Tongguan Town and The Ancient Tea Horse Road in Mojiang County, Puer
Chinese Name:墨江金马通关（通关镇/通关古镇）
English Name: Tongguan Town and The Ancient Tea Horse Road in Mojiang County, Puer
Tongguan Town
Tongguan Town, under the jurisdiction of Mojiang Hani Autonomous County in Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, is located in the western part of Mojiang Hani Autonomous County. It borders Lianzhun Town to the east, Yutang Town to the south, and Ning’er Hani and Yi Autonomous County across the Ba River to the west. To the north, it adjoins Jingxing Town. The administrative area of Tongguan Town covers 551.4 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, the registered population of Tongguan Town was 28,467.
The name “Tongguan” signifies a place of access or checkpoint. Historically, Tongguan Town has been a crucial stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, serving as a major hub on the Southern Silk Road. Merchants and caravan traders from the north and south would converge here to obtain customs documents, then travel north to Kunming and beyond to central China, east and southeast to Laos and Thailand via Xishuangbanna, west and northwest to Tibet via Dali and Lijiang, and south to Vietnam and Guangxi via Lixianjiang. The town has earned the reputation of being the “First Pass of the Ancient Tea Horse Road.”
Tongguan Town is an attractive destination year-round. Today, the Kunman Expressway passes through the town, creating a convenient transportation network for visitors. While the clamor of ancient caravan trade has faded, the town’s historic charm remains. The old street of Tongguan, selected as one of Pu’er’s “Top Ten Historical Streets,” is only 1 kilometer long but features a variety of ancient buildings and residences. These buildings, once used as horse trading posts, yamen offices, and temples, bear witness to the rise and fall of the Ancient Tea Horse Road and rapid societal development.
Climbing to the top of the hill behind the old street reveals a grand gold horse sculpture. The “Golden Horse” stands proudly facing east, symbolizing the passage of the Golden Horse and the aspirations of the frontier peoples towards Beijing. From beneath the “Golden Horse,” visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient town and the surrounding rolling hills.
Administrative Divisions
By the end of 2011, Tongguan Town had 1 community and 16 administrative villages: Xinwu, Yongma, Tuanshan, Dazhai, Qingping, Manbo, Gongguan, Jingba, Biku, Niuku, Mangling, Huotian, Rongping, Anmin, Huilong, Minxing, and Bingbang, with a total of 259 village (community) groups.
As of June 2020, Tongguan Town consists of 1 community and 16 administrative villages: Xinwu Community, Yongma Village, Tuanshan Village, Dazhai Village, Qingping Village, Manbo Village, Gongguan Village, Jingba Village (rural community), Biku Village, Niuku Village, Mangling Village, Huotian Village, Rongping Village, Anmin Village, Huilong Village, Minxing Village, and Bingbang Village. The town’s government is based in Xinwu Community.
Historical Significance
Tongguan Town, located in the southwest of Mojiang County, is 44 kilometers from the county seat and serves as a central hub for traffic, information, and trade. It was an important stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road and a key node on the Kunming to Jinghong route of the Kunman Highway. Historically, Tongguan was a vital station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road and was known as “Tongguan Post” or “First Pass of the Ancient Tea Horse Road” during the Qing Dynasty, where it served both as a pass and a checkpoint.
The Ancient Tea Horse Road was not only a corridor for economic trade but also an essential route for transmitting urgent documents to the Yunnan frontier from the central government. Tongguan was a relay station for these documents. To accommodate the needs of the couriers, local officials created a local specialty dish, the “Yellow Braised Chicken,” which became popular in southwestern Yunnan centuries ago.
The Ancient Tea Horse Road, which stretches over 60 kilometers within Tongguan, was a bustling route for caravans, bringing the culture of central China and the legacy of Pu’er tea. This brought prosperity and renown to Tongguan.
The town features a variety of historical sites. The old street, once a bustling commercial area with horse trading posts, yamen offices, and temples, is a testament to the area’s historical significance.
Local Attractions
The town boasts several temples. The Jin Temple in Juejiba is a Ming-style wooden structure, with distinct altars for celestial bodies. The Wu Temple, located at the current site of the Tongguan Primary School, features a complex of buildings, including a drama stage from the early Republican period. It honors the god of war and the god of wealth.
The Wen Temple, located on the Ailao Mountains, was constructed under Zhang Tianfa’s initiative in the Qianlong period. It includes the Kui Xing Building and the Wen Chang Palace, known for its exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance. The temple complex, surrounded by lush forests, offers a serene and scenic environment.
Travel Tips
- Transportation: Whether driving or using public transport such as tour buses or flights, Tongguan Town is easily accessible. From Kunming, taking the Kunman Expressway to Xishuangbanna and stopping at Tongguan Town for a rest and meal is a convenient option. Simply exit the highway at the “Tongguan” exit and drive 300 meters to reach the town.
- Accommodation: The ancient town offers various lodging options, including farm stays, guesthouses, and hotels, at affordable prices.
- Dining: The signature “Tongguan Yellow Braised Chicken” is renowned for its unique flavor and is a must-try local dish. The town has around 17 restaurants specializing in this dish, providing good value for money. While waiting for your meal, you can explore the historic streets and buildings.
