Crossing Anhui and Jiangxi: Xiuwu Ancient Road | Measuring Huizhou's Classic Ancient Road on Foot

Day 1 Hangzhou → Guankeng → Lingjiao → Hongguan

07:00

Meet and sign in at the entrance of Huanglong Seafood Stall

07:30

Depart for Wuyuan. Have lunch at the service area.

12:00

Arrive at Guankeng Village, Wuyuan, and start hiking the Xiuwu Ancient Trail: Guankeng-Hongguan.

Guankeng Village is a remote mountain village at the junction of southern Anhui and northern Jiangxi. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, it lies a vast plain in the middle. In spring, it's covered in rapeseed flowers, creating a tranquil scene that feels almost surreal. With its rich cultural heritage, picturesque natural scenery reminiscent of flowing water and small bridges, and numerous moving legends, entering Guankeng is like stepping into a rare landscape painting...

3:00 PM

Before we knew it, we arrived at Lingjiao Village, an ancient village full of historical sites, especially ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The natural scenery is even more picturesque: fields, streams, ancient trees, and green bamboos surround the village, while waterfalls, post roads, road pavilions, and arch bridges are scattered across the countryside.

5:00 PM

Arrived at the destination "the key to Wu and Chu, the first pass of the Huirao Ancient Road" - Hongguan Village

Hongguan Village was renowned as the production center of Huizhou ink during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the residences of many renowned ink masters remain beautifully preserved. We can freely wander the village and experience the rural life of Huizhou. Tourists are also recommended to visit nearby Chaguan Village, home to the famous Chaguan Ancient Bridge. As the sun sets, the village comes alive with vibrant blues! Photography enthusiasts shouldn't miss this opportunity!

6:00 PM

Arrange accommodations in Hongguan. After checking in, rest up for a while. For dinner, share your own meal (you can also find your own). Afterward, explore the ancient village, where you can chill at cafes and pubs, or enjoy stargazing and discussing your dreams from the rooftop (Hongguan Village has less light pollution, making it ideal for stargazing). It's recommended to rest early to recharge!

Driving time: 4~5 hours

Hiking: about 12 km, with a total ascent of about 400 m

Note: Bring a headlamp/flashlight

2nd Tianhongguan → Xiaotuo Village → Likeng Village → Hangzhou

·morning

Sunrise! Early risers can quietly experience this beautiful Huizhou village - Hongguan

07:30

Gather and start hiking the Xiuwu Ancient Trail: Hongguan-Likeng

Traveling along the ancient path, while enjoying the spring scenery, you'll feel the hardships and hardships of generations of Huizhou merchants traversing salt, tea, and mountain products. Xiaotuo Village offers another hidden gem! When spring rapeseed blossoms meet the characteristic Huizhou village, the result is a vibrant, springtime landscape.

12:00

Arrive at Likeng, the final destination of this hike. Some say it's a forgotten sanctuary of Neo-Confucianism in Huizhou! Every corner here promises a surprise: the half-open wooden doors of old houses reveal a sense of everyday life. The mottled walls bear witness to the passage of time. Visit in spring to admire the ancient village surrounded by rapeseed blossoms, their white walls and black tiles contrasting with the golden sea of ​​flowers. (Lunch will be in Likeng Village, either group-based or at your own expense. The village offers a complete range of snack shops and cafes.)

Note: Our hiking route is through Likeng in reverse, avoiding the ticket booth at the main gate. If you are checked, you need to buy a ticket yourself. The current ticket price is 20 yuan per ticket. So far, there has been no ticket checking in the market.

2:00 PM

Return to Hangzhou after lunch

7:00 PM

Back to Hangzhou

Driving time: about 5-6 hours

Hiking: about 11 km, with a total ascent of about 500 m