[2025 Xinmi Attraction] Travel Guide for Xu Xiake Ancient Trail (Updated Jun)

| A thousand years of travel meets a sea of apricot blossoms. In the third year of the Tianqi era of the Ming Dynasty (1623), Xu Xiake entered Xinmi from Wangzongdian in Xingyang, passing through Xianglu Mountain, Shengseng Pond, Shifo Ridge, Tianxian Temple, and finally reaching Jingdian in Dengfeng through the west gate of Xinmi Ancient City. This journey was meticulously documented in *The Travel Diaries of Xu Xiake*. This thousand-year-old trail, once traversed by the late Ming Dynasty geographer Xu Xiake, is now covered by wild apricot forests. Every year from late March to early April, tens of thousands of acres of apricot blossoms bloom like clouds and snow, intertwining with the bluestone paths, ancient trees, and secluded pools to form a captivating landscape painting. [Key Attractions] ① Xianglu Mountain: Xu Xiake ascended this mountain and praised its "unique mountain shape, resembling an incense burner." The mountain boasts deep ravines and valleys, dotted with wild apricot blossoms in spring and covered in red leaves in autumn. The ancient Kang tree (a thousand-year-old tree) and the ruins of the Wei Great Wall stand as witnesses to the vicissitudes of history. ② Shengseng Pond: Legend has it that this was a place where eminent monks practiced during the Tang Dynasty. The pond water is crystal clear, and the surrounding stone walls bear ancient cliff carvings. It's an important resting point along the hiking route. ③ Tianxian Temple: A Taoist temple from the Ming Dynasty, famous for its white pines and ancient steles. Xu Xiake once stopped here to admire the scenery. The existing building complex was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. The dripping eaves inside the temple create a unique microclimate. ④ Shifo Ridge: One of the most challenging sections of the ancient trail. Xu Xiake described it as having "steep stone walls with hidden Buddha carvings." Remnants of stone steps and cliff carvings remain, serving as a testament to both history and geology. [Apricot Blossom Festival] (Mid-March to early April): The ancient trail is included in the flower viewing route, where tens of thousands of acres of wild apricot forests complement the historical relics. [Classic Hiking Route] Xianglu Mountain → Shengseng Pond → Shifo Ridge (approx. 5 km), suitable for beginner hikers. Along the way, you can enjoy the canyons, ancient trees, and mountain streams. [Photography Tips] ① "Apricot Blossom Tunnel": Stand in the center of the ancient trail and shoot upwards. The petals form a natural dome with the wind. ② "Ancient Apricot Trees and Stone Tablets": Use a wide-angle lens to capture the interplay of ancient trees and Ming Dynasty steles. ③ "Creekside Reflections": Shoot with side backlight. The ripples on the water surface combined with the petals create a cinematic effect. ④ "Starry Night Talks": On clear nights in April, the Milky Way hangs over the apricot blossoms (tripod required). [Practical Guide] ① Transportation: Drive from Zhengzhou along the Zhengshao Expressway to Xinmi West (approx. 40 mins). Navigate to "Fuxi Mountain Scenic Area" or "Xu Xiake Ancient Trail Entrance." You can also directly navigate to "Louyuan Village." By bus: Take the "Xinmi-Fuxi Mountain" tourist bus from downtown Xinmi, or take a taxi to the scenic area (approx. 30 yuan). ② Best Seasons: Spring (March-April): Apricot blossoms are in full bloom, and the weather is pleasant. Autumn (October-November): The mountains are covered in red leaves, ideal for photography and hiking. ③ Precautions: Wear non-slip shoes for hiking, bring plenty of water and sun protection. Protect cultural relics; do not touch the carvings or climb the ruins. The Apricot Blossom Festival attracts large crowds, so it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours. ④ Bonus Tip: At the 1.8 km mark of the ancient trail, you'll find a broken stele inscribed with "Xiake Stopped Here." Legend has it that Xu Xiake left this mark when he was exhausted. Standing here, feeling the same ambition of "Though a million people may block my way, I will go on" from four hundred years ago, is perhaps the most precious takeaway from this journey. This ancient trail is the spring that Xu Xiake measured with his footsteps, and it's also a healing gift from nature to modern people. As you walk through the rain of petals, slow down—perhaps on a morning centuries ago, the traveler in a straw raincoat also stopped here, gazing at the same clouds.

