The ancient path winds through hills where spring is in sight. On April 18, over a thousand cultural scholars, representatives of Huizhou merchants, outdoor enthusiasts, and hikers from across the country gathered in Jixi to take part in a walking event along the Huihang Ancient Path. They traced the thousand-year-old merchant route on foot, rekindling the resilient spirit of the "Huizhou camels" amid green mountains and clear waters.

The Huihang Ancient Path starts at Fuling Town in Jixi County, Anhui Province, in the west, and ends at Lin'an District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, in the east. Spanning Anhui and Zhejiang, the path is rich in historical remains. The Jixi section is a nationally protected cultural heritage site and has also been named one of China's Top Ten Best Sports Tourism Routes.

The hiking route passed Jiangnan First Pass, Matou Ridge, and Lantian'ao. Along the way, a spring market offered the aromas of Jixi stuffed flatbreads, three-course tea, and braised bamboo shoots with rice, blending harmoniously with intangible cultural heritage crafts. A visitor surnamed Ye from Hangzhou remarked with emotion, "Walking the Huizhou merchant path today, I'm struck by its beautiful scenery and rich culture. I hope to bring my family here again next time."

The event invited cultural scholars such as Gu Yucai, Yu Shicun, and Fang Jing, along with outdoor expert Ru Zhigang, to form a guest group. At Shicha Pavilion, Huangmaopei, and Lantian'ao, they set up mobile "cultural mini-classrooms," sharing stories of Huizhou merchants' entrepreneurial history and the path's transformation over time. A highlight was the interactive live-action experience "In Search of Huizhou Merchants"—with costumed characters such as a pass guard, an accountant, and a Huizhou doctor recreating trading scenes along the ancient path. Participants immersed themselves in Huizhou merchant culture by answering questions and doing account books.

Gu Yucai, Chairman of the China Cultural Relics Academy, remarked, "The Huihang Ancient Path represents a journey of resilience and transformation carved out by the people of Huizhou in their pursuit of survival and change. As a living cultural heritage, the ancient path is a vivid example of the integrated development of culture, tourism, and sports."

Oumaima, a visitor from Morocco, said with a smile, "I love nature. It's such a joy to relax here with my friends."

After the hike, visitors moved to the millennium-old village of Renli. A feast of Huizhou cuisine warmed their stomachs, while folk ballads, Huizhou folk songs, and intangible cultural heritage tunes intertwined in the air. A fiery dragon parade wound through the alleys, bringing the charm of Huizhou's night to life. The event also planned an extended itinerary for Sunday, linking Longchuan Ancient Town, the Anhui-Zhejiang Skyroad, and Meiganling Terraces, offering "one trip, multiple experiences."

Source: Anhui Daily