Hike the Ancient Salt Route and Stroll Across the Eighteen Crossings

The **Salt Route's Eighteen Crossings** in Xinchang, Zhejiang, is a popular hiking route that combines history and natural scenery. It was once a mountain path opened by ancient salt smugglers to evade government capture. Today, it has become a popular spot for photos due to its beautiful streams, stepping stone bridges, and canyon views. ### **Main Features** 1. **Eighteen Stepping Stone Bridges** - The names of the crossings are, in order: **Shuidui Crossing, Liyu Crossing, Niuping Crossing, Julong Crossing, Luhua Crossing, Taohua Crossing, Niubo Crossing, Puti Crossing, Wuyun Crossing, Feishi Crossing, Shuangjiang Crossing, Xiangtan Crossing, Niuxin Crossing, Shiban Crossing, Baizhu Crossing, Yangjiao Crossing, Leigong Crossing, and Hongyan Crossing**. - Each bridge has a unique shape. Some are straight, while others are S-shaped. The streams flow through them, creating a landscape of waterfalls and deep pools. 2. **Natural Scenery** - The route winds along the **Jugen Stream** (a tributary of the Huangze River), surrounded by peaks such as Gaoshan, Yangjiaojian, and Miaopinggang, with new scenery at every turn. - The stepping stone bridge on the water near **Hongyan Crossing** has a unique shape, like a "ribbon in the water," making it a great place for taking pictures. 3. **Historical Background** - It was once a **smuggling route for private salt**. Salt merchants opened this route to avoid taxes, and it was later repaired by mountain people into an ancient path. ### **Travel Guide** - **Route**: Starting point **Lijiaxi Village** → ending point **Chiyan Village** (approx. 5 km), or vice versa. - **Transportation**: - **Self-driving**: Navigate to "Salt Route's Eighteen Crossings Scenic Area" or "Chiyan Village" (the latter is closer). - **Bus**: Take the "East Station - Xiaojiang" line from Xinchang East Bus Station to Lijiaxi Village. - **Tickets**: Free admission. - **Suitable for**: Families and beginner hikers. The entire route is flat with no steep slopes. - **Precautions**: - You can play in the water in summer, but be aware of sudden flash floods. - The signal is weak in some sections, so it is recommended to travel in groups. ### **Nearby Facilities** - There are **agritainment businesses and hostels** in Lijiaxi Village and Chiyan Village where you can replenish your food supply. - There are toilets and vending machines at only a few crossings along the way, so it is recommended to bring your own water and snacks. The Salt Route's Eighteen Crossings attracts tourists with its original natural scenery and cultural history, making it a great choice for short hikes and water activities in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai areas.