Newly restored Changnanjing Old Path, a testament to Zhuhai and Macao's history of transportation and window to Xiangshan historic culture, reopened to the public on Oct 1. It now functions as a leisurely hiking trail for residents and visitors.

With original building time unknown to the world, the ancient road formed part of the Xiangshan Old Post Roads, along with Nanjing, Qi'ao, and Fenghuang (Phoenix) Mt old roads, and the Jinxingmen Waterway in Zhuhai. They once were the only travel route from Guangzhou to Zhuhai and Macao, and now have become a demonstration section of various types of Southern Guangdong Old Post Roads.

Changnanjing Old Path

The 6-km (3.7-mile) Changnanjing Old Path connects Tangjianwan's Guantang Village with Qianshan's Dongkeng Village through Fenghuang (Phoenix) Mt. It was restored during the reign of Emperor Yung-cheng (Yongzheng) in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Numerous historic relics remain.

Visitors can take in the stunning scenery of Fenghuang Mt and a galloping waterfall while admiring the Changnan Three-Hole Bridge, Laiyi Pavilion, a reservoir, culvert relics, rock carvings, and waterfall viewing deck. Kindling a fire is strictly forbidden.

Rock carvings

The restoration was initiated by the Zhuhai Housing & Urban-Rural Planning & Construction Bureau in 2017 to repair damaged flagstone paths, pavilions, and sightseeing decks in harmony with the landscape. 

In addition to stone benches, the old path now has roadside signs briefing different types of remaining drainage systems, how it was built, and historical points of interest.

Accesses to the ancient road are located north of Putuo Temple near the Agricultural Scientific Research Center in Qianshan, and south of the bus stop of Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC) in Jinding.

Sightseeing deck [Photos by Chen Ying / Zhuhai Daily]