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The Ancient Tea Horse Road Museum offers an immersive experience of the historic trade route. Visitors can explore exhibitions showcasing the ancient trade of tea, horses, and other goods. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the cultural exchange and traditions that shaped this region, and explore the various artifacts that bring history to life.
The Ancient Tea Horse Road Museum, also known as Dajue Palace, is a precious ancient building that forms part of the Shuhe Courtyard complex, a former Mu clan chieftain complex during the Ming Dynasty. Housed within the building, the museum showcases the culture of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, Shuhe's local customs, and Pu'er tea, showcasing the region's rich history and unique culture. It's well worth a visit.
The Ancient Tea Horse Road, originating in southern Yunnan and passing through Dali, Lijiang, Diqing, and Lhasa, ended in India. It traversed the Three Parallel Rivers and Shangri-La regions of western China, renowned for their captivating cultural heritage and natural beauty. The Ancient Tea Horse Road, renowned for its horse caravan culture, traded tea, mules, horses, cloth, and daily necessities. It was known as the "Southern Silk Road," leaving behind numerous cultural customs and historical stories.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for 1 to 2 hours
free
7:30-17:30
The Ancient Tea Horse Road was a crucial trade route connecting China with Tibet, India, and other regions. This museum showcases the rich history of tea trade, horse trading, and cultural exchange along the route. It played a significant role in the history of Yunnan, helping to develop trade and cultural links between different regions and civilizations.
The museum is located in Lijiang, Yunnan, China. It is easily accessible by taxi or bus from the city center of Lijiang. If you're in the town's historic district, walking to the museum is also an option.
The museum is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially on weekends or holidays.
The entrance fee for the museum is approximately ¥40-¥50. Tickets can be purchased at the museum's ticket counter, and there may be options to buy tickets online through local travel platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or public holidays. If you want to avoid lines, booking online a day or two in advance would be ideal.
It typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the museum, depending on your interest in the exhibits and the amount of time spent at each section.
The must-see exhibits include the sections on the history of the tea trade, the role of horses in the region, and the cultural exchanges between different peoples along the trade route. There are also interactive displays showing how tea and goods were transported along the road.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available, and audio guides are offered in both Mandarin and English. It's a great way to gain deeper insights into the exhibits and the historical significance of the road.
The museum has several well-maintained outdoor spaces with great views of the surrounding area. The exhibition halls also provide good photo opportunities, especially around the horse and tea trade displays.
Start with the history of the Ancient Tea Horse Road and its cultural significance, followed by the tea and horse trade sections. Don’t miss the section on local Naxi culture and the artifacts that represent the people of Lijiang.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the museum. The museum operates during daylight hours, and special tours can be arranged during opening hours.
The museum can get crowded during weekends and holidays, especially in peak tourist seasons. Weekdays, particularly in the mornings, tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.
The museum has clean restroom facilities, and there are small souvenir shops offering local crafts and tea products. You can also find a café nearby where visitors can relax and have a drink.
The museum is accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps and rest areas available. It is also suitable for children with its interactive exhibits and open spaces for them to explore.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Credit cards may not be accepted at all locations, so it’s a good idea to have mobile payment options or some cash on hand.
There are several restaurants and cafés nearby, offering both local Yunnanese dishes and Chinese cuisine. The area around the museum has many options for a quick bite or a sit-down meal.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants. Halal food may be more limited, but there are a few restaurants catering to Muslim visitors in Lijiang.
There are numerous hotels in Lijiang, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Many accommodations are located near the Old Town, which is a short distance from the museum.
Nearby attractions include the Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. You can easily combine these with a visit to the museum in a day trip.
Yes, there are souvenir shops at the museum and in nearby areas. Typical souvenirs include tea, local handicrafts, Naxi embroidery, and wooden carvings.
After visiting the museum, you can take a taxi or bus to other nearby attractions like the Old Town or Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The city also has convenient transportation options to explore more of Lijiang.
