Xinmi Xu Xiake Ancient Trail | A Thousand Years of Travel Meets a Sea of Apricot Blossoms

| A thousand years of travel meets a sea of apricot blossoms. In the third year of the Tianqi era of the Ming Dynasty (1623), Xu Xiake entered Xinmi from Wangzongdian in Xingyang, passing through Xianglu Mountain, Shengseng Pond, Shifo Ridge, Tianxian Temple, and finally reaching Jingdian in Dengfeng through the west gate of Xinmi Ancient City. This journey was meticulously documented in *The Travel Diaries of Xu Xiake*. This thousand-year-old trail, once traversed by the late Ming Dynasty geographer Xu Xiake, is now covered by wild apricot forests. Every year from late March to early April, tens of thousands of acres of apricot blossoms bloom like clouds and snow, intertwining with the bluestone paths, ancient trees, and secluded pools to form a captivating landscape painting. [Key Attractions] ① Xianglu Mountain: Xu Xiake ascended this mountain and praised its "unique mountain shape, resembling an incense burner." The mountain boasts deep ravines and valleys, dotted with wild apricot blossoms in spring and covered in red leaves in autumn. The ancient Kang tree (a thousand-year-old tree) and the ruins of the Wei Great Wall stand as witnesses to the vicissitudes of history. ② Shengseng Pond: Legend has it that this was a place where eminent monks practiced during the Tang Dynasty. The pond water is crystal clear, and the surrounding stone walls bear ancient cliff carvings. It's an important resting point along the hiking route. ③ Tianxian Temple: A Taoist temple from the Ming Dynasty, famous for its white pines and ancient steles. Xu Xiake once stopped here to admire the scenery. The existing building complex was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. The dripping eaves inside the temple create a unique microclimate. ④ Shifo Ridge: One of the most challenging sections of the ancient trail. Xu Xiake described it as having "steep stone walls with hidden Buddha carvings." Remnants of stone steps and cliff carvings remain, serving as a testament to both history and geology. [Apricot Blossom Festival] (Mid-March to early April): The ancient trail is included in the flower viewing route, where tens of thousands of acres of wild apricot forests complement the historical relics. [Classic Hiking Route] Xianglu Mountain → Shengseng Pond → Shifo Ridge (approx. 5 km), suitable for beginner hikers. Along the way, you can enjoy the canyons, ancient trees, and mountain streams. [Photography Tips] ① "Apricot Blossom Tunnel": Stand in the center of the ancient trail and shoot upwards. The petals form a natural dome with the wind. ② "Ancient Apricot Trees and Stone Tablets": Use a wide-angle lens to capture the interplay of ancient trees and Ming Dynasty steles. ③ "Creekside Reflections": Shoot with side backlight. The ripples on the water surface combined with the petals create a cinematic effect. ④ "Starry Night Talks": On clear nights in April, the Milky Way hangs over the apricot blossoms (tripod required). [Practical Guide] ① Transportation: Drive from Zhengzhou along the Zhengshao Expressway to Xinmi West (approx. 40 mins). Navigate to "Fuxi Mountain Scenic Area" or "Xu Xiake Ancient Trail Entrance." You can also directly navigate to "Louyuan Village." By bus: Take the "Xinmi-Fuxi Mountain" tourist bus from downtown Xinmi, or take a taxi to the scenic area (approx. 30 yuan). ② Best Seasons: Spring (March-April): Apricot blossoms are in full bloom, and the weather is pleasant. Autumn (October-November): The mountains are covered in red leaves, ideal for photography and hiking. ③ Precautions: Wear non-slip shoes for hiking, bring plenty of water and sun protection. Protect cultural relics; do not touch the carvings or climb the ruins. The Apricot Blossom Festival attracts large crowds, so it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours. ④ Bonus Tip: At the 1.8 km mark of the ancient trail, you'll find a broken stele inscribed with "Xiake Stopped Here." Legend has it that Xu Xiake left this mark when he was exhausted. Standing here, feeling the same ambition of "Though a million people may block my way, I will go on" from four hundred years ago, is perhaps the most precious takeaway from this journey. This ancient trail is the spring that Xu Xiake measured with his footsteps, and it's also a healing gift from nature to modern people. As you walk through the rain of petals, slow down—perhaps on a morning centuries ago, the traveler in a straw raincoat also stopped here, gazing at the same clouds.