Ancient Tea Horse Road Sections Still in Use Today
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
If you're into epic trails with serious history, the Tea Horse Road should be on your radar. Forget the Silk Road for a sec—this ancient network was China’s real trade lifeline for centuries. And guess what? Some sections are still walkable today, blending culture, tea, and mountain vibes like nowhere else.
Running from Yunnan and Sichuan deep into Tibet, the Tea Horse Road stretched over 4,000 km. It wasn’t just about moving tea—it was about survival, diplomacy, and economics. Horses from Tibet traded for fermented Pu-erh tea from Yunnan? Yes, please. This exchange powered local economies from the Tang Dynasty (618–907) all the way through the early 20th century.
But here’s the cool part: you can still hike or ride parts of it. Let’s break down the most accessible and historically rich segments still in use today.
Top 3 Active Sections of the Tea Horse Road
| Section | Location | Accessibility | Best Time to Visit | Modern Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ya’an to Kangding | Sichuan Province | Easy to moderate trekking | May–October | Tourism, cultural hiking |
| Shaxi Ancient Town Trail | Yunnan Province | Well-preserved, walkable | March–November | Local markets, tourism |
| Lijiang to Zhongdian (Shangri-La) | Northern Yunnan | Moderate altitude trek | April–September | Pilgrimages, eco-tours |
As you can see, these aren’t just relics—they’re living routes. Locals still use them for small-scale trade, religious journeys, and yes, even daily commutes in remote villages.
The Shaxi Ancient Town section is my personal favorite. Once a bustling stopover, it’s now a UNESCO-supported restoration project. You’ll find old horse stables turned into guesthouses and morning markets selling handmade tofu and dried mushrooms. It’s authentic without feeling tourist-trapped.
And don’t sleep on the Tea Horse Road’s cultural impact. Studies estimate that at its peak, over 10,000 horses traveled this route annually, carrying up to 15,000 tons of tea per year (Yunnan Tea Association, 2018). That’s not just trade—that’s an empire on hooves.
Today, the Chinese government and NGOs are actively preserving these paths. In 2023, over ¥50 million was allocated to restore key trailheads and signage across Yunnan and Sichuan. Plus, adventure tour operators now offer guided treks—from weekend walks to 10-day expeditions.
So whether you're a history nerd, a tea lover, or just chasing off-the-beaten-path adventures, the Tea Horse Road delivers. These aren’t dusty footpaths—they’re living pieces of heritage, still breathing thanks to locals and travelers alike.
Pro tip: Pack light, respect local customs, and always try the butter tea—even if it smells weird. It’ll keep you warm at 3,500 meters.