Jiang Gong Ancient Trail｜A Free Hidden Hiking Loop in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, Just Go for It!

🍂Jiang Gong Ancient Trail｜A Free Hidden Hiking Loop in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, Just Go for It! Want to go on a spontaneous hiking trip in Jiangsu and Zhejiang without spending on tickets? Then the Jiang Gong Ancient Trail in Moganshan, Deqing County, Huzhou City is definitely your best choice! This free small loop lets you fully enjoy the joy of hiking and the gifts of nature. 📍Route Navigation and Parking This hiking route is located in Moganshan, Deqing County, Huzhou City. If you drive, just navigate to the Moganshan P3 Parking Lot in Deqing County 🅿️, parking here is free! It’s about a 500-meter walk from the parking lot to the hiking start point. Of course, there are other parking lots near the start, but they charge a fee of about 20-30 yuan per car. If you don’t mind the cost, driving directly to the start is also convenient. 🗺️Hiking Route Plan Starting from Yucun Square, pass through Mogao Wu, then arrive at Jianchi (Sword Pool), next head to Guwang Wu Platform, stroll to Luhuadang Park, visit the old site of the Moganshan Conference, pass by Yinshan Street, check in at Naked Heart Castle, and finally descend back to Yucun. The whole route is about 12 kilometers with an elevation gain of around 550-650 meters. Including time for photos, I spent a total of 4 hours and 20 minutes. 🛣️Trail Conditions to Know On the way up, you’ll cross a section with a small stream, requiring you to step over many small stones, so be sure to watch your footing. The trail conditions are varied, mainly dirt paths, steps, and stone slabs, with some paved road sections in between. 🎫Ticket Information Since we took the reverse route, the entire hike is free of charge—truly a blessing for hiking enthusiasts! 🚾Restroom Distribution There are restrooms in Yucun and also within the mountain scenic spots. There are quite a few restrooms along the way, and this route is well-developed, so no worries about restroom access—very suitable for hiking. 📷Must-Visit Spots Jianchi (Sword Pool): The natural scenery here is spectacular, with a waterfall roaring like a rainbow. Taking photos on the boardwalk can easily produce stunning shots. Guwang Wu Platform: Featuring a 270° viewing platform, standing here offers a panoramic view of the mountains below with an amazing perspective. Republic of China-style Villas 🏘️: There are many villas in the Republic of China architectural style on the mountain, along with various cafes and restaurants in the same style, perfect for vintage-style photos. Naked Heart Castle: Originally the Moganshan No.1 Castle Villa built in 1910, this castle has a unique shape and distinctive architectural style, definitely worth a visit. 🎒Gear Checklist Non-slip hiking shoes: The dirt paths are uneven and you’ll cross streams, so wear hiking shoes with strong grip. Trekking poles: The uneven terrain makes trekking poles very helpful for support. Drinks and snacks: Bring 2 bottles of sports drinks or an appropriate amount of mineral water, plus some snacks to keep you energized. Clothing: The mountain temperature is relatively low, so a windbreaker and athletic pants are essential. Others: A portable first aid kit and power bank are must-haves just in case. ✨Real Experience Sharing Hiking this route with a few friends felt fantastic. Along the way, I saw many kids hiking with their parents, but personally, I think safety comes first, so it’s not very suitable for very young children. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, especially Jianchi, where photos come out amazing! Visiting in late autumn is even better—you can hike while collecting autumn leaves 🍂 and fully enjoy the rich autumn atmosphere.