Overview

Hike the stone-paved Huihang Ancient Trail, the historic trading route of the Hui merchants linking Anhui and Zhejiang, on an easy two-day private trek near Huangshan.

About This Tour

The Huihang Ancient Trail is one of eastern China's most storied footpaths, the cobbled mountain road that Hui merchants travelled for over a thousand years to carry tea, ink and silk between Anhui and Zhejiang. This two-day private trek follows the classic crossing with your own English-speaking guide and private vehicle for transfers, making it an ideal introduction to China's heritage hiking for travellers who want scenery and history without a punishing climb. You walk through old stone villages, climb gently to Lantian'ao, the highest pass on the trail at 1,050 metres where ridge after ridge of layered peaks opens to the horizon, then descend the next day through the dramatic cliff-cut steps of the First Pass of Jiangnan and the emerald pools of Xiaoyao Gorge. Nights are spent in a simple mountain guesthouse, with a celebratory dinner and a trail completion certificate. The route suits reasonably fit walkers and families with older children, and is best enjoyed in spring and autumn when the hills are green or gold. As a private tour, the pace and meal stops are arranged around your group. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: April-June and September-November; avoid icy winter trail conditions • Fitness level: moderate; roughly 9-10km of mostly comfortable trail on day 1 and 5-6km downhill on day 2 • Highest point Lantian'ao is about 1,050m • Wear proper hiking or trail shoes; trekking poles helpful on descents • Guesthouse is simple; some rooms may lack air conditioning

Itinerary

Day 1: Yonglai Village to Lantian'ao

Depart in the morning by private vehicle for the Anhui-Zhejiang border, about a five-hour drive with breaks. Reach the trailhead near a farmhouse for lunch, then pass through the old stone village of Zhechuan and step onto the ancient trail proper. The path winds upward through forested ridges with handsome views opening on both sides as you climb to Lantian'ao at 1,050 metres, the highest pass on the route, where the surrounding peaks fall away beneath you and clouds drift through the valleys. Continue a short way to the night's mountain camp or guesthouse. After dinner your guide presents the trail completion certificate and the evening turns to relaxed conversation under the stars. Roughly 9-10km of walking with about 400m of ascent on comfortable trail. Meals: L, D (local farmhouse, approx. paid on site). Overnight: trail guesthouse.

Day 2: First Pass of Jiangnan to Longchuan

After a relaxed breakfast and a group photo, set off downhill along the gorge-side ancient road. In about ninety minutes reach the First Pass of Jiangnan, the trail's most spectacular section, where a stone plank path is carved into the face of a sheer cliff. Below, the crystal waters of Xiaoyao Gorge shift between jade and emerald, framing the old fortified pass in a natural landscape painting. Exit the trail where the private vehicle waits and drive to a farmhouse near the historic Longchuan village for lunch, with a chance to glimpse its ancient ancestral halls and archways. Begin the return drive in the early afternoon, reaching Shanghai by evening. Roughly 5-6km of mostly downhill walking. Meals: B, L (farmhouse, approx. paid on site). End of tour.

What's Included

✓ Included

English-speaking guide Private vehicle & transfers (Shanghai round trip) 1 night mountain guesthouse (twin room) Huihang Ancient Trail entrance ticket Trail completion certificate Driver & staff service fees

✕ Not included

International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Most meals (local farmhouse meals, approx. paid on site) Personal expenses Tips for guide and driver

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.

Traveler Reviews

4.7★★★★★Based on 68 reviews

Lena K.🇸🇪 Sweden★★★★★2025-10

In hindsight, I expected Huangshan to be the headline, and it was. What I didn't expect was how much context from the guide changed what I noticed there. With 2 days to work with, the balance felt sensible.

Nina L.🇪🇸 Spain★★★★★2026-01

Practically speaking, the guide checked the pace before the steeper section rather than after someone fell behind. That made the trail feel supportive without becoming fussy. The time around the trail was not the part I would cut.

Marco W.🇲🇾 Malaysia★★★★☆2025-08

Expect uneven ground and a few sections where conversation stops because everyone is concentrating on their feet. The views near Huangshan repay the effort. For 2 days around Huangshan, the pace felt about right.

Leila Z.🇯🇵 Japan★★★★★2026-03

Honestly, I would book this again for the pacing, not because every stop was spectacular. The ordinary transitions made Huangshan feel like a place rather than a set of postcards.

Lucía A.🇨🇭 Switzerland★★★★★2025-02

Honestly, I came with questions, left with more questions, and mean that as a compliment. I would rather keep the pause at the trail than add another stop.

Huihang Ancient Trail: 2-Day Private Trek Along the Thousand-Year Merchant Road