Located within Moganshan Mountain Scenic Area, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, this ancient trail is a premium mountain hiking route in the Yangtze River Delta region prominently promoted in 2021. Featuring "gentle and comfortable hiking in bamboo forests + Republican-era cultural experiences," it is hailed as the "top healing hiking destination in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai." Relying on Moganshan’s unique mountain resources and cultural accumulation, the ancient trail connects natural landscapes and historical relics, becoming a popular choice for urban residents to escape the hustle and bustle and get close to nature.

The core route of the ancient trail is Yucun Cultural Market → Laoling Ancient Trail → Sword Pond → Republican-era Building Complex, spanning 8-10 kilometers and taking 3-4 hours to hike. With low overall difficulty and gentle slopes (almost no steep sections), it is suitable for beginners, family tourists, and middle-aged and elderly groups. The Laoling Ancient Trail is the core section, accessible within 10 minutes’ walk from Yucun Cultural Market. Paved with flat stone slabs throughout, it is flanked by centuries-old moso bamboo forests that block out the sky and sun. Sunlight filters through the bamboo leaves, casting dappled shadows, and the rustling of bamboo and singing of birds create a natural sanctuary isolated from urban noise. Along the way, hikers may encounter ancient stone bridges covered in moss, with gurgling streams below, where they can stop to rest and cool off, feeling the mountain freshness.

The scenic nodes along the hike are highly distinctive. Sword Pond, the core attraction, features waterfalls cascading down cliffs. The legendary site where Gan Jiang and Mo Xie (famous swordsmiths in ancient China) forged swords is hidden by the stream, with relics such as the "Sword Pond" stone carving and sword-grinding stone carrying ancient legends, offering perfect photo opportunities. Starting from Sword Pond and walking along forest paths, hikers may encounter scattered Republican-era villas, with red brick walls, sloping roofs, retro window lattices, and ivy-covered walls exuding a strong sense of the times. Some villas have been transformed into characteristic homestays, and in autumn, the fragrance of osmanthus fills the courtyards (a seasonal treat).

In terms of supporting facilities, the trail is clearly marked, with rest platforms and supply points every 1-2 kilometers. Yucun Cultural Market and the Republican-era Building Complex offer comprehensive catering and accommodation facilities, providing authentic farm cuisine and characteristic homestay services. Since 2021, the scenic area has optimized and upgraded the ancient trail in accordance with international mountain hiking standards, renovating damaged stone slabs, adding ecological toilets and emergency rescue equipment, and launching one-stop experience packages of "hiking + homestay + food," further enhancing the route’s attractiveness and comfort.