After the evaluation meeting, the panel also carefully considered the opinions of other judges, such as outdoor explorer and recipient of the title "China's Contemporary Xu Xiake" Huadao, Xinhua News Agency contracted photographer and chief photographer of the Beijing Scenic Spots Association Mayuming, among others. The final official list and brief introductions are as follows:
Wuyuan Ancient Trail — Most Beautiful Forest Ancient Trail
A perfect link between Huizhou culture and Gan culture, two of China’s three major regional cultures, and a splendid corridor showcasing forest ecological resources. Its preservation and maintenance efforts through the ages are exemplary.
Meiguan Ancient Trail — Best Preserved Ancient Trail
A thousand-year-old post road that remains well-preserved, connecting Central Plains culture with Lingnan culture. As a major north-south transportation route and a strategic military location, it has been consistently maintained by successive dynasties.
Luyu Ancient Trail — Most Culturally Rich Ancient Trail
A linear cultural heritage left behind during the birth, development, spread, and exchange of Lu Yu’s tea culture. It encapsulates the profound and extensive traditions of Chinese tea culture, carrying deep historical significance.
Cheshi Ancient Trail — Most Challenging Ancient Trail
An extraordinary ancient 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 — Most Promising Ancient Trail
A uniquely valuable section of the ancient Silk Road, though some parts have been damaged. Currently, volunteers and local governments are actively working on its protection, and it is hoped that the region can organically combine preservation, excavation, and economic development.
Jingxi Ancient Trail — Most Historically Valuable Ancient Trail
Significant achievements have been made in the excavation and preservation of ancient trails in the mountainous western part of the capital, though most are limited to the Mentougou area over the past few hundred years since the city’s establishment. Further research is needed regarding its connection to the Silk Road and even more ancient histories (such as prehistoric "Peking Man").
Taihang Eight Passes — Best Hiking Ancient Trail
The Taihang Eight Passes are eight east-west valleys in the Taihang Mountains. Since ancient times, this area has been a significant region of human activity, featuring rich natural landscapes, numerous historical relics, and diverse trail types, making it ideal for hiking experiences.
Xu Xiake Ancient Trail — Most Tourist-Valuable Ancient Trail
The "Saint of Travel" Xu Xiake traveled across twenty-one provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in his lifetime, exploring numerous famous sites such as Huangshan, Tiantai Mountain, Yandang Mountain, and Mount Lu. He blazed a premium-quality tourist route.
Batongguan Ancient Trail — Most Locally Distinctive Ancient Trail
Stretching across the eastern and western parts of Taiwan, this is the only remaining ancient trail that records important historical events such as the governance of the Qing government and the exploitation by the Japanese colonial government. It is now a first-class historic site in Taiwan.
Taishun Ancient Trail — Best Scenic Photography Ancient Trail
As the hometown of covered bridges, Taishun boasts over 30 well-preserved wooden arch bridges from the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Ancient trails in the mountains connect these bridges, ancient trees, and traditional houses, making it perfect for walking and photography, especially in autumn when the hills are ablaze with color.
At this evaluation meeting, the "China Ancient Trails Protection Award" was also presented. Ten individuals who have contributed to the protection of ancient trails were selected. They are: Anshanshan, Lishixiang, Shen Qifang, Zhou Wanguang, Ruan Yisan, Xiao Dafeng, Chen Gang, Zhong Xiaobo, Hong Huixiang, and Chen Anguo.
After the evaluation meeting, we cautiously included some highly recommendable but still unfamiliar ancient trails — such as Anhua Ancient Trail, Zhoushan Ancient Trail, Yiqian Ancient Trail, and Jiashang Ancient Trail — in the 2017 evaluation list, planning further investigations by evaluation personnel. Meanwhile, renowned trails such as Shangyu Ancient Trail and Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail have begun entering new assessment rosters.