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Explore the historical exhibits that showcase the great horse caravan culture of Yunnan. You can learn about the ancient trade routes, the horses used for caravans, and how these routes contributed to the development of the region. The museum also offers a deeper understanding of the role of horses in trade and cultural exchange.
Heshun Town in Tengchong City, Yunnan Province, is known as the "hometown of jadeite brought by horse caravans." Because of its ancient tradition of horse caravans, a museum has been built. We visited the museum, which displayed numerous items related to the caravans. The caravan leader was called a "Ma Guotou," and these items are said to be reconstructed scenes from the life of a "Ma Guotou."
The people of Heshun have been traveling abroad for generations, using horse caravans as their main means of transportation. They have produced a group of powerful businessmen such as the Jade King, the Cotton King, and the Rice King, and formed a way of life that is both a businessman, an overseas Chinese, a farmer, and a scholar.
Camels were the primary means of transportation along the Northern Silk Road, while horses were the primary means of transportation along the Southern Silk Road. The leader of a large caravan was called a "Ma Guotou." For over 2,000 years, Ma Guotou led the caravans, bringing goods and culture from around the world and bringing them back to China, contributing to human civilization.
The tropical monsoon climate combines the advantages of continental and maritime climates. Winter and spring are sunny and warm, while summer and autumn have a mix of sunny and rainy weather and are cool and pleasant. All four seasons are suitable for travel.
The Great Horse Caravan Museum showcases the history of the Ancient Southwest Silk Road and the lives of the Great Horse Caravan through the collection of over 3,000 artifacts from the renowned Tengchong collector, Mr. Jia Zhiwei. The museum primarily consists of two sections. The first focuses on the Great Horse Caravan, while the second explores the history of Tengchong, a key town on the Southwest Silk Road.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
Included in the Heshun Ancient Town ticket (55 yuan/person)
08:00-17:00
The Great Horse Caravan Museum celebrates the historical significance of horse caravans in the region. For centuries, horses were used as vital transport for goods across trade routes, particularly between China and Tibet. The museum is a tribute to the cultural and economic role these caravans played in shaping Yunnan's history.
The museum is located in Baoshan, Yunnan. To get there, taxis are the most convenient option. Public buses may also be available, depending on your location within the city. Walking can be an option if you're staying nearby, as the museum is centrally located.
The museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. The best times to visit are during weekdays, preferably in the morning to avoid crowds.
The entrance fee is typically around 20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the museum, and there may be occasional online booking options depending on the season or special events.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required unless there is a special event or exhibition. However, during peak seasons, it might be beneficial to check online for availability.
1-2 hours is usually sufficient to explore the museum and view the exhibits at a leisurely pace.
The most notable highlights are the exhibits on the ancient horse caravans, including artifacts such as caravan tools, horse saddles, and trade-related items. The multimedia presentations on the historical trade routes are also quite informative.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and there may be audio guides in both Mandarin and English. It’s best to check availability upon arrival.
Photography spots include the historical artifacts displays and the large outdoor dioramas depicting the horse caravans in action. The museum's exterior and surrounding areas also provide a scenic backdrop for photos.
Start by visiting the introductory exhibit on the history of horse caravans, then move on to the artifacts section, followed by the multimedia presentations. Conclude with the diorama area outside the main building.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the museum. Special tours might be available during festivals or cultural events, so it’s worth checking for updates on the museum’s website.
The museum is typically not very crowded, except during weekends or holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays.
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas are available. There is a small gift shop selling souvenirs related to horse caravans, but food and water are not available on-site, so it’s advisable to bring your own refreshments.
The museum is generally accessible, with ramps and wide walkways. However, some areas may involve stairs, so it’s best to inquire at the entrance for more detailed accessibility information.
Both cash and mobile payment methods (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted. Credit cards might not be widely accepted, so it’s advisable to use mobile payments or carry cash.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the museum. However, there are several local restaurants and eateries around the museum where you can try Yunnanese dishes, such as rice noodles and hot pot.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available in local restaurants around the museum. Halal food might be harder to find but can be located in certain specialty eateries.
There are various hotels and guesthouses near the museum. Options range from budget stays to mid-range hotels. Some popular choices are located in the city center of Baoshan, offering easy access to other local attractions.
Nearby attractions include Baoshan Museum, the Great Horse Caravan Route, and the scenic Gaoligong Mountain. These can be easily visited in a day trip, giving a mix of cultural, historical, and natural experiences.
Yes, there is a souvenir shop inside the museum, offering items such as model horses, miniature caravans, and traditional Yunnanese handicrafts, like textiles and jewelry.
After visiting the museum, taxis, buses, and rental cars are available. For longer trips, private transport can be arranged for tours to other nearby attractions such as the mountain areas or local villages.
