An ancient trail refers to a road once used by ancient people, with some or all of its traces still preserved today. The International Ancient Trails Network, in collaboration with professional media such as Traveler Magazine, has assembled a panel of renowned experts in outdoor activities, tourism, and related fields. Starting from 2016 and over the course of 10 years, they plan to jointly unveil 10 Chinese ancient trails each year that hold tourism value and cultural significance, and are worthy of global promotion—totaling 100 key ancient trail systems. They will also work with influential organizations such as Green Field Network to organize the “Million People Walk Ancient Trails” campaign.
Previously, we had selected “the Tea Horse Road, the Xiate Ancient Trail, the Taibai Ancient Trail, the Jianmen Shu Road, the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail, the Yinping Ancient Trail, the Yuntai Ancient Trail, the Beijing-West Ancient Trail, the Jingde Ancient Trail, and the Meiguan Ancient Trail” as China’s Top Ten Ancient Trails, which were widely recognized. Over the years, the number of ancient trails we’ve discovered has grown by dozens of times, and public awareness of these trails has deepened. Now, with expert input, we aim to introduce these high-quality resources as scientifically and reasonably as possible to all sectors.
In fact, most of the world’s famous ancient trails are not isolated entities. Like the Camino de Santiago and Kumano Kodo, both inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and China’s Tea Horse Road, they are vast and intricate linear cultural heritage systems. Therefore, our official ancient trails are preferably named as systems. At the same time, we recognize that naming trails after regions can better integrate local natural environments and cultural customs, allowing the trails to be presented more authentically—hence names like the Wuyuan Ancient Trail and the Haiyuan Ancient Trail.
The selection process for this “China Top Ten Ancient Trails” began in 2015 with data collection and comprehensive field research. This year’s formal selection was based on 30% online voting, 30% media recommendation, and 40% expert evaluation, with key criteria drawn from the 20 evaluation metrics in the International Ancient Trail Value Assessment System.
In May 2016, the “2016 China Top Ten Ancient Trails” review meeting was held in Wuyuan, Jiangxi. Participants included globe-trotting traveler, hiker, and photographer Ma Zhongxin; outdoor explorer and “Contemporary Chinese Xu Xiake” Wu Tao, who has trekked and explored ancient trails worldwide; veteran journalist, outdoor adventurer, and photographer Shui Xiaojie; outdoor explorer Luo Yi, hailed by CCTV and other media as the “Explorer Dad”; and Leng Linwei, editor-in-chief of the International Ancient Trails Network and seasoned media professional. They gathered from across the country and even overseas to jointly conduct the evaluation and select their own version of the “2016 China Top Ten Ancient Trails.”
After the review meeting, the opinions of other judges were also carefully considered, such as outdoor explorer and “Contemporary Chinese Xu Xiake” Hua Diao, as well as Xinhua News Agency-contracted photographer and chief photographer of the Beijing Scenic Spots Association Ma Yuming. The final official list and brief introductions are as follows:
Wuyuan Ancient Trail — The Most Beautiful Forest Ancient Trail
The best link between Huizhou culture and Gan culture, two of China’s three major regional cultures, and a perfect corridor showcasing forest ecological resources. Its preservation and maintenance efforts through the ages are exemplary.
Meiguan Ancient Trail — The Best Preserved Ancient Trail
A thousand-year-old post road that remains largely intact, connecting Central Plains culture with Lingnan culture. As a major north-south transportation route and a strategic military location, it has always been highly valued by successive dynasties for maintenance.
Luyu Ancient Trail — The Most Culturally Rich Ancient Trail
A linear cultural heritage left behind during the birth, development, spread, and exchange of Lu Yu’s tea culture, this trail encapsulates the profound and extensive traditions of Chinese tea culture, rich in historical depth.
Cheshi Ancient Trail — The Most Challenging Ancient Trail
An ancient, stunning trail across the Tianshan Mountains along the ancient Silk Road, with a history of over two thousand years. However, the journey is tough and remote, involving high altitudes, snow, and potential encounters with landslides and wildlife.
Haiyuan Ancient Trail — The Most Promising Ancient Trail
A uniquely valuable section of the ancient Silk Road, though parts of its relics have been damaged. Currently, volunteers and local governments are actively working on its protection, and it is believed the area can organically combine maintenance, excavation, and economic development.
Beijing-West Ancient Trail — The Most Historically Valuable Ancient Trail
Significant progress has been made in the excavation and preservation of the ancient trails in the mountainous western part of the capital, but most focus on the Mentougou area over the past few centuries since the city’s establishment. Further study is needed regarding its connection to the Silk Road and its even older (prehistoric “Peking Man”) history.
Taihang Eight Passes — The Best Hiking Ancient Trail
The Taihang Eight Passes are eight east-west valleys within the Taihang Mountains. Since ancient times, this region has been a significant area of activity for the Chinese nation, featuring rich natural landscapes, numerous historical relics, and diverse trail types, making it ideal for hiking experiences.
Xu Xiake Ancient Trail — The Most Tourist-Valuable Ancient Trail
The “Saint of Travel” Xu Xiake’s footsteps spanned twenty-one provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in his lifetime. His explorations included famous sites such as Huangshan, Tiantai Mountain, Yandang Mountain, and Mount Lu, forging an exceptional premium travel route.
Bataikeng Ancient Trail — The Most Locally Characteristic Ancient Trail
Stretching across the eastern and western parts of Taiwan proper, this is the only remaining ancient trail that records important historical events such as the Qing government’s administration and Japanese colonial exploitation. It is now a first-class historic site in Taiwan.
Taishun Ancient Trail — The Best Scenic Photography Ancient Trail
As the hometown of covered bridges, Taishun boasts over 30 well-preserved wooden arch bridges dating back to the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The mountain trails connect ancient bridges, trees, and residences, making autumn—with its sea of red foliage—the perfect season for walking and photography.
At this review meeting, the “China Ancient Trails Protection Award” was also presented. Ten individuals who have contributed to the protection of ancient trails were selected: Anquan Shan, Lisi Xiang, Shen Qifang, Zhou Wangong, Ruan Yisan, Xiao Dafeng, Chen Gang, Zhong Xiaobo, Hong Huixiang, and Chen Anguo.
After the review meeting, we cautiously included some highly recommendable yet previously unknown trails to the judges—such as the Anhua Ancient Trail, Zhoushan Ancient Trail, Yiqian Ancient Trail, and Jiashang Ancient Trail—on the 2017 review list, planning further field investigations by the review team. Meanwhile, famous trails such as the Shangyu Ancient Trail and Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail have begun to enter new evaluation rosters.