Qin-Chu Ancient Road

　　The Qin-Chu Ancient Road was expanded in 562 AD, during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, on the basis of the original Zhongnan Path. The expanded Qin-Chu Ancient Road, also known as the "Yigu Road," was a mule-and-horse caravan road over three meters wide and served as an official route connecting the Qin and Chu states in Chinese history. In modern terms, the Qin-Chu Ancient Road was the highway linking the Qin and Chu regions in ancient China. This ancient road was also a key node of the Silk Road. Silk from Ankang had to pass through this ancient road into Chang’an before continuing westward. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, salt, tea, silk, grain, oil, and porcelain traveled along this road in both directions. Some scholars believe that the Qin-Chu Ancient Road was also part of the ancient Tea-Silk Road.

　　Historically, Zhashui served as an important gateway to the capital Chang’an. Located at the southern foot of the Qinling Mountains, it was once a vital transportation hub and thoroughfare connecting Xi’an and Ankang, earning it the titles “Throat of Qin and Chu” and “First County of the Zhongnan Range.” According to the Zhashui County Annals, the road was first built in the second year of the Baoding era during the Northern and Southern Dynasties (562), with a width of 2.5 meters. It was a strategic passage from Qin into Chu and a battleground fiercely contested by ancient military strategists. In the early 1950s, it was repaired twice and named the “Xikang Pack Animal Route.” The Qin-Chu Ancient Road is also known as the “Yigu Road.”

　　Due to its unique geographical location and climatic conditions, the Qin-Chu Ancient Road features a distinct natural landscape boundary between north and south. Strolling along it, every step reveals a new scene, with views changing as you move. Major attractions include: Split-by-Lightning Rock, Heiya Gully Waterfall, the ancient inn—Shuaqianchang, Red Birch Forest, Guanshan Ridge, Alpine Meadow, Glacial Relics, Bitter Bamboo Sea, and Azalea Groves. From the main peak, you can gaze north and south to take in the vastness and grandeur of grasslands and deserts, as well as the rugged beauty and elegance of mountain peaks. It’s a truly uplifting experience that leaves visitors enchanted, reluctant to leave, and loath to return home.

　　Huamenlou is an open area where two streams converge. In ancient times, it served as a resting place for traveling officials, a supply station for troops and horses, a trading hub for merchants, and a playground for literati and poets. Legend has it that Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, once camped here while inspecting defenses in Zhen’an via the Qin-Chu Ancient Road from Chang’an. He rested, trained his troops, enjoyed the mountains and waters, and even composed the verse: “Emerging from red hills beneath the mountain sun, Entering emerald caves shrouded in rocky mist.” The poetic immortal Li Bai, traveling south from Chang’an along the ancient road, stopped at Huamenlou. Captivated by the landscape, he lingered amidst its beauty, drinking, composing poetry, and singing out: “Green bamboos lead into a secluded realm, Vines brush gently against my traveling robe...”

　　The entire stretch of the Qin-Chu Ancient Road now lies within the Niubeiliang National Nature Reserve. Here, not only do green grasses stretch as far as the eye can see, but the scenery is also boundlessly beautiful. Blue skies, clear waters, peculiar peaks, strange rocks, rare flowers and plants, and exotic birds and animals… the wonders are too many to count. As the Qing Dynasty poet Yu Zuomei described: “The spirit of Taiyi gathers here, Nature’s grand design guards the Qin Pass. Poetic peaks veiled in emerald secure the golden fortress, A crystal-clear stream meanders like a jade ribbon.”

　　Scenic Area Address: Huamenlou, Yingpan Town, Zhashui County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province

　　Transportation by Bus: From Xi’an, take a bus to Zhashui County and get off at the Yingpan Town entrance, then transfer to a minibus or hire a car to reach Huamenlou and the scenic area.

　　Self-Drive Route: Starting from Xi’an — Xizang Expressway (Qinling Long Tunnel) — Xizang Expressway Exit (Yingpan Town) — Xiaoyukou, Yingpan Town — Taihe Street — Scenic Area Entrance (Cuiwei Palace Hotel) — Huamenlou (Ticket Office)