Hiking the Xiaoyao Plank Road - Experience the essence of the Huihang Ancient Trail.

The Huihang Ancient Trail has become a paradise for beginner hikers. The hiking route is 18 km long, with a maximum altitude of 1,050 meters (Lantian'ao). Although the whole route is not difficult, it is still 18 km long. The three of us entered from the Anhui entrance and took a round trip. Only one of us reached Lantian'ao and then returned, which was about 13 km one way and 26 km round trip. Another person could have reached Lantian'ao with a little persistence, but to save energy and not miss the last bus back to the city, he stopped and returned after walking about 11.5 km. The third person waited in place after walking about 8.5 km. The three of us regrouped and took the Xiaoyao Plank Road (under the bridge) on the way back. The scenery we saw was more beautiful than the route we took on the way there (on the bridge). In fact, if you have limited energy, you don't have to walk the whole route. You only need to walk the 5 km loop of the essence section (Jixi entrance - Shicha Pavilion - Xiaoyao Plank Road return). This 5 km loop of the essence section is the Xiaoyao Valley Scenic Area of the Huihang Ancient Trail, with a one-way distance of about 2.5 km. Xiaoyao Valley, the main river valley of the Huihang Ancient Trail, is located at the junction of the Huangshan and Tianmu Mountain ranges. The mountains are steep, and the strange rocks are numerous. General Stone, Wind Sail Stone, Sky Mirror, Buddha Palm Peak, and others compete for beauty. The scenery changes with each step, and the fun is endless. The valley water is crystal clear, sometimes bright, sometimes green, ever-changing, and colorful. The strange rocks and beautiful water of the canyon and the majestic and dangerous ancient trail complement each other, forming a natural landscape painting.