20,000 migrants), governs 130 administrative villages, 5 neighborhood committees, and 202 Party branches.

The town enjoys a superior geographical location. Provincial Highways 35 and 42 run through it, and it is just 20 kilometers south of the exit for the Jinhua–Wenzhou Railway and the Jinhua–Lishui–Wenzhou Expressway. Taizhou... More details about Huzhen Town++

Further reading:

· Top Ten Classic Ancient Trails in Zhejiang

· Seventh Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units in Zhejiang Province