The Xu Xiake Ancient Trail in Xinmi, Henan, is a hiking route steeped in history. Once traversed by the Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake, this scenic trail blends natural beauty with cultural heritage, making it an excellent choice for hiking enthusiasts near Zhengzhou. The nearby ruins of the Wei Great Wall add another layer of historical significance, creating a perfect fusion of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. ---- 🌟 The Charm and Guide to the Ancient Trail The Xu Xiake Ancient Trail is located northeast of Louwai Village in Jianshan Township, Xinmi, and is part of the Fuxi Mountain range. The approximately 2-hour hike features dirt paths, stone steps, and wooden walkways, catering to hikers of all ages. Near the trail are the ruins of the Wei Great Wall, a key cultural relic protection site in Henan Province, adding immense cultural value to the experience. While hiking the trail, you can admire the rolling hills, ancient stone steps, and refreshing natural scenery. Viewing platforms along the route offer perfect photo opportunities. At the trail's end, the "Shan Ding Ren Jia" farmhouse restaurant serves local specialties, providing a delicious reward after your hike. Tickets and Route: The Xu Xiake Ancient Trail is free to access, and parking is also free. The trail offers a moderate level of difficulty, suitable for beginner and intermediate hikers. Rest areas and signs along the way help visitors plan their journey. ---- 🚌 Transportation Guide From Zhengzhou, it takes only 55 minutes by car to reach the Xu Xiake Ancient Trail. Navigate to "Xinmi Xu Xiake Ancient Trail" or "Wei Great Wall Ruins." Free parking is available along the route. If using public transport, take a long-distance bus from Zhengzhou to Xinmi, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach the trail entrance. ---- Retracing Xu Xiake's footsteps is not just a physical challenge but a cultural journey through time. Here, you can measure history with your feet and experience nature with your soul.

This is a great place to visit for the first time after the holidays. The Xu Xiake Ancient Road, Wei Great Wall Ruins, Xiaoding Mountain Temple, and the upcoming apricot blossoms are a great combination. I don't know why this place isn't more popular. The whole route is made of wooden steps and has many railings. The signs are clear for children. 700 The drive takes about 50 minutes. It's free and the road is easy to drive on. The apricot blossoms start to bloom in March. The apricot blossoms are stunning. 2–4 hours is enough time to visit.

This place is especially suitable for the first visit after the holiday 🉑️ Xu Xiake Ancient Trail, Wei Great Wall Ruins🏔️ And the Xiaodingshan Zushiye Temple on the top of the mountain🛕 There are also the upcoming apricot blossoms all over the mountain 🌸 Put together, it's definitely a king bomb🧨💥 I don't know why there is no publicity - There are many wooden stairs and guardrails throughout the journey, so it’s a good idea for children. Clear road signs 💯 The journey is about 50 minutes, easy and comfortable Completely free 🎫 The road is easy for beginners✅ - Apricot blossoms begin to bloom in March It will be amazing to see the apricot blossoms blooming all over the mountain in the next few days🌼🌼 2 to 4 hours of play time is enough👌 - After the tour, you will encounter Xinmi intangible cultural heritage food-Xingjia tofu on the way to the parking lot😋😋 A bowl of hot tofu costs 10 yuan, with plenty of sesame sauce, and it is so delicious with sour beans and wild chives sauce. Pet friendly ✅ but there are stairs 📍Navigation: The destination of Xu Xiake Ancient Trail (Xinmi Louyuan Village) is the tourist center with free parking. If your electric car needs to be charged, you can navigate to the Louyuan Village Party and Mass Center, where there are many electric car charging stations.