The Ancient Tea Horse Road Tourist Area in Puer City

The Pu’er Tea Horse Road Tourism Area (普洱茶马古道旅游景区) is a 4A-level scenic spot located in Pu’er City (普洱市), Yunnan Province (云南省), known as the “World’s Tea Source.” It is adjacent to the provincial-level nighttime cultural and tourism consumption gathering area, the Tea Horse Ancient Town Tourism Town (茶马古城旅游小镇). The area is only 2.5 kilometers from the city’s administrative center, about a 5-minute drive from the Puerbei Toll Station (普洱北收费站) on the highway, and about 15 minutes by car from Pu’er Railway Station (普洱火车站), making it easily accessible.

Since ancient times, Pu’er has been an advantageous center for the distribution and trade of tea in southern Yunnan along the Tea Horse Road. It has long been known as the “Silver Simao” (银思茅) and the “Southeast Asian Land Wharf” (东南亚陆路码头). The Tea Horse Road is one of China’s famous linear cultural heritage sites, with the Tea Horse Road ruins (茶马古道遗址) within the scenic area representing an important section of the north-south route. This section marks the starting point for tribute tea traveling to the capital and is the most well-preserved, longest, and culturally rich part of the road, with the best ecological conditions along the route.

Surrounded by mountains and rivers in a picturesque subtropical forest, visitors can enjoy the scenic, rolling Pu’er Tea Mountains (普洱茶山) from a distance and immerse themselves in the long history of the Tea Horse Road culture. Come, and let us guide you to walk the ancient path again, witness the intangible cultural heritage of fishing with trained fish eagles, sit around a stove with the muleteers, and ride through the wetlands where fragrant grasses stretch endlessly…

Scenic Spots within the Area (景区游玩景点)

Dingbo Lake (定波湖)

A serene and picturesque lake that is one of the area’s most famous natural spots.

Large Water Dance Show “Mabang Love Song” (大型水舞秀《马帮情歌》)

A spectacular water and dance performance that portrays the romance and challenges of the ancient muleteers.

Rainbow Cableway (彩虹索道)

A thrilling cableway experience offering panoramic views of the scenic surroundings.

Loyalty Post Station Museum (忠义驿站博物馆)

A museum that showcases the history and significance of the ancient Tea Horse Road post stations.

Tang Tea Hall Museum (唐茶殿博物馆)

A museum dedicated to the history and culture of tea, particularly focusing on the tea trade along the Tea Horse Road.

Tea Horse Road (茶马古道)

The famed ancient trade route that was once a vital link between China and the outside world, allowing the transportation of tea and goods through the region.

Earth Altar (土地坛)

A cultural and religious site where local traditions and customs are celebrated.

Forest Walkway (森林栈道)

A wooden walkway through the dense subtropical forest that offers an immersive natural experience.

Tribute Tea Hall (贡茶院)

A hall dedicated to the tribute tea trade, showcasing the high-quality tea sent to the imperial court in ancient times.

Muleteer’s Former Residence (马锅头故居)

The former residence of a muleteer, where you can explore the daily life and struggles of those who traveled the Tea Horse Road.

Transportation (交通出行)

Nearby Public Transport Stations:

  • Route 3 – Lamei Slope Foot Station (腊梅坡脚站): 1.2 kilometers on foot
  • Route 1 – Pu’er Renjia East Gate Station (普洱人家东门站): 2.1 kilometers on foot

From the Local Airport/Train Station:

  • Simao Airport (思茅机场): Take the bus at the Traffic Road Station (交通路站) and ride Route 2 to the Zhengwu Center Station (政务中心站). Transfer to Route 3 and get off at Lamei Slope Station (腊梅坡站), then walk 1.2 kilometers to the destination.
  • Pu’er Railway Station (普洱站): Take Route 3 and get off at Lamei Slope Station (腊梅坡站), then walk 1.2 kilometers to reach the area.

By Car:

  • Enter Pu’er by driving to the Pu’erbei Toll Station (普洱北收费站) and continue eastward until you reach the Tea Horse Ancient Town Tourism Town (茶马古城旅游小镇) for parking.

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