Zhexi Tianchi-Wu-Yue Ancient Road Loop: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigate directly to "Zhexi Tianchi Parking Lot." It's a 3-hour drive from Suzhou. This thousand-year-old road was originally a military route during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. The bluestone road is well-preserved. It is recommended to depart before 7:00 a.m. to avoid crowds and enjoy the misty wonderland of Tianchi.🌫️ 1️⃣ First Impressions of Tianchi: Located at an altitude of 1,110 meters, Zhexi Tianchi resembles a sapphire embedded in the mountaintop. Wild cherry blossoms bloom by the pool in spring.🌸 If you're lucky, you might spot sika deer drinking water!🦌 Use a wide-angle lens to capture the magical "sky mirror" effect of the pool's surface. I prefer cloudy days, as the shadows of the clouds create a calming effect on the 900-acre lake. 2️⃣ Conquering the Ancient Road: The real challenge begins after passing Tianchi and heading towards Qianqing Pass! The mossy stone slabs and hidden mountain streams are extremely slippery. My trekking poles served as my "third leg" to prevent falls. Qianqing Pass is the most spectacular part of the trail. The 4-meter-high natural stone gate creates a sense of "one man holds the pass." Imagining ancient soldiers guarding the pass is truly captivating! 3️⃣ Gear Essentials: Waterproof hiking boots and gaiters are lifesavers! 60% of the trail is soft mud soaked in stream water. Ordinary sneakers will instantly turn into mud boots. Bring enough energy supplements! I devoured three Snickers bars. The only small shop along the way is near Fotang. Chilled Sprite under the shade of ancient trees is incredibly refreshing. 4️⃣ Seasonal Delights: Highly recommend visiting in April! The fragrance of azaleas, wild cherry blossoms, and mountain peach blossoms mingles with negative oxygen ions. It's heavenly! The vegetation changes every 100 meters of elevation gain, from bamboo forests to coniferous forests, as if fast-forwarding through the four seasons. Hike to the summit of Lelifeng at dusk to watch the sunset. When the sea of clouds surges, you'll feel like you're on Huangshan Mountain! Tips: The 18 km loop is not recommended for beginners! It took us 7 hours to complete the hike, including photo stops. Remember to bring a headlamp! The dried bamboo shoots with braised pork at the farmhouse restaurants at the foot of the mountain are delicious. Make reservations in advance if you want to experience digging bamboo shoots.