Nanhuang Ancient Trail, the "Road of Sweetgum" | Ancient trail.

| Ancient trail. Follow in the footsteps of Ji Gong and walk from Tiantai to Linhai. This ancient trail is home to the famous warm colors of autumn in eastern Zhejiang. About Nanhuang Ancient Trail: Also known as Huangnan Ancient Trail, it is located in the Dalei Mountains of Taizhou, Zhejiang, and is a shortcut connecting Tiantai (Nanping) and Linhai (Huangtan). The ancient trail was built in the Northern Song Dynasty, and during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, officials drew the "Eight Views of Tiantai," which included the Nanhuang Ancient Trail, known as "Nanshan Autumn Scenery." ★ Scenic highlights: 1. The sweetgum trees along the ancient trail on the Tiantai side (photo 2) 2. The villages and terraced fields on the Linhai side (photo 3). ■ In the footsteps of Ji Gong: Ji Gong was born in Tiantai County and is said to have reached the Nanhuang Ancient Trail and recited a poem, "The outer temple is a pure place, the green screen is a broad and compassionate heart. Watching the maple leaves fall alone, the evening bell awakens the mortal world." Today, there is a "Ji Gong Hall" in the outer temple. "Road of Sweetgum": From late November to early December each year, the short but brilliant autumn scenery descends on the ancient trail! In addition to the common oak trees in the colorful forest, there are many beautiful sweetgum trees here. This tree from the witch hazel family is very tall and upright, making pedestrians under the tree appear small, creating a wonderful visual experience. Hiking route: It is recommended to walk the entire "Nanhuang Ancient Trail Loop," which is about 10 km long and has an elevation gain of about 700 m. If you walk counterclockwise, it is divided into three sections. 1. Nanping-Linhai boundary: This section has an elevation gain of 300 m and no scenery until the boundary between Tiantai and Linhai. 2. Villages in Linhai: This section goes down first and then up, with a wide view. The highlight is the villages and terraced fields on the Linhai side! 3. Maple Avenue: After passing Ji Gong Hall (outer temple), it is all downhill, and this section is also the essence of the autumn scenery. ※ Note the time to go up the mountain: Most of the scenery on the ancient trail is on the "east side" of the loop. If you arrive too early, the sun will not have had time to shine into the valley, and the scenery will be greatly reduced. So if you start hiking before 8 am, it is recommended to walk counterclockwise so that you can leave the sunshine for the best sections!