Wuchi Ancient Road between Yunnan and Sichuan
Chinese Name: 五尺道
English Name: Wuchi Ancient Road between Yunnan and Sichuan
Overview
The Wuchi Ancient Road, also known as the Wuchi Road, is a historical route constructed during the Warring States period in China. It served as a crucial corridor connecting the Central Plains, Sichuan, and Yunnan. The road was established under the leadership of Li Bing, the Governor of Shuchuan in the Qin state, who used the primitive method of burning and chiseling rock to create the path. Due to its narrow width of just five feet, it was named “Wuchi Road.”
Historical Significance
The Wuchi Ancient Road, also known as the “Stone Gate Road” in Tang Dynasty records and the “Zhutidao” because of its pivotal role at Zhutidao (present-day Zhaotong), was an important official road during the Qin and Han Dynasties. It was a key commercial route between Yunnan and Sichuan, comparable in significance to the wide “Chidao” (fast road) constructed by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in other parts of China. The road facilitated trade and cultural exchanges and was a vital part of the Southern Silk Road.
Route and Geography
The existing remnants of the Wuchi Road are primarily located in Sichuan’s Yibin and Yunnan’s Zhaotong areas. Key sections include:
- 豆沙关 (Dousha Pass): About 20 kilometers south of Yanjin County, this section of the road is approximately 350 meters long and 5 feet wide. It features uneven stone steps and numerous hoofprints.
- 筠连塘坝 (Junlian Tangba): This area contains some of the few remaining sections of the ancient road still in use today.
- 五尺道遗迹 (Wuchi Road Remains): In the Wude Township of Junlian County, a 200-meter-long stretch of the road, paved with limestone slabs, is well-preserved. The footprints of mules and humans are still visible on the weathered stones.
Historical Context
Constructed during the Qin Dynasty, the Wuchi Road originally stretched about 350 meters and was 5 feet wide. The road, though narrow, was crucial for connecting Yunnan and Sichuan. It began in Yibin and extended south to Qujing, passing through various counties like Yanjin, Daguan, and Zhaotong. During the Han Dynasty, Emperor Wu of Han commissioned Tang Meng to refurbish and extend the road to reach the Dianchi region. The road became a major trade route, integrating the southwest with the central plains and facilitating the flow of goods such as Yunnan’s slaves, horses, rhino hides, and metals, as well as Sichuan’s ironware.
Terrain and Construction Challenges
The terrain along the Wuchi Road is rugged and treacherous. Historical records describe the road as extremely difficult, with steep mountain paths and narrow passages. Construction involved burning rock with charcoal and then applying cold water to create fractures for easier chiseling. Many traces of these methods are still visible on the cliffs today.
Preservation and Modern Legacy
Today, remnants of the Wuchi Road have been listed as provincial-level protected cultural relics. They provide valuable insights into the historical connections between Yunnan and central China and the ancient transportation routes. Despite being replaced by modern highways, traces of the ancient road can still be seen, such as in Dousha Pass, the Daguan Old Road, the Masangping Old Road, the Qujing Yansong Old Road, and the Keduo Old Road.
Notable Sections:
- Dousha Pass: Preserves a 350-meter stretch of the road with stone steps and historical inscriptions.
- Daguan Old Road: A 10-kilometer stretch through a rugged gorge with steep cliffs and historic bridges.
- Masangping Old Road: A 1-kilometer segment with well-preserved features of the ancient road.
- Qujing Yansong Old Road: A section featuring historical bridges and paved stone paths.
- Keduo Old Road: Includes well-preserved remnants and ancient fortifications, demonstrating its historical significance.
The Wuchi Ancient Road remains an important symbol of historical trade and cultural exchanges between regions and is a key component of the Southern Silk Road.
