As autumn approaches, the trees of Zhejiang Province’s Siming Mountain begin to transform into a tapestry of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Hikers flock to the mountain to take in the breathtaking views and experience the crisp, cool air of fall, and the changing leaves provide a stunning backdrop. Look no further than Siming Mountain for a burst of color in the midst of a busy season. Bring your hiking boots and join us on a fall color hunt in one of China’s most beautiful natural settings.
Preparing List:
- Essential equipment: backpack, hiking shoes or sneakers, bring a lunch and 1 liter of water or functional drink.
- Optional equipment: backpack rain cover, hiking poles, knee pads, raincoat / umbrella;
- Dress suggestion: outdoor wear or sports wear is best.
Navigating the Trails: GPS Tracking to Explore Siming Mountain
Due to the pandemic, we took the peripheral route of Dan Mountain Chishui Scenic Area today, starting from Lijiakeng Village, passing through Zhangxi Village, Luhuo Shuizhan, Hualongzhuang Village, Diping Village, and finally reaching Maohuo Village.
At noon, we set off from the landmark Siming Bridge, which spans across the river in Lijiakeng Village. Apparently, there used to be rafting here, but the water doesn’t look deep enough now – maybe it’s the river dry season?
We walked through the old village of Lijiakeng, where the villagers are descendants of Li Shimin according to their genealogy, but we couldn’t see any Xianbei bloodline on their faces.
The village has stone steps leading up the mountain, which can be slippery, but we even saw people running. We learned that they were practicing cross-country running, and we heard that the “Si Ming Wen Qiu International Cross-Country Race” is held here every year – how cool!
The golden autumn of Siming Mountain is a truly special time of year. The trees are ablaze with color, and the cool, crisp air invigorates the senses. As you hike through the trails, you’ll come across fields of vegetables that are ready for harvest. Rows of cabbage, radishes, and other vegetables stand tall, their bright green leaves a stark contrast to the orange and yellow foliage surrounding them. It’s a sight to behold, and one that truly captures the essence of the season.
As we journeyed through the peaks and valleys of the Siming Mountain range, we passed through several charming villages that had a distinct sense of history. It was as if we had been transported back in time, surrounded by the timeless beauty of the region. We marveled at the old buildings and winding streets, soaking up the quaint atmosphere of these little hamlets. From the friendly locals to the picturesque landscapes, everything about our hike through the Siming Mountain felt like a step back in time. It was a truly magical experience.
We traveled along the ancient road of Zhi Ru Ling in the second half of our journey. This ancient road connects Diping Village to Zhangxi Village. It is approximately 4000 meters long and 1.5 meters wide, with a highest altitude of 626 meters. Because the road is steep, we need to be careful when climbing the ridge. We walked in the opposite direction and saw many graves along the way.
It seems that this is where people pay homage to their ancestors. Many graves, according to locals, belong to the Yan and Zhuang families. The local Yan family is descended from the famous Han Dynasty hermit Yan Ziling. They moved from Yuyao to Zhangxi, then to Maohuo during the Daoguang era of the Qing dynasty, and finally to Diping Village. According to the “Siming Yan Family Genealogy,” the Yan family’s original surname was Zhuang, but they changed their surname to Yan to avoid Emperor Liu Zhuang of the Han Ming Dynasty’s taboo.
As we arrived in Diping Village, we were greeted by a spectacular display of fall colors. The leaves on the trees had turned a beautiful shade of gold and red, creating a picturesque scene that took our breath away. The crisp autumn air was filled with the sweet scent of burning leaves, adding to the atmosphere of the season. We couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and awe as we took in the beauty of the village, surrounded by the vibrant colors of fall.
Despite the fatigue from the hike, we were energized by the dazzling natural surroundings.
After a short break, we continued on to the final destination of Maohuo Village. Though it used to be a bustling village, it has been abandoned for over a decade due to geological disasters. All that remains now are the famous ancient trees, including three ginkgo trees, over a hundred tung trees, and several pines, as well as a beautiful legend.
According to legend, over 400 years ago, the Yan family moved to Maohuo Village, where there were already over 20 ancient trees that were over 100 years old. In the 15th year of the Qianlong era (1750), a member of the Yan family named Yan Ziliang, due to his poor circumstances, wanted to cut down and sell the large tree next to the village to make a living. Other members of the village realized the importance of protecting the feng shui trees and pooled their money to buy the ownership of the ancient tree, ensuring its safe existence for 99 more years.
In the 29th year of the Daoguang era (1849), someone else wanted to cut down the tree again for money, and two kind-hearted members of the Yan family once again bought the ancient tree to protect it. In order to further protect the feng shui ancient tree, they erected a “prohibition on cutting down” stone tablet next to the village.
In conclusion, our hiking trip through Siming Mountain in Zhejiang Province was a beautiful and memorable experience. The golden autumn colors in the harvest vegetable fields and the ancient road of Zhi Ruling Ridge were highlights of the journey. We also learned about the rich history of the villages and families that we passed through. Overall, it was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and take in the natural beauty of the region.
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