The First Town on the Tea Horse Road: Discovering the "Little Shanghai" of Ancient Fengqing at Lushi Ancient Town

The "Little Shanghai" of the Mountains

1.Located on the northern bank of the: Lancang (Mekong) River in Fengqing County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, Lushi Ancient Town (Lushi Guzhen) is a hidden gem that once served as a vital throat of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Historically known as "Aglu," it sits perched on a mountain slope, guarding the strategic ferry crossing of the Lancang River. Due to its pivotal role in the tea and silk trade between mainland China and the frontier regions (and eventually extending to Southeast Asia), Lushi flourished into a bustling commercial hub. At its peak, merchants from all over gathered here, bringing such prosperity and cosmopolitan flair that this remote mountain town earned the nickname "Little Shanghai of the Tea Horse Road." Today, it stands as one of the three most important ancient towns in western Yunnan, preserving a profound sense of history that has faded from more commercialized destinations.

A Living Museum of the Tea Horse Road

2.The soul of: Lushi lies in its deep connection to the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Unlike many other stops that were mere transit points, Lushi was a central hub for the distribution and processing of tea. The layout of the town is a testament to this history, structured around a unique "Three Verticals and Three Horizontals" grid, centering on Sifang Street (Square Street). The most evocative feature of the town is the Loutijie (Staircase Street), a steep, stone-paved path that forms the main artery of the town. Walking along these cobblestones, visitors can clearly see the deep, smooth indentations left by the hoofs of millions of caravan mules and horses that trudged through here over centuries. These permanent marks in the stone are silent, powerful witnesses to the town's glorious past as a major trading post.

Architectural Fusion and Confucian Culture

Lushi is renowned for its unique architectural style, which blends the traditional Bai and Yi ethnic elements with the courtyard styles of Han culture brought by traders from Dