News was released at the press conference for the "Ancient Trail Trek" initiative in Anhui on the afternoon of June 12: A preliminary survey has identified 196 ancient trails across the province with a combined length exceeding 1,500 kilometers. The Anhui Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism has officially launched the cultural exploration tour titled "Ancient Trail Trek". It first rolled out 20 ancient trail routes, with another 40 to be launched later, linking scattered ancient trail resources under a unified cultural brand identity.

An official with the Anhui Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism stated that ancient paths serve as cultural bonds connecting the past and present, hometowns and distant lands. Revitalizing ancient paths and highlighting their unique cultural and tourism values offers a vivid model for the living inheritance of cultural heritage. Nowadays, leisure, vacation and wellness have become mainstream pursuits, and people yearn for spaces to slow down physically and mentally. Against this backdrop, the department guides and supports local authorities to step up heritage protection of ancient trails and upgrade cultural display and tourism service capacities.

In implementation, the initiatives center on cultural exploration and scenario-based experiences infused with landscape culture. Immersive visits are arranged via hiking and other activities for visitors to grasp the cultural essence behind Anhui’s ancient trails. Prioritizing protection and eco-friendly outdoor activities, the campaign advocates heritage preservation and Leave No Trace wilderness ethics. Standardized trail signs and reminders are put in place to guide hikers to protect every plant and tree along the paths, fostering positive interaction between cultural inheritance and ecological conservation.

The campaign encourages public participation and consumption stimulation. Market-based and platform models are adopted to coordinate travel agencies, outdoor sports associations, cultural research bodies, universities, enterprises and other parties to host regular events. Supporting activities including market fairs, live-stream e-commerce sales, and discounts for scenic spots and accommodation are rolled out to further boost consumption vitality in counties.

Furthermore, provincial and municipal authorities join forces to foster the "Ancient Trail Trek" brand, integrating profound cultural heritage with modern demand for hiking and leisure. The first batch of 20 routes has been launched, with 40 more to follow. Efforts are underway to elevate ancient trails from historical relics into cultural calling cards and driving forces for local development.

Source: Anhuinews.com