Huichang Ancient Trail

Huichang Ancient Trail

The Huichang Ancient Trail is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a major national historical and cultural site protected at the state level.

The Huichang Ancient Trail starts from Fuling Town in Jixi County, Huizhou (west), and ends at Maxiao Township in Lin’an City, Zhejiang Province (east). It is located north of the Qingliang Peak National Nature Reserve, adjacent to the Huangshan Mountain to the north and the Tianmu Mountain to the south, with a total length of 25 kilometers. It was an important historical route connecting Huizhou and Hangzhou. The most intact section is the winding stone stairway trail in Jixi County, representing the finest part of the Huichang Ancient Trail. Historical records indicate that this ancient path was built as early as the Tang Dynasty. The Huichang Ancient Trail was a vital trade corridor for merchants from Huizhou and Zhejiang in history. Notable attractions near the Huichang Ancient Trail include the Zhangshan Grand Canyon, the Hu Clan Ancestral Hall, the Qingliang Peak National Nature Reserve, and the First Pass in the South of the Yangtze River.

"If not cursed in a past life, why be born in Huizhou? At thirteen or fourteen, cast out into the world." Originally known as Huizhou, Huangshan City earned this reputation due to its limited land and dense population, which drove the people of Huizhou to seek opportunities beyond their homeland. As early as the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Huizhou residents ventured far and wide to make their mark in commerce, leading to the age-old saying: "No Huizhou, no market; no Jixi, no street." Most Huizhou merchants started small and were especially hardworking, so the vast majority traveled on foot or by boat. Generation after generation of Huizhou people transported salt, tea, and mountain goods, carving out arduous trade routes—of which the Huichang Ancient Trail is one. It is the third famous ancient trade route in China, following the Silk Road and the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

In his youth, Hu Xueyan, a prominent Qing Dynasty merchant, also carried goods on his back along this ancient trail and struggled to survive while trading in Zhejiang. He had to cross the mountain and deliver his goods to Hangzhou to fetch a good price. Once that load was sold, there would be a second, a third, and more—goods continuously flowing out. The young man’s business grew larger and larger, expanding beyond Huizhou to branches even in Shanghai and the capital. He eventually became the wealthiest merchant in the nation.

Before the Hang-Hui Highway was completed, the Huichang Ancient Trail was the shortcut for Huizhou people—especially those from Jixi—to reach Shanghai and Hangzhou, saving nearly a hundred li compared to the detour via Yuling Pass. Along the Huichang Ancient Trail, a teahouse was set up every five li to provide rest for travelers. In the past, residents of Changhua, neighboring Jixi, traded their handwoven cotton goods along the trail for grain and cotton from Jixi, making the trail a lifeline for both communities. Even today, it remains an important transportation route for local residents.

The Zhangshan Grand Canyon is a key highlight along the ancient trail. Historically known as the Three Sovereigns’ Capital, Three Kings Mountain, or Zhangfeng, this area marked the boundary between the Wu and Yue states during the Spring and Autumn Period. The Qin Dynasty established the Zhang Commandery, naming it after the mountain. The Zhangshan Grand Canyon features a unique geographical and climatic environment and is one of the few United Nations-recognized plant gene banks, home to 43 rare and precious species. The canyon boasts crystal-clear streams, twin waterfalls, and colorful pools scattered throughout, resembling 108 fairies dancing gracefully, adding to the enchantment of the waters. With over 50 distinctive and legendary scenic spots, the area showcases the unique spirituality of Huizhou landscapes and the deep richness of Huizhou culture. Among them, the Leader’s Portrait, Hundred-Zhang Cliff, Gourd Pool, and Flower-Crowned Summit are hailed as the “Four Wonders.” The wonders of nature have made it a natural backyard garden for the “Suzhou-Hangzhou-Shanghai” region. The Hundred-Zhang Cliff is a massive monolith standing 460 meters high at an 85-degree vertical angle. Its smooth surface resembles a giant mirror or an overturned bell, towering into the clouds—an extraordinary sight. On May 16, 2002, the Guinness headquarters in Shanghai approved the application to recognize Hundred-Zhang Cliff as the “World’s Largest Single Rock,” a claim since verified by geological authorities.

The Longchuan Hu Clan Ancestral Hall is another must-visit gem along the ancient trail. It stands proudly among ancient Chinese architecture with its distinct Huizhou-style charm. The profound architectural and cultural meanings it embodies never fail to amaze. In January 1988, the Longchuan Hu Clan Ancestral Hall was designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level by the State Council. As the renowned architect Mr. Zheng Xiaoxie remarked after visiting: “It’s a pity I didn’t come sooner. This place is truly worth seeing—a worthy national treasure.”

(1) Jixi Section of the Huichang Ancient Trail

Protected Area: The remaining section of the ancient trail stretching 20 kilometers from Yan Kou Pavilion to Yong Lai Village.

Construction Control Zone: A 200-meter buffer zone on either side of the ancient trail.

(2) Eastern Route of the Ancient Huizhou Trail – Langxi Section

Protected Area: Surface heritage remains including Yiqing Bridge, Qingshanling Temple, the stone stairway trail from the foot to the summit of Yashan, Yashan Fishing Platform Stone, and Tianquan Nunnery.

Construction Control Zone: A 10-meter extension beyond the protected area.

Address: Jixi County, Xuancheng City

Type: Ancient Trail

Recommended Visit Duration: Approximately 2 days

Phone: 0563-8155795

Official Website: http://www.huxueyan.org/

Opening Hours:

6:00–18:00

Ticket Information:

Full-price ticket: 68 RMB. Children aged 6–18 (inclusive), and full-time university undergraduates and below can enjoy a half-price discount with valid ID. Free admission for individuals under 1.2 meters (inclusive) in height and seniors over 70.

Further Reading:

·Seventh Batch of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the State Level