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The Ancient Tea-Horse Road offers a unique opportunity to explore its historical sites and scenic routes. Visitors can trek along sections of the road, visit ancient tea houses, and learn about the rich history of the trade route. Exploring the local villages and interacting with ethnic minorities like the Yi and Hani people provides a cultural experience. Be sure to visit the tea plantations to see how the famous Pu'er tea is made, and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea.
The Ancient Tea-Horse Road is located in Ning'er County, Pu'er City. It was an important trade route in ancient China with a profound historical and cultural heritage. Visitors can ride horses to experience the scenes of ancient people riding on the ancient road and the customs and practices of Pu'er.
Visitors can find reputable travel agencies to take horseback rides along the ancient trails, enjoying the beautiful scenery and perfect for taking photos. They can also visit the Tea Horse Historic Site and experience the joy of tea picking, or order a set tea set to learn about Pu'er's long-standing tea culture.
The Ancient Tea Horse Road, originating from the ancient tea-horse trade between the southwestern and northwestern frontiers, flourished during the Tang and Song dynasties, reaching its peak in the late Second World War. It was divided into two routes: the Sichuan-Tibet and the Yunnan-Tibet. The Tibetan Tea Horse Road began in Xishuangbanna and Simao (present-day Pu'er City) in Yunnan Province in the south, passing through Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La before entering Tibet and re-exporting to India, Nepal, and Bhutan. The Sichuan-Tibet Tea Horse Road began in Ya'an in the east, passing through Dajianlu (present-day Kangding City) and finally reaching Lhasa, Tibet.
The low-latitude plateau has a subtropical monsoon climate. The ruins of the Ancient Tea Horse Road in the scenic area are an important section of the north-south Tea Horse Road. It is the starting point for tribute tea to enter Beijing. It is also the most complete, longest, most culturally rich and best ecological section along the way. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
One-way battery car: 15 yuan/person
Osprey fishing: 45 yuan/person
Five Dynasties Pavilion: 85 yuan/person
One-way cable car: 68 yuan/person
Boat tour around the lake: 25 yuan/person
Package: Five Dynasties Pavilion + One-way Cable Car + One-way Electric Car + Osprey Show: 160 yuan/person
08:30-16:30
The Ancient Tea-Horse Road is a historic trade route that was used for centuries to transport tea from China to Tibet and beyond. It is of great historical significance as it facilitated cultural exchange between diverse ethnic groups. The road is known for its rich history of tea trade, its role in the spread of Buddhism, and its connection to ancient civilizations across Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet.
The Ancient Tea-Horse Road stretches across several regions in southwestern China, including Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet. To visit the Yunnan section, head to Pu'er city. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or private car from Pu'er. Public transportation may be limited in some remote areas, so planning ahead is recommended for a smooth journey.
The Ancient Tea-Horse Road is an open, outdoor attraction, and thus accessible at all times. However, the best times to visit are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is milder. These seasons also offer beautiful views of the surrounding tea plantations and the landscape.
There is no formal entrance fee for the Ancient Tea-Horse Road itself. However, some specific historical sites or tea plantations along the route may charge a small entry fee. Tickets for these sites can typically be purchased on-site or through local tour operators. Online ticketing may not always be available.
No, booking tickets in advance is generally not required for visiting the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. However, for specific sites or tours, it is recommended to book a day or two in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Exploring the Ancient Tea-Horse Road and its significant sites can take anywhere from half a day to several days, depending on how much of the route you want to cover. For a more comprehensive experience, plan for 2-3 days to explore the historical and cultural landmarks along the route.
Key highlights include the tea plantations around Pu'er, ancient trading posts, and historical tea houses. Be sure to visit the old caravanserais, where merchants used to rest, and the surrounding villages where traditional cultures have been preserved. The breathtaking views of the mountains and tea fields also make for memorable experiences.
Guided tours are available for various sections of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, offering in-depth knowledge of the area's history and culture. Tours are typically available in Mandarin, but English-speaking guides can be arranged through travel agencies or local tour operators in Pu'er.
The best viewpoints are at the higher elevations of the tea plantations, offering panoramic views of the lush green terraces. The winding roads and ancient bridges also provide excellent photo opportunities, particularly at sunrise or sunset when the light creates a magical atmosphere.
A recommended route is to start from Pu'er and follow the trail towards the tea plantations, passing through the scenic villages and ancient caravanserais. Take time to explore the cultural landmarks and interact with the locals to fully appreciate the history of the Tea-Horse Road.
Night visits are not typically available for the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. However, some nearby cultural festivals and events may feature special evening performances or light shows, especially during holidays and local celebrations.
The Ancient Tea-Horse Road can get crowded during Chinese holidays and peak travel seasons (such as during the Spring Festival and National Day). The least crowded times are typically during the off-peak months of late winter or early spring, as well as weekdays during the shoulder seasons.
Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and food stalls are available along the more popular sections of the road, particularly around the main tourist spots and tea plantations. In more remote areas, facilities may be limited, so it's advisable to carry water and snacks.
The Ancient Tea-Horse Road includes rugged terrain, and some sections may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. However, there are areas with easier access around the tea plantations and main tourist spots that are more suitable for families with children or elderly visitors.
Cash is often needed in remote areas along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. However, in more developed areas like Pu'er, cards and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. It's recommended to carry both cash and a mobile payment method for convenience.
There are several local restaurants offering Yunnan cuisine along the route, particularly in Pu'er and nearby towns. Traditional dishes like pu-erh tea, rice noodles, and yak meat can be found in many of the local eateries. Some tea houses also serve meals alongside tea tastings.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, particularly in larger towns and cities along the route. However, halal food may be limited, especially in rural areas. It's advisable to check in advance or ask local restaurants for alternatives if needed.
In Pu'er, you can find a range of accommodations, including budget hotels, mid-range options, and boutique guesthouses. For a more immersive experience, consider staying in a local tea farm or eco-lodge near the tea plantations.
Nearby attractions include the Pu'er Tea Museum, the Old Tea Horse Trading Market, and the surrounding tea plantations. You can also explore the natural beauty of the nearby mountains, rivers, and ethnic villages that are along the road.
There are souvenir shops in Pu'er and around the tea plantations, where you can purchase pu-erh tea, tea pots, and other local handicrafts such as textiles, pottery, and wood carvings. These make excellent gifts or keepsakes from the region.
From Pu'er, you can continue your journey by taxi, private car, or bus to other attractions in Yunnan, such as Xishuangbanna or Lijiang. For longer trips, flights from Pu'er to other major cities like Kunming are available.
