Zhejiang Province’s Forestry Bureau, Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and Cultural Heritage Administration jointly released a new batch of classified ancient trails - designated as Grade I, II, and III. Hangzhou has secured inclusion for 55 trails, highlighting the city’s exceptional wealth of historic pathways and its deep-rooted ecological and cultural heritage. Among them, Longmen Mountain Trail, Tianzhong Mountain Trail, and Jiuyangping Trail in Fuyang have been elevated to the prestigious Grade I category.

The classification follows requirements set forth in the Zhejiang Provincial Regulations on the Protection of Ancient Trails and the Graded Protection Measures for Ancient Trails. The joint identification process involved formal applications, expert review, and public consultation. This latest round adds 4 new Grade I trails (third batch), 130 Grade II trails (second batch), and 625 Grade III trails (second batch) across the province. Hangzhou’s selected trails span multiple districts and counties - including Fuyang, Lin’an, Tonglu, and Chun’an - and represent a diverse array of types and historical characteristics, forming a multi-layered network of heritage pathways.

The three newly designated Grade I trails stand out as emblematic highlights. Longmen Mountain Trail, nestled within the historic Longmen Ancient Town, winds past centuries-old Jiangnan-style architecture, ancient camphor trees, and babbling streams - a harmonious blend of built and natural heritage. Tianzhong Mountain Trail offers dramatic canyon scenery, Buddhist cultural sites, and lush forest park landscapes, with the full hike taking approximately 1.5 hours. Perched on the slopes of Tangfengjian - the second-highest peak in Fuyang - Jiuyangping Trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of vibrant alpine flora atop.