3 Days Hiking the Xianxia Ancient Caravan Trail and Jianglangshan Danxia Reserve at Jiangshan
This is a 3 day 2 night trip that features the nature and historical wonders hidden deep in the interior city of Jiangshan in Zhejiang Province. On day one we will arrive into the ancient town of Nianbadu, a town with over 1100 years of history. It was once an important military garrison town and transportation hub due to its strategic location on the border of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi province. The next day we’ll hike the ancient Xianxia Caravan Trail. Located deep in the Chong Shan Mountains, this trail was first built by general Huang Gou for the invasion of Fujian during the Tang Dynasty in around 878 AD, but had gradually became a caravan trail for traders between the two provinces. The total length of the original trail was about 120 kilometers, up until 1932, this was the only path connecting Zhejiang and Fujian. Now much of the trail has disappeared due to new roads built. We’ll do a 15-30 kilometer trek (depending on the group) on the remains of this ancient trail near Nianbadu, where the ancient passes still exists.On day 3, we’ll head to Jianglangshan, a scenic reserve that features Danxia, a geological wonder of red sand stone mountains which is listed as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO along with Guangdong’s Danxia Mountain.
Trip Specifics
Dates: TBD
Duration: Three days' trip Includes: second class high speed trains; local minivan transfer; water; guide cost; all meals excluding breakfast and lunch on day1 and dinner on day3; accommodation |
Level: Moderate/Intermediate
Routing: Shanghai - Zhejiang- Shanghai Participants: 6-12 people |
Detailed Itinerary
D1
Meet at the Shanghai Hongqiao train station at 10:30; board the train at 11:17; arrive Jiangshan Station at 15:17. Transfer to our guesthouse/hotel at the Nianbadu Ancient Town (+/- 45 min); walking tour inside Nianbadu Ancient town.
D2
Rise early for breakfast; transfer to the trail head for the Xianxia Caravan Trail (+/- 1 hour);
Option 1: trek back to Nianbadu (+/- 6 hours); Option 2: trek to Longjing (+/- 4 hours), and transfer back to Nianbadu
Afternoon transfer to Jiangshan City, check into hotel; free evening in Jiangshan City
D3
Rise early for breakfast; transfer to Jianglang Shan Danxia Park (+/- 15 min); hike along the trails to the peak of Jianglangshan and back (+/- 3 hours); lunch in Jiangshan City
Transfer to the train station (+/- 15 min)
15:42 - 19:52 train D5692 back to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.
Program ends.
Meet at the Shanghai Hongqiao train station at 10:30; board the train at 11:17; arrive Jiangshan Station at 15:17. Transfer to our guesthouse/hotel at the Nianbadu Ancient Town (+/- 45 min); walking tour inside Nianbadu Ancient town.
D2
Rise early for breakfast; transfer to the trail head for the Xianxia Caravan Trail (+/- 1 hour);
Option 1: trek back to Nianbadu (+/- 6 hours); Option 2: trek to Longjing (+/- 4 hours), and transfer back to Nianbadu
Afternoon transfer to Jiangshan City, check into hotel; free evening in Jiangshan City
D3
Rise early for breakfast; transfer to Jianglang Shan Danxia Park (+/- 15 min); hike along the trails to the peak of Jianglangshan and back (+/- 3 hours); lunch in Jiangshan City
Transfer to the train station (+/- 15 min)
15:42 - 19:52 train D5692 back to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.
Program ends.
Important items to bring
Passports; hiking sticks; hiking footware; Water bottle; Sun protection; Rain gear; Mosquito repellent; Energy snacks; Prescribed medication (if any)
Trip feedback
"What a fantastic days. Really enjoyed the Xianxia trail. So peaceful following the streams, watching the tea pickers and seeing the trees and vegetation in their spring colours. The next day We climbed Jiangshan Mountain and it was an amazing experience. I never thought I could climb up there, but I really enjoyed the climb and the view. Our guide, Fly, was excellent as usual." - Chris Perks
"I went on this trip last weekend and it was great! I had no idea there was such stunning and interesting scenery in such easy reach of Shanghai until I went on this trip. Great organisation by the trip leader Fly who made sure everyone's needs were met and the trip ran really smoothly. Jiangshan mountain was spectacular, and it was great spending the weekend with like minded people who just want to get out there and enjoy the culture and outdoor scenery in China. Highly recommend this trip." - Julie Foord
"I agree with the previous comments ... I did this trip last year (with Fly as well) this was a trip that really took you away from the city. The old town we stayed in was very interesting and the hiking and views were excellent. Highly recommend." - Rita Law
"I went on this trip last weekend and it was great! I had no idea there was such stunning and interesting scenery in such easy reach of Shanghai until I went on this trip. Great organisation by the trip leader Fly who made sure everyone's needs were met and the trip ran really smoothly. Jiangshan mountain was spectacular, and it was great spending the weekend with like minded people who just want to get out there and enjoy the culture and outdoor scenery in China. Highly recommend this trip." - Julie Foord
"I agree with the previous comments ... I did this trip last year (with Fly as well) this was a trip that really took you away from the city. The old town we stayed in was very interesting and the hiking and views were excellent. Highly recommend." - Rita Law