The Hui-Hang Ancient Trail (徽杭古道) is one of China's three great historical trade routes — alongside the Silk Road and the Tea Horse Road. Cut into the mountains during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), this 18km stone-paved path was the primary route for Huizhou merchants traveling from Anhui to the trading hub of Hangzhou. Merchants like Hu Xueyan (the 'Red-Cap Merchant,' one of China's wealthiest men in the Qing Dynasty) and the family of scholar Hu Shi walked this very trail to build their fortunes. The reverse traverse (from Zhejiang into Anhui) has only 400m cumulative elevation gain — making it one of the most accessible historical long-distance hikes in China. The route transitions through three distinct landscapes: lower bamboo valley with streaming waterfalls, mid-mountain villages and terraced fields, and the alpine Lantianao (Blue Sky Pass) meadow at 1,050m where you can stand with one foot in Anhui and one in Zhejiang.
Easy to moderate. The reverse traverse (Zhejiang → Anhui) has only 400m cumulative elevation gain over 18km — genuinely beginner-friendly. The forward traverse (Anhui → Zhejiang) has 800m gain and is slightly more strenuous. The Jiangnan First Pass section has steep stone stairs but is well-constructed with handrails. No technical sections. Suitable for fit beginners and families with children 8+.
The most popular route — enter from Zhejiang side (lower elevation gain), overnight at Lantianao, exit through Anhui's famous Jiangnan First Pass.
For fit hikers who want to complete the entire trail in a single day. Best done in the reverse direction (Zhejiang → Anhui).
Combine the Hui-Hang Ancient Trail with visits to Huizhou heritage villages — the merchants who walked this trail built magnificent ancestral homes.
Best: April-May (rhododendrons along the trail, comfortable temperatures, lush bamboo) and September-November (autumn colors in the forests, crisp clear air, golden terraced fields). October is peak season for fall foliage — the bamboo and deciduous trees turn golden. Summer (June-August): hot and humid, frequent afternoon thunderstorms — start early and bring rain gear. Winter (December-February): quiet and atmospheric with possible frost and light snow at the summit; guesthouses may have reduced services. The Jiangnan First Pass stone steps can be slippery when wet in any season.
Everything you need to know as an international traveler planning this route in China.
Standard Chinese visa. The trail is in Anhui and Zhejiang provinces — no special travel restrictions for foreigners. The nearest international gateway is Shanghai or Hangzhou, both easily accessible with high-speed rail.
No special permits. Entrance ticket: ¥58-60. Purchase at the entrance with passport. The trail is a fully developed AAAA scenic area with ticket booths, restrooms, and signage at both entrances.
No advance booking needed for the trail. Lantianao guesthouse: just show up (¥80-120/person including dinner and breakfast). From Shanghai, book a direct scenic-area shuttle bus via Ctrip or the WeChat '站点巴士' mini-program (¥70/trip from Shanghai to the trailhead). For Huizhou village extensions, book Hongcun/Xidi tickets on Ctrip.
Alipay and WeChat Pay widely accepted at the entrance and some farmhouses. Carry cash ¥200-300 for trailside guesthouses and small vendors that may not have digital payment. International credit cards NOT accepted. Budget: ¥60 (entrance) + ¥80-120 (guesthouse with meals) + ¥70 (shuttle bus) = ¥210-250/person.
From Shanghai: direct shuttle bus to the Zhejiang trailhead (Yonglai Village), ¥70, 3-4h via highway. From Hangzhou: shuttle bus or drive 1.5-2h. From Huangshan (if combining with Huangshan visit): drive 1.5h to the Anhui trailhead at Fuling. The Shanghai direct shuttle is the easiest option for foreigners — book on Ctrip by searching '徽杭古道.'
On the trail: Lantianao guesthouse (蓝天凹客栈, ¥80-120/person including dinner and breakfast, shared bathrooms). Basic but clean — the evening meal of Huizhou dishes is generous and home-cooked. Near the trail: Jixi County (绩溪县) hotels from ¥150-300/night for more comfortable pre/post-hike stays. Hongcun/Xidi village guesthouses from ¥200-500/night if extending the trip.
Very limited English. Farmhouse and guesthouse owners speak Mandarin only; some may speak the local Huizhou dialect. Useful phrases: 徽杭古道 (huī háng gǔ dào) = Hui-Hang Ancient Trail; 江南第一关 (jiāng nán dì yī guān) = Jiangnan First Pass; 蓝天凹 (lán tiān ào) = Lantianao/Blue Sky Pass; 住宿 (zhù sù) = accommodation; 吃饭 (chī fàn) = eat/dine
Full 4G/5G signal throughout the entire trail — no dead zones. WiFi at Lantianao guesthouse (unreliable). The trail is one of the best-connected hikes in China — you can use navigation, translation apps, and digital payment everywhere.
Jixi County Hospital (绩溪县医院): 0563-8162120. Lin'an District Hospital (临安区医院): 0571-63721999. Ambulance: 120. The trail is well-traveled with other hikers and supply points throughout — this is one of the safest long-distance hikes in China. Main risk: slipping on wet stone steps at Jiangnan First Pass.
Walking a thousand-year-old trade route through bamboo valleys and stone passes was like stepping into a Chinese ink painting. The guesthouse dinner of smoked bamboo shoots and local tea was the best meal of our entire China trip.
Perfect beginner's long hike — well-marked, well-supplied, and absolutely beautiful in autumn. The Jiangnan First Pass section is dramatic but short. Do the reverse traverse for an easier gradient.
No special permits required. Standard scenic area ticket: ¥58-60. Purchase at the entrance with passport or ID. The trail is a national AAAA scenic area with well-maintained facilities. Open year-round.
Last verified: August 1, 2026