Xiahke Ancient Trail

Xiahke Ancient Trail

Xiahke Ancient Trail

Start/end (via) points: From the West Gate of Ninghai to Jinzhu Ridge in Yongxi Township, Tiantai County, passing through Mituo Nunnery, Tianfeng Temple, the main peak Huading of Tiantai Mountain, from Wanma Ferry scenic area to Hengdu Village, Xinchang County, and reaching Tianmu Mountain.

Total length: 120 km

Overview and main features: The Xiahke Ancient Trail is based on the travel route described in Xu Xiake’s Travel Diaries, passing through Ninghai County, Tiantai County, and Xinchang County. The trail was built around the Tang Dynasty, and the existing sections are mostly paved with cobblestones. The trail is lined with historical sites and scenic spots. It is also a highlight section of the Tang Poetry Road. The rich cultural heritage of Tang poetry has given Tianmu Mountain and the ancient post road the reputation as the birthplace of the “Tang Poetry Road of Eastern Zhejiang.” The surrounding area boasts lush vegetation and a sound ecological environment, with forest coverage along the trail exceeding 90%. There are many legends and deep cultural roots, such as the nationally intangible cultural heritage-listed tales of Liu Ruan Meeting the Immortals and the Legend of Ji Gong.

Source: Zhejiang Provincial Forestry Bureau

Yongxi Township: Yongxi Township is located in the northeast of Tiantai County, with its township government stationed in Yongxi Administrative Village. It borders Sangzhou Town and Chalu Town of Ninghai County to the east, neighbors Hongchou Town and Sanhe Town to the south, connects to Tantou Town to the west, and links to Shiliang Town to the north, being 29.5 km away from Tiantai County. The township covers an area of 77.8 square kilometers, with a total population of 15,550, including 7,853 people who live outside the township, accounting for 51% of the total population. One of the county's eight major highways, the Yanjin Line, runs through the entire territory of Yongxi. The area features overlapping mountains and dense streams, abundant forestry and hydropower resources. The township has a total of 75,000 mu of forested land and several hydroelectric power stations... More details about Yongxi Township++

Further reading:

· Top Ten Classic Ancient Trails in Zhejiang