At the most important bilateral meeting between the Chinese ambassadors to India to India, Xu Feihong shared an article on X on February 23, highlighting the importance of the historic tea road. This ancient trade route exceeds 2,000 kilometers and is an important link between China and India through Tibet.
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Tea from all over China is shipped to Xizang, then shipped to Kolkata, India via Himalaya Pass and sold in Europe and Asia for mass sales… pic.twitter.com/pycluyrvcr
You are watching: What is the Ancient Tea Horse Road?
– Xu Feihong (@china_amb_india) February 23, 2025
Although the Silk Road is more widely recognized for connecting China with Europe, tea roads have been equally important in business for centuries. It promoted the movement of Chinese tea to Tibet, passing it from the Himalayan pass to Kolkata and then distributed to markets in Europe and Asia.
What is the ancient tea road?
The ancient tea road is the main trade route between China and Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet. From the 6th to the 20th century, this route promoted the exchange of tea from Sichuan and Yunnan for horses in Tibet. Because of its operation in the industry, it is widely known as Tea Road.
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Source: Tibetan
What is its function?
The ancient tea road has important characteristics, including its historical records, religious symbols and its geographical challenges
- Historic sites: Deep ruts (about 70 cm) on slates created by the continuous movement of packaging over the centuries are still visible today.
- Religious symbols: The ancient roadside altar is engraved with Buddhist scriptures and mottos, proving the cultural and spiritual significance of the road.
- Geographical Challenge: One of the highest and most dangerous ancient trade routes, it spans a variety of terrain and is spread over vast landscapes, carrying commerce, culture and civilization.
What is the importance of tea roads?
Compared with the importance of the Silk Road, the ancient Tea Road is one of the longest trade routes in the world, extending 10,000 kilometers. It passes through dangerous landscapes such as the Hange Mountains, Tibetan Plateaus and wild forests. Despite its significance, it is also one of the most dangerous routes, and only a few traders can complete the entire journey.
What is the origin of Tea Road?
The trade route originated from the tea-horse trade market, where Han and Tibetans exchanged goods. Trade dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and became more organized during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE), when the government established a Tea-Horse Trade Office to regulate and supervise transactions.
What are the two main routes of ancient Tea Road?
Source: Chinahighlights
The ancient tea road is divided into two main routes:
1. Tea Horse Road in western Sichuan
- Length: More than 4,000 km
- Route: Ya’an (Sichuan) → Luding → Kangding → Batang → Chamdo (Tibet) → LHASA
- Extension: Arrival in Nepal, Myanmar and India
- Development: During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), this route was formally recognized, resulting in urban and economic expansion along the way.
2. Tea Horse Road in western Yunnan
- Origin: late sixth century
- Route: Simao (Yunnan) → Pu’er → Dali → Lijiang → Shangri-la → Lhasa
- Extended: Connecting Nepal, Myanmar and India, making it a key trade link with South Asia.
What is Kangding’s role?
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Kangding is the largest trading post along Chama Road. It is a crucial gathering point for traders who exchange goods from different regions. In 1696, Kangxi, the Emperor of Qing Dynasty, formally approved Kangding’s tea-horse trade, further consolidating its role as a key commercial hub. Commodities such as silk and tea flow westward, while products from South Asia, Europe and the United States were introduced to China.
How does tea road promote development?
Tea Road strengthened the local economy and expanded the trade network. It promotes economic growth, cultural exchanges, and plays an important role in infrastructure development. Here are all the detailed factors:
- Economic Growth: The prosperous trade of this route promotes the local economy and promotes the expansion of commercial towns.
- Cultural Exchange: This route promotes cross-cultural interactions between Han, Tibetans and other races.
- Infrastructure Development: The necessity of transportation led to the establishment of roads, bridges and trading posts, which later developed into towns. Lijiang, for example, remains a well-preserved example, and the town flourishes due to its location along Tea Road.
What is the reason for the decline of the tea road?
With the development of modern transportation in the late 20th century, the ancient tea roads gradually became obsolete. Today, modern expressways (such as the Sichuan Western Expressway) have replaced these ancient roads. Here is given:
- Political instability (1912): The depravity of the Qing Dynasty undermined governance and weakened control over traditional trade routes.
- Advances in transportation: The expansion of modern roads and railways reduces reliance on old caravan roads.
- The impact of World War II: Although briefly used in military supply chains, the rise of industrial production and the rise of mechanized transportation have reduced its significance.
- Reforms after 1949: With the establishment of modern China, land reform and infrastructure development made the traditional trading system based on Porter obsolete.
Challenge and Transport
The journey along the ancient Tea Road is very dangerous due to the following ways.
- High altitude terrain and steep mountain roads
- Fast flowing rivers and dangerous transits
- Lack of wheeled or waterway transport makes horse-packing the only viable option
Despite these challenges, traders play a vital role in connecting remote villages and facilitating exchange of commodities and ideas.
Can you explore the Tea Road today?
Yes! The ancient tea road remains a charming destination for travelers. Although no longer an active trade route, Tea Road is still a popular destination for travelers. Visitors can experience:
- Amazing landscape and wildlife.
- Rich cultural experiences with ethnic communities.
- An opportunity to explore historical trade centers and religious sites.
in conclusion
The ancient tea roads played an important role in promoting trade, cultural exchanges and economic growth in China and neighboring regions. Despite being abandoned, it remains an iconic symbol of history, adventure and human resilience. Exploring this ancient route today provides a rich journey for China’s past, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between business, nature and culture.
Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion