Retracing the Huishang Lifeline: Hiking the Huihang Ancient Trail in Reverse

The Huihang Ancient Trail served as a vital trade route between Huizhou and Zhejiang merchants in ancient times, and today it's known as the "Number One Ancient Trail in East China" (though perhaps its reputation is built more on historical and cultural value…). 🚶‍♀️There are two ways to hike the Huihang Ancient Trail: the standard route and the reverse route. I chose the reverse route. The reverse route starts in Lin'an, Hangzhou, and ends in Jixi, Anhui. The total distance is 13 km, with an ascent of over 300 meters and a descent of 800 meters. The trail map is in the last image. The standard route simply reverses the start and end points, resulting in more climbing and less descending, making it a bit more strenuous. ⛰️The highest point of the Huihang Ancient Trail is Lantian'ao, at an altitude of 1,050 meters. It offers expansive views, but unfortunately, it was a bit overcast on the day I went. ⛰️The most scenic part is the Jixi section, which is the last third of the reverse route. The valley is filled with jagged rocks and gurgling springs. Towering mountains flank the narrow plank road that clings to the mountainside. Walking along it, I couldn't help but wonder: Did Hu Xueyan and Zhang Xiaoquan, Huizhou merchants who were born in Huizhou but made their fortunes in Hangzhou, travel along this very path? There's an old Huizhou folk rhyme that says, "At thirteen or fourteen, cast them out into the world." Did those young people also embark on this ancient trail, their hearts filled with hope or fear?