Tea Horse Ancient Road's Sunlight Imprint: Pu'er Tea Horse Ancient Town

The Tea Horse Ancient Town is located in Simao District, Pu'er City, and was an important post station and commercial distribution center on the ancient Tea Horse Road. Centered around tea-horse culture, it recreates the bustling scenes of horse caravans transporting tea and merchants trading, combining history, culture, and natural scenery. 📍 Location & Transportation - Address: Pu'er Avenue, Simao District, Pu'er City (about 5km from downtown) - Transportation: 10-minute taxi ride from downtown; if driving, navigate to "Tea Horse Ancient Road Tourist Area," parking available at the entrance. - Admission: Approx. RMB 60 (includes electric cart in scenic area), "Horse Caravan Story" performance tickets sold separately (approx. RMB 120). 🌟 Must-See Highlights 1. Tea Horse Ancient Road Site Walking Tour - Walk along the **ancient trail remnants** paved with bluestone, touch the horse hoof prints and tea-carrying stone grooves, and feel the hardships of horse caravans crossing mountains with tea. - Recommended route: Water-Mirrored Ancient Town → Dingbo Lake → Fish Shadow Bridge → Tea-Horse Market (about 2km total, easy walking). 2. Cable Car Ride for Panoramic Views - Take the forest cable car (about 20 minutes) through pristine forest, overlooking Pu'er city and rolling tea mountains; sea of clouds visible on clear days. 3. "Horse Caravan Story" Large-Scale Live Performance - Using mountains as backdrop and ancient roads as stage, showcasing southern Yunnan ethnic minority cultures and horse caravan spirit (performance time: 8:00-9:30pm, advance ticket purchase required). 4. Tea-Horse Culture Themed Streets - Horse Caravan Museum: Displays horse caravan equipment and tea-carrying tools, learn about ancient road history. - Tea-Horse Market: Replica of ancient market where you can experience Pu'er tea pressing, take photos with tea-carrying horses, and buy handmade tea sets and ethnic accessories. - Horse Caravan Post Station: Wear horse caravan costumes and simulate caravan life scenes (suitable for 🍜 Food Recommendations 1. Horse Caravan Cuisine - Horse Caravan Copper Pot Rice: Cured meat, potatoes and rice slow-cooked together, with a delicious aroma (available at restaurants in the scenic area). - Charcoal-Grilled Tea-Flavored Chicken: Marinated in Pu'er tea broth and slow-grilled over charcoal for tender meat. 2. Tea-Themed Snacks - Pu'er Tea Rice Balls: Glutinous rice balls cooked in brown sugar tea broth, sweet but not greasy. - Tea Pastries: Flaky pastry filled with tea leaves, perfect with Pu'er tea. 3. Nearby Restaurants - Ancient Road Cooking Smoke: Specializes in horse caravan cuisine; recommended dishes include sour bamboo shoot fish soup and wild vegetable cakes. - Tea Horse Ancient Town Night Market: Gathering place for snacks like pounded chicken feet, fermented tofu, and "paoluda" dessert. 📌 Travel Tips Best time: Evening to night (daytime walking + evening performance + night market). Clothing suggestions: Wear comfortable athletic shoes (ancient stone paths can be slippery); bring a light jacket for cooler evenings. 🏡 Accommodation Suggestions - Inside Tea Horse Ancient Town: Ancient Road Inn with traditional architecture and mountain views from windows (approx. RMB 300/night). - City Options: Pu'er Kaiyuan Meizi Lake Hotel, lakeside setting with tranquil environment (approx. RMB 600/night). - Budget Options: Home Inn, Hanting (Simao District, approx. RMB 150/night).