Post Road restorations continue with Tangjiawan links

Xiangshan (Qi'ao) Old Post Road between Fenghuang Mt Tunnel and Zhengkeng Reservoir in Huitong Village of Jinding Town will link Changnanjing Old Path with a newly built hill hiking trail. The Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone announced on Aug 9 that it is calling for bids on the work.

Built in 1860, Qi'ao Old Post Road starts from Zhongshan's Nanmenkou in the north and stretches 22km via Nanxi, Cuiwei, Qianshan, Gongbei, and other areas to Macao in the south. The new section is to be 4.77-km long.

A series of upgrades including restorations and new construction is underway to create a Xiangshan Old Post Road Cultural Route as well as promote contemporary culture. Xiangshan was created as a township during the Tang Dynasty (8th century) and encompassed what today is Zhuhai, Zhongshan, and Macao. 

Rendering of rest facilities [Photo courtesy Public Construction Bureau of Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone]

According to the plan, a new trail for hiking and fitness (see the yellow route in Picture 2) will feature Xiangshan historical legacy and culture. Traversing hills with eight viewing platforms, the route will extend to Zhengkeng Reservoir near Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC), and then join greenways to connect Huitong and Nazhou villages.

To its east is the 1-km Changnanjing Old Path (see the red route in Picture 2), which is slated for renovation. The sub-line of the post road used to be a main channel for Shangzha and Guantang villagers in Tangjiawan to get to Qianshan and Macao. The section that ends at the north exit of the tunnel through Fenghuang Hill will receive pavement protection and repairs to become a leisure fitness route highlighting cultural heritage and sightseeing.

The map shows that leisure pavilions will be positioned at each end of the hiking trail.

Route Map [Photo courtesy Zhuhai Daily]

The local government is committed to improving support facilities while integrating historical and cultural resources along the trails to create high-quality public fitness paths and landscaped ancient post roads in South Guangdong Province.