Ancient Wu-Yue Trail

　　The Ancient Wu-Yue Trail spans about 35 kilometers and was a primary route connecting the Wu-Yue Kingdom and the Southern Tang during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era. Walking up the stone-paved steps, you’ll be accompanied by streams, the music of waterfalls, and winding paths that lead through serene, undulating landscapes — a journey where heaven, earth, and humanity seem to merge, as if traveling within a painting. It takes roughly two to three hours to reach Qianqing Pass. This pass is formed by two massive, smooth granite slabs that stand like a gate before you. This natural stone gate stands nearly 4 meters high, about 3 meters thick, and wide enough for two people to walk through side by side. Its presence embodies the idea of “one man guarding the pass can hold off ten thousand.” Upon climbing onto the stone gate and parting the overgrown branches atop the stone wall, you’ll see the sprawling, undulating walls on either side — remnants of ancient defensive fortifications.

　　Qianqing Pass, along with Qianqiu Pass and Yuling Pass, are collectively known as the Three Passes of Northern Zhejiang. They were crucial strongholds that once protected the capital of the Wu-Yue Kingdom, Lin’an. About 400 meters further ahead lies the West Zhejiang Tianchi (Heavenly Lake). Nestled at an altitude of 1,100 meters atop Qianqing Mountain, this uniquely beautiful alpine lake boasts extraordinary mountain and water scenery. With its crystal-clear azure waters blending seamlessly with the sky, gently rolling peaks, and expansive vistas, it serves as a primary habitat for the nationally protected Sika deer. Surrounded by low mountains, lush grass, murmuring springs, and crisscrossing streams, the area forms a vast basin in its center, giving the impression that all surrounding peaks face Tianchi, and all streams flow toward it. The lake covers an area of 900 acres, making it one of the highest-altitude and largest freshwater lakes in southern China. It’s truly a case of “a divine pool stretching boundlessly, a mirror of the heavens floating in the air.”

　　The Ancient Wu-Yue Trail and Qianqing Pass were constructed 1,100 years ago during the Wu-Yue Kingdom. Built along the mountain terrain, they represent a unique and grand feat of ancient engineering. The walls were assembled from stones of various sizes, serving both military purposes and marking the border between the Southern Tang and Wu-Yue Kingdoms during the late Tang and Five Dynasties periods. In 913 AD, a large-scale battle took place in this region between the Wu-Yue Kingdom and Yang Xingmi of Huainan.