A regulation on the protection of ancient roads in Zhejiang took effect on March 1.

Zhejiang is the first Chinese province to pass such a regulation.

According to a preliminary investigation by the Zhejiang administration of forestry in 2018, there were more than 1,200 ancient roads totaling 9,000 kilometers in length in the province.

Most of the ancient roads are located in hilly and mountainous regions that have picturesque landscapes, pleasant environments and rich culture. Fifty-three ancient roads fall under the category of cultural relics under government protection.

One of the best-known ancient roads in the province is 120-km Xianxia Ancient Path, which winds through the mountains from Jiangshan city in Zhejiang province to Pucheng county in Fujian province. The path was first constructed by a peasant rebel army during the late Tang Dynasty (618-907) for military purposes. Xianxia Pass, situated in the path along Jiangshan, is one of China's four most important ancient mountain passes.

Since 2015, Zhejiang has invested over 300 million yuan ($47.5 million) in the preservation and restoration of ancient roads. More than 200 ancient roads, totaling 1,500 km in length, have been restored so far.

Xianxia Pass is located in the southwest of Baoan township, Jiangshan city, Zhejiang province. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]