Merchants traded tea for horses along ancient routes in China

Yunnan, a province in China, has a rich history tied to the Tea Horse Road, a network of vital trading routes that connected Tibet and southern China, particularly flourishing until the 1980s. As the last caravans dwindled, local elderly individuals still recall the days when merchants traveled with mules, traversing this millennium-old pathway to conduct trade. Lijiang, situated in the northern part of Yunnan, emerged as a notable staging post for these merchants, who transported tea sourced from the province’s warm valleys, trading it for valuable goods such as horses, musk, and medicinal herbs from Tibet. In recent years, Yunnan has gained popularity among domestic tourists eager to explore its historical backdrop. The Lux hotel group has capitalized on this interest by establishing eight properties along one of the primary historical routes leading from the city of Lijiang towards Tibet. These hotels showcase artistic interiors and provide guided activities, enabling visitors to experience the region's rich cultural narratives. In addition, Lijiang itself stands as a picturesque city surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, where visitors can engage with a vibrant morning market bustling with activity. The city is home to roughly 25 of China’s 56 recognized ethnic groups, including the Naxi, who influence the local architecture and culture. The first village north along the road is Baoshan Shitoucheng, a remarkable example of traditional Naxi architecture with its characteristic tiled roofs and airy courtyards, which appears nearly frozen in time since its establishment 1,300 years ago. As one progresses along this road, the scenery transitions from low-slung Naxi dwellings to Tibetan farmhouses, showcasing the diverse cultural tapestry of the region. Recently renamed Shangri-La, the tourist town of Zhongdian signifies a shift towards quieter and more serene landscapes. Along the route, vibrant prayer wheels can be found spinning, adding to the region’s spiritual atmosphere, culminating in sites like Ganden Dongzhulin Monastery where visitors can appreciate richly painted walls, often in solitude. This journey along the ancient trading routes remains a profound way to connect with Yunnan's historical essence and the cultures that have thrived there.