When you think of Jiangxi, what comes to mind first? The rapeseed flowers of Wuyuan? The porcelain of Jingdezhen? Or the poetry of Mount Lu? In fact, beyond these well-known “labels,” Jiangxi also has fourcharming ancient trails that are well worth adding to your outdoor itinerary. These trails weave through mountains and fields, traversing paths between villages. Back in the day, they were vital transportation routes connecting surrounding provinces. Though some sections are no longer fully intact, they remain excellent destinations for hiking today.
Huirao Ancient Trail
Also known as the “Huizhou Grand Road,” the Huirao Ancient Trail was a key commercial route used by Huizhou merchants traveling into Jiangxi and also a famous “national highway” of its time. At its peak, the Huirao Ancient Trail began inShe County,passed throughXiuning to Wuyuan, and finallyarrived atYaoli,stretching over a total length of more than a hundred kilometers. Although it’s now difficult to identify the complete trail amid the mountain villages, remnants of this historic path can still be faintly traced in Jiangxi—especially in spring, when Wuyuan itself is a prime destination for rapeseed flower viewing. Hiking here during this season offers scenery along the fields and paths that is even more captivating than the main tourist spots.Stretching over a hundred kilometers, although it’s now difficult to identify the complete Huizhou-Raozhou Ancient Trail through the mountain villages, remnants of its former charm can still be faintly traced in this section of Jiangxi—especially in spring. Wuyuan itself is a renowned destination for viewing rapeseed flowers, and hiking here during this season offers more breathtaking scenery along the fields and country paths than within the main tourist sites.
Route:Wangcun, Xiuning County--Tongziling--Liankeng--Shiwukeng--Tangku--Tuochuan, Wuyuan--Likeng--Baishikeng--Hongguan--Lingjiao
Meiguan Ancient Trail
Officially known as the Meiling Qin Pass Ancient Trail, this route was an important north-south transportation route in ancient times. It’s said that the lychees sent as tribute to Yang Guifei were transported north via this very path. The Meiguan Ancient Trail connects Jiangxi and Guangdong provinces, with Meiling serving as the boundary between the two. Starting from Dayu in Jiangxi, hikers can trek into Guangdong territory within a single day along the ancient trail. Well-preserved, the trail follows the official road built during the Tang Dynasty. Walking it is like stepping on the imprints of history.
Route: Dayu--Meiguan Ancient Trail--Meiling--Nanxiong
Guangfeng Ancient Road
This ancient road was an important trade route connecting Jiangxi and Fujian, also known as the "Tea-Horse Ancient Road" of the Fujian-Jiangxi region. The road starts from Yangkou, Wudu, and Tongfan towns in Guangfeng, passes through the Erdu Guan border in Guangfeng into Fujian's boundary marker, and extends to areas such as Pucheng, Fuzhou, and Quanzhou in Fujian, spanning over120kilometers. Today, most of the intact ancient road has been abandoned for a long time, but some sections of the ancient road, ancient streets, and ancient architectural complexes still remain in Shangjie Village, Xiashè Village, Tongfan Town, and Jing’an, Erdu Guan. Walking among them, one can still faintly imagine the bustling scenes of the past along this ancient route.
Route: GuangfengTongfanTown Xiashè Village-- Erdu Guan Jing’an -- Fujian Boundary Marker
Taling Ancient Road
Taling Ancient Road starts from Shangxitou Village in Xitou Township, Wuyuan, and ends at Huangmao Village in Xiuning County, Huangshan City, with a total length of about 20 kilometers. It is one of the more well-preserved ancient roads, with stone railings built in some sections. Unlike other ancient roads, the Taling Ancient Road offers a richer variety of scenery along the way, where natural landscapes such as waterfalls, countryside, pavilions, and villages blend harmoniously with cultural elements. It is especially suitable for leisure-focused hikers looking for a hiking experience.
Route: Xitou Township -- Taling -- Huangmao Village
Although ancient road hiking may seem niche, it offers a unique outdoor experience. Winter has passed—why not set aside some time to explore these ancient paths?~!