Hiking the Xiaoling Ancient Trail in Anji, Zhejiang | China

A trip to Anji in Zhejiang Province is a popular choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. In this blog post, I’ll share a quick hiking route which I did during my recent stay in Anji. You can read more about that here. Do you want to hike about be surrounded by bamboo trees and all of the nature that Anji has to offer? Keep reading!

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Where to Go Hiking in Anji?

The hike that I did was called the Xiaoling Ancient Trail. It was a short 10 minute drive from my accommodation at Anji Flee-City Villa. One of the staff members, Laughing, took me there. It was a relatively easy hike in my opinion. I didn’t need any special equipment but there were one or two parts where you needed to watch your footing and avoid tree branches, muddy patches, etc.

What to Expect On the Hike Along Xiaoling Ancient Trail.

One of the most important things to know is that you literally just need to stay on one path for two kilometres. You also walk back the same way. There are inclines and declines but it isn’t overly strenuous. In addition, the phone signal is not very strong and you will be without signal for a lot of it. There is a small bit of space if you need to park as well. Furthermore, there are restrooms at the start of the trail.

Key Landmarks on the Xiaoling Ancient Trail in Anji

Here are some key landmarks you will pass as you hike up and down the Xiaoling Ancient Trail in Anji. Be prepared for a few direct translations from Chinese to English.

Yunding Range Rover

The first landmark translates in English to ‘Yunding Range Rover’ and it has this pagoda-like structure. While the steps weren’t sealed off, I did a solo hike and I had the privilege of having the place to myself. As a result, I didn’t want to take the risk of going up just in case it was unstable. Also, the reality is that I just wanted to continue on with the hike.

Zhuyun Posthousea

Next, you’ll pass the next landmark which is called Zhuyun Posthousea. There is some space in here to get some shade and shelter if it decides to rain. From here, you’ll notice that there is a slight decline with some steps all the way down the trail.

Wuding Path with Stream

After that, you’ll reach a point called ‘Wuding Path with Stream’. There is a small stream here. I hardly heard it with all of the other sounds of nature and life around me. You’ll also continue to go further down along the path.

Mountain Stream Tea Language

At this point, you’ll be nearing closer to the end of the trail. There is a small stream along the path. As I went on a very hot day, it wasn’t too visible. However, if you came at a different time of year when there is more rainfall, I feel like it could be even bigger.

You’ll know that you’ve reached the end of the trail when you come onto a concrete road. There is what appears to be a guesthouse that has closed up at the end of it as well.

It took me 35 minutes to walk from the start to the end of the trail and I was a little bit faster on the way back. That said, I am a fast walker on a day to day basis anyway! I still think it would be about 45 minutes if you walked at a normal pace on your own or with another adult. I would plan to be there for about 90 minutes in total from start to finish.

Who Would I Recommend Goes on the Xiaoling Ancient Trail?

The Xiaoling Ancient Trail in Anji is a very nice hike if you’re looking to get in some exercise. I don’t think you would need to have good level of fitness as it’s not too long and you can take your time along the way. However, I don’t know if I would suggest this hike with small children or is you have any minor injuries to be on the safe side. Otherwise, go for it!

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