Rediscovery of ancient commercial roads in western Beijing

Yuan Dynasty poet Ma Zhiyuan's former residence inspired many of his poems.

By Zhang Dongya
Located in western Beijing, the West Mountains have long been known to provide stunning sights for visitors. But what’s less well known isthat these mountains used to contain coal, and because of that were once part of an ancient trade route.
During the Yuan (1206-1368) and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties, horses and camels transported coal and other goods from the West Mountains to inner Beijing along a route that became known as the “Ancient Road of West Beijing.oday, outdoor enthusiasts who know this route retrace it as a way of following historic footprints and touring soon-to-be-gone villages. Oh, and the scenery’s not bad, either.