Chama Old Town (Tea Horse Old Town) in Lincang
Lincang, with its rich natural, cultural, and folk resources, is a significant hub along the ancient Tea Horse Road, reflecting its deep historical and cultural heritage. The Tea Horse Road is not merely a trading route but a major corridor for ethnic exchanges, economic interactions, and cultural integration. It serves as an international gateway connecting inland China with the western and northwestern regions, as well as linking China with Southeast and South Asia. For Lincang, situated on the border, this road represents a vital channel to the central plains and the world, carrying profound historical and cultural significance. The Tea Horse Ancient Town of Lincang, with its remnants from the ancient road, showcases the deep-rooted Tea Horse culture that has evolved over centuries, weaving together historical fragments into a new narrative.
1. Location and Background
Tea Horse Ancient Town临沧茶马古镇:
- Location: Situated at the intersection of Mianning Avenue and Xianglin Road in Lincang’s Linxiang District, Yunnan Province.
- Historical and Cultural Context: Built against the backdrop of the millennium-old Tea Horse Road, the town integrates tourism and residential living, embodying the profound historical and cultural essence of southwestern Yunnan’s tea trade.
Significance:
- Historical Importance: Lincang is a key hub on the southern Silk Road’s Tea Horse Road and a renowned tea source center and origin of Yunnan tea, with significant historical and cultural value.
- Cultural Interpretation: The Tea Horse Ancient Town of Lincang offers an important window for domestic and international visitors to explore and learn about the rich tea horse history and culture of southwestern Yunnan.
2. Town Features
Street Views:
- Street Scenes: Under sunny skies, the streets of Lincang Tea Horse Ancient Town present a harmonious and tranquil picture of an ancient city.
Gate and Architecture:
- City Gate: An imposing and culturally rich ancient gate building representing the town’s deep ethnic and cultural heritage.
Tourist Attractions:
- Tea Horse Gai Tourist Bus: A part of the town’s deep tea horse history and culture, serving as a platform to showcase tea horse culture to visitors.
- Ancient Town Streets: Traditional blue bricks and gray tiles against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, enhancing the cultural beauty of the ancient town.
Notable Structures:
- Lan Yue Pavilion: An integral part of Lincang Tea Horse Ancient Town’s historical culture.
- Taihang Pavilion: A culturally rich traditional pavilion, providing a resting place for visitors and citizens, and a key component of the ancient town.
Scenic Elements:
- Bridges and Streams: Scenic spots with small bridges and flowing water, embodying a poetic and picturesque essence.
- He Yuan: A residential area within the town, reflecting daily life in the ancient town.
Lifestyle and Scenery:
- Natural Beauty: The town features clear mountains, clean waters, and floral scents, representing a serene lifestyle.
- Sunset View: The townscape under the sunset, blending human design with natural scenery and the rich historical tea horse culture into a picturesque cultural town.
