京西古道·西山大路

Legends say five to six millennia ago, Yellow Emperor, after his victory at the Battle of Zhuolu, established a capital near Zhuolu. He then “opened up mountain roads” in the Western Hills. This might be the earliest road construction in the area of the Jingxi Ancient Road, specifically the Xishan Avenue. The Jingxi Ancient Road, with Xishan Avenue as its backbone, has witnessed the passage of time and the weight of history. It stretches from Beijing in the east, through the Western Hills, and extends to the Loess Plateau and Inner Mongolian grasslands in the west. It served as a crucial passage between Beijing and Shanxi, Inner Mongolia. This ancient road served many purposes. It was a vital artery for commerce, a strategic route for military campaigns, and a sacred path for religious pilgrimages, particularly those directed towards temples like Tanzhe and Jietai. The Western Hills, rich in coal and black gold deposits, fueled the city. From the Yuan and Ming dynasties onwards, Beijing’s millions relied on coal for fuel. Materials like stone and the famed glazed tiles of Liulichang also originated here. These essential goods contributed significantly to the city’s construction and people’s lives. The constant flow of mule and horse caravans transporting coal carved the paths of the Jingxi Ancient Road. The road network expanded, with Xishan Avenue as its main artery. The construction of the road was largely a grassroots effort. Except for a few instances of imperial or official projects, local communities funded and carried out most road repairs. Many stone inscriptions along the ancient road recount these local roadbuilding endeavors. Religious activities further contributed to the road’s development. Tanzhe and Jietai Temples drew pilgrims, requiring well-maintained paths. After the Jin Dynasty, each dynasty had emperors journey to these temples for incense offerings. During the Ming Dynasty, Tanzhe Temple evolved into a favored spot for spring outings. The Jingxi Ancient Road itself, with Xishan Avenue at its core, tells a story of trade, military maneuvers, and religious pilgrimages. It also served as a crucial escape route in times of conflict. For example, Jin troops famously utilized this route in a surprise attack to conquer Bianliang, the Song capital. Today, traces of the ancient road are difficult to spot in the plains but remain visible in the mountains. The remnants of the commercial routes are especially prominent. Although weathered, they retain a unique historical charm. The Jingxi Ancient Road stands as a testament to the ingenuity of past generations and their respect for their cultural heritage.