Plan at a glance
Two entrances support two directions
The Huihang Ancient Trail crosses between Jixi in Anhui and Lin'an in Zhejiang. The Anhui entrance is in Jiangnan Village, Fuling Town, Jixi County, and is suited to an Anhui-to-Zhejiang crossing. The Zhejiang entrance is in Yonglai Village, Lin'an District, and is suited to the reverse direction. The two entrances are far apart, so parking and the return trip need to be arranged separately.
The Jiangnan First Pass out-and-back takes about 3–4 hours. The full trail usually takes about 5–8 hours and includes Huangmaopei, Xuexiatang, Lantian'ao and the exit at the other end.
Ticket prices and mountain-entry hours
The ticket is about CNY 62 at the Anhui entrance and about CNY 58 at the Zhejiang entrance. Entry is generally available around 08:00–16:30, with no new mountain entry after 16:30. Ticket prices, entry management and temporary rules at both ends follow the travel-date information.
This is a long mountain route rather than a stroll in an urban park. Some sections have no mobile signal, and there are few supply points. Prepare hiking shoes, water and the return arrangements before setting out.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
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Jiangnan First Pass: stone steps and the gorge section
Jiangnan First Pass is made up of continuous stone steps and is the most representative uphill section from the Anhui entrance. Xiaoyaogu lies below the pass, with streams, rocks and bamboo along the way; it works well as a short route before turning back.
The short route suits visitors with limited time or those who want to experience the ancient trail's stone steps. The steps and streamside paths can be slippery after rain, so shoes with good grip are more important than ordinary casual footwear.
Lantian'ao: the high point on the full trail
At about 1,050 metres above sea level, Lantian'ao is the high point in the middle of the ancient trail. The Anhui-to-Zhejiang direction has more uphill walking at the start, while the reverse direction from Zhejiang has a higher proportion of downhill sections and is easier on the knees, though it still requires a long day of hiking.
This route suits visitors with continuous hiking experience who want to complete the trail or photograph mountain scenery. With children, pay particular attention to the long climbs and descents, unguarded cliff edges and return transport; the overall challenge is well above that of an ordinary suburban trail.
Build your day
Short route: Anhui entrance to Jiangnan First Pass and back
Enter from the Anhui entrance ticket office or parking area, follow the stone steps uphill to Jiangnan First Pass, and return along the same route. The full walk takes about 3–4 hours and concentrates on the steepest stone-step section near the start.
Bring water and a small amount of high-energy food before setting out, as there are few supply points. No new visitors can enter the mountain after 16:30, so late arrivals cannot add the first section from the entrance.
Anhui-to-Zhejiang crossing: Anhui entrance to Yonglai Village
The route follows Anhui entrance → Jiangnan First Pass → Huangmaopei → Xuexiatang → Lantian'ao → Yonglai Village in Zhejiang. Most of the uphill walking is in the first half, and the full crossing usually takes 5–8 hours.
Transport and parking at the two ends are separate. Before starting the full trail, arrange an end-point transfer, shared ride or accommodation so you do not have to look for a vehicle after reaching Yonglai Village.
Reverse crossing: Yonglai Village to the Anhui entrance
The reverse route starts at the Zhejiang entrance and passes Lantian'ao, Xuexiatang, Huangmaopei and Jiangnan First Pass before reaching the Anhui entrance. It has more downhill sections and is easier on the knees overall, but stone steps, loose rock and cliffside sections still require a slower pace.
The reverse direction suits hikers who want to reduce continuous uphill walking. Once you reach the Anhui entrance, pre-arranged transport or a shared ride is more dependable than looking for a return vehicle at the end.
Get there
Drive to your chosen entrance
For the Anhui side, navigate to the Huihang Ancient Trail Anhui entrance ticket office or parking area. For the Zhejiang side, navigate to Yonglai Village Party and Community Service Centre. Parking at the Anhui entrance is about CNY 20 per day; parking at the Zhejiang entrance is usually free. Parking arrangements may vary by day.
Travel from Jixi North Railway Station to the Anhui entrance
From Jixi North Railway Station, you can take Bus 601 for about CNY 4, or share a ride for about CNY 30 per person. Confirm the service, boarding point and shared-ride arrangements before departure.
A full crossing requires transport between the two ends. For the Jiangnan First Pass short route, returning to the same entrance is simpler. For an Anhui-to-Zhejiang or reverse crossing, arrange the pick-up at the finishing point in advance; parking at the starting point still leaves you needing transport back from the far end.
Know before you go
Shoes, knee support and supplies
Wear non-slip, thick-soled hiking shoes. Trekking poles and knee supports can help on long descents. Supply points are limited and prices may be high, so carry enough water and high-energy food. Most toilets along the trail are basic dry toilets, and there are not many of them.
Mobile signal and mountain safety
Mobile signal is unstable across much of the mountain. Carry a small amount of cash. Some sections run close to cliffs without guardrails; do not stop at the edge to take photos, and keep children close throughout the walk.
Time and weather
No new visitors can enter the mountain after 16:30. On the full route, climbs, descents, photography and transport between the two ends all add to the total time. Rain, fog and wet surfaces can slow you down, so choose the route length according to the weather.