Mazhuang Village and Relic of Ancient Tea Horse Road in Fengqing County, Lincang
Mazhuang Village
Mazhuang Village, located in Dasi Town, Fengqing County, Lincang, Yunnan Province, is historically significant as part of the Ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道). Positioned in the northern part of Fengqing County along the southern bank of the Lancang River, Mazhuang was a key hub for caravans traveling between the southwestern mountainous regions and Tibetan areas. The village’s name, “Mazhuang” (Horse Tethering Posts), originates from the numerous horse hitching posts found in the area.
Historical Significance
The famous Chinese travel writer Xu Xiake mentioned Mazhuang Village during his travels. He described it as a crucial rest stop for caravans, highlighting an inn where the elderly innkeeper, Mr. Mei, would warmly brew Taihua tea for travelers. Xu Xiake’s account, which includes a reference to a poem by Song Dynasty poet Dai Bing, underscores Mazhuang Village’s role in cultural exchange and trade along the Tea Horse Road.
Tea Cultivation
Today, tea cultivation remains a vital economic activity in Mazhuang Village. Villagers primarily grow tea on terraced gardens, with many relying on the harvesting and selling of fresh tea leaves. A notable local tea maker, Yang Jianfu, began working at 14 and has held various jobs, including selling sugar cane in Kunming and working in Dongguan. In 2014, Yang learned tea roasting in Shuangjiang County’s Bingdao and returned to Fengqing County in 2017 to focus on manually roasting ancient tree tea.
Current Challenges
Despite favorable conditions for tea cultivation, Mazhuang faces challenges in the tea market, including the issue of “high quality but low price.” Research conducted by faculty and students from the philosophy department revealed that the family workshop-produced teas are at the raw material supply end of the industry chain, resulting in low production profits. This situation makes it difficult for tea farmers to increase their incomes and improve their quality of life.
