Does this stele stand as a silent sentinel? It marks a significant point along the Jingxi Ancient Road. This is the \u4eac\u897f\u53e4\u9053\u7389\u6cb3\u6bb5\u6587\u4fdd\u7891 Stele. Its presence reminds us of the road’s rich history.
The Jingxi Ancient Road isn’t just one path. It is a network of routes in Beijing’s western mountains. These paths were vital for trade and military transport. Imagine caravans laden with coal. Picture them carrying stone and glaze. They journeyed these routes for hundreds of years. The \u4eac\u897f\u53e4\u9053\u7389\u6cb3\u6bb5\u6587\u4fdd\u7891 Stele commemorates the Yuhe Path. This path is also known as Xishan Avenue Middle Road. It stretches from Mayu Village to Wangpingkou.
The Yuhe Path was crucial. It ran through Mentougou’s main coal production area. This road existed since the Tang Dynasty. The \u4eac\u897f\u53e4\u9053\u7389\u6cb3\u6bb5\u6587\u4fdd\u7891 Stele marks a section of this historic route. From Mayu to Quanmen the road was wide. It measured three to four meters. From Mentougou to Guanting the path followed the hillside. Coal kilns dotted the slopes. Villages lined the streets. This section was known as “thirteen miles long street”.
The \u4eac\u897f\u53e4\u9053\u7389\u6cb3\u6bb5\u6587\u4fdd\u7891 Stele commemorates a road paved with stones. It ranged from three to five meters wide. Mules donkeys and camels provided transport. The three-kilometer trail from Guanting to Fengkou Temple was steep. It twisted through Jiulong Mountain. This section was known as “18 bends”. The path was uneven. Hoof holes marked the stones.
The Jingxi Ancient Road saw countless journeys. Merchants travelers and pilgrims all walked these paths. The \u4eac\u897f\u53e4\u9053\u7389\u6cb3\u6bb5\u6587\u4fdd\u7891 Stele reminds us of their stories. The Jingxi Ancient Road embodies the economy and culture of its time. Walking here allows one to feel the passage of history. The \u4eac\u897f\u53e4\u9053\u7389\u6cb3\u6bb5\u6587\u4fdd\u7891 Stele stands as a protector. It safeguards the memory of this ancient path. It connects us to the footsteps of those who came before.