The Ancient Tea Horse Road
Category:
Scenic attractions
Detailed description
The Ailao Mountain Tea Horse Ancient Trail, historically known as the Yinan Avenue, dates back to the Tang Dynasty, was officially established during the Yuan Dynasty, flourished throughout the Ming and Qing periods, and began its decline during the Republic of China era. With a history spanning over 1,500 years, this ancient route stretches from Simao (modern-day Pu'er), crossing towering mountains and rugged terrain, winding through vast primeval forests, and even fording rivers along the way—ultimately leading to Kunming. At the time, it served as one of the vital trade routes connecting southwestern Yunnan with inland China, playing a pivotal role as an essential segment of the "Southern Silk Road." Today, the well-preserved section of the Tea Horse Ancient Trail within the scenic area spans approximately 8 kilometers and was designated as a county-level and then a city-level cultural relic protection site in 2005 and 2013, respectively. Within the trail’s boundaries, remnants such as the "Horse-Stepping Stone," "Qianjiazhai," and "Iron Smelting Furnace" still stand as silent witnesses to the trail’s once-thriving commerce and rich cultural heritage. These historic sites not only highlight the prosperity of the Tea Horse Trade but also inspire countless legendary tales and folk songs passed down through generations among the villagers surrounding the Ailao Mountains.
Keywords:
Scenic attractions
ailao
mountain
tea
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