An ancient trail in Quzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/app.qz123.com]

Nestled at the crossroads of Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, and Anhui provinces, Zhejiang's Quzhou  is renowned for its distinctive geographical setting and diverse hilly terrain, offering a rich tapestry of ancient trails.

The city proudly continues to preserve 149 ancient forest trail sites, with nearly 30 of these paths remaining remarkably intact and well-protected, as confirmed by local authorities.

These trails, with some dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties (618-1279), and others constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), embody the labor and perseverance of forebears, encapsulating the enduring spirit of bygone eras.

They serve as living testaments to tales of triumph and tribulation, leaving an indelible legacy for generations to come. Moreover, these trails hold invaluable research significance in military history, architecture, commerce, culture, and tourism.

Wu Weiming, former director of the city's forestry bureau, expressed his belief that effectively conserving and leveraging these ancient trails not only expands tourism resources but also fosters rural vitalization, contributing to common prosperity and fostering high-quality development in mountainous areas.

Wu added that Quzhou's ancient trails are presently undergoing concerted efforts in preservation and development. Since 2016, Quzhou has allocated over 10 million yuan ($1.40 million) toward the restoration of multiple ancient trails.

In Kecheng district, four ancient forest trails have been interconnected within a scenic area, culminating in the creation of a 100-mile forest trail.

Additionally, the district has played host to national 100-mile forest trail off-road races multiple times, utilizing the ancient trails as a backdrop for these exhilarating events.