1-Hour Drive from Changzhou: Beginner-Friendly Hiking Trail ②

📍Zhuangyuan Ancient Trail, Wuxi If the mountain won't come to me, I'll go to the mountain. After successfully conquering Guanzhang Ancient Trail last time, this time, I'm challenging myself with an upgrade in difficulty and marching towards Zhuangyuan Ancient Trail 🏃 [🌟Highlights of the Trail] ✅Beginner-Friendly: No entrance fee. The "8" shaped loop is approx. 8 km, and the small loop is approx. 4 km. You can flexibly adjust the length according to your physical strength. The whole journey is mainly on gravel roads + stone roads, with only one slightly steep gravel slope. ✅Good Meaning: As the only way for ancient Hudai students to go to the capital to take the exam, it not only connects mountains and towns, but also carries profound cultural significance, pinning on the good wishes for academic success. Bring your kids to experience it in advance, and wish them success in the future. [🚗Transportation] It is recommended to drive by yourself. For the mountain entrance in Zhangye Village, search for Zhuangyuan Ancient Trail parking lot on the navigation. For going up the mountain from Shanchayu Cafe, directly navigate to Shanchayu. Parking is free. These are also the only two places with restrooms along the way. [🎒Hiking Preparation] 1️⃣Equipment: Non-slip sneakers + breathable quick-drying clothes. Hiking poles are not necessary (but very helpful for a section of gravel slope). 2️⃣Supplies: You can bring your own water and snacks. There are no commercial spots on the mountain, but Shanchayu has coffee and simple meals. The restroom next to it has direct drinking water and a vending machine. 3️⃣Blessing: There are many places for wishing and blessing on the mountain. You can bring ribbons or wishing cards for blessings. [⛰️Check-in Spots] 1️⃣Zhaotian Bay Viewing Platform: 270° panoramic view of the lake. If the weather is good, you can see the lake and the sky blending into one color. 2️⃣Shanchayu: The place is very large. If you are tired from hiking, come here to take a break. The healing moment when coffee collides with the mountains. 3️⃣Hushan Reservoir: Surrounded by green mountains, the water is clear. There is also a place for camping next to it. [🗺️Route Recommendation] 🔵Family Leisure Version (approx. 4 km): Shanchayu ➡️ Hushan Reservoir ➡️ Jingxin Pavilion ➡️ Zhaotian Bay Viewing Platform ➡️ Happiness Post ➡️ Return to the starting point 🔴Advanced Loop Version (approx. 8 km): Zhangye Village ➡️ Chayuan Post ➡️ Private School Enlightenment ➡️ Zhuma Pavilion ➡️ Zhaotian Bay Viewing Platform ➡️ Happiness Post ➡️ Shanchayu ➡️ Hushan Reservoir ➡️ Jingxin Pavilion ➡️ Happiness Post ➡️ Zhaotian Bay Viewing Platform ➡️ You can return via the original route on the left. If you want a challenge, you can go up. The downhill section in the second half is all gravel road with a steep slope. You can use hiking poles to prevent slipping.