Xiao-Shao Ancient Trail
🌈Attraction Features:
The Xiao-Shao Ancient Trail, also known as the Shan-Yin Ancient Trail or Hu-Jin Ancient Trail, is a historic and scenic hiking route. Here are its main features:
1. Natural Scenery**: Along the trail, you'll find bamboo forests, reservoirs, pavilions, ancient temples, streams, waterfalls, and plum blossom groves, offering diverse scenery throughout the year.
The most famous Jishan Plum Garden**: A renowned plum blossom viewing spot in Xiaoshan, it boasts a wide variety of plum blossoms. In spring, the blossoms create a sea of flowers, perfect for photos.
2. History and Culture**: The ancient trail once served as a vital transportation route between Xiaoshan and Shaoxing. Along the way, you'll encounter historical sites like Caoshan Temple and Yuewangzheng, steeped in cultural heritage.
3. Hiking Experience**: The route is divided into a short family-friendly route (2 km) and a full hiking route (8-10 km), catering to hikers of different fitness levels.
🕐️Opening Hours:
The Xiao-Shao Ancient Trail is an open scenic area, accessible 24/7. However, hiking during daylight hours is recommended, ideally from morning to afternoon, to ensure safety and fully appreciate the scenery.
🏝️Route Recommendations:
1. Short Family-Friendly Route** (approx. 2 km):
- Starting Point: Liandong Village, Xialv Town, Keqiao District
- End Point: Kanpoling
- Features: Suitable for families, with beautiful scenery and low difficulty, passing through bamboo forests, pavilions, and reservoirs.
2. Full Hiking Route** (approx. 8-10 km):
- Starting Point: Xiaoyanwu Reservoir
- Passing Through: Caoshan Temple, Jishan Plum Garden
- End Point: Kanpoling
- Features: Suitable for hiking enthusiasts, offering views of bamboo forests, ancient temples, and plum blossom groves, with a total ascent of about 490m.
3. Historical and Cultural Exploration Route**:
- Starting Point: Huajiadian Village
- Passing Through: Yuewangzheng, Shenyun Chan Temple
- End Point: Jiefang Reservoir
- Features: Suitable for history buffs, allowing exploration of the relics of King Goujian of Yue's military training grounds and ancient temples.
💗Other Tips:
1. Best Visiting Season**: Spring (February-March) for plum blossoms and autumn (October-November) for pleasant mountain scenery are the best times to visit.
2. Equipment Recommendations**: Wear non-slip hiking shoes, bring trekking poles, water, and light snacks. Remember sun protection and mosquito repellent.
3. Transportation**:
- By Car: Navigate to "Xiao-Shao Ancient Trail" or "Liandong Village, Xialv Town."
- Public Transportation: Take a bus to Xialv Town or Huajiadian Village, then walk to the starting point.
4. Precautions**: Some sections of the trail are steep and slippery, so exercise caution. It's advisable to hike with companions and avoid going alone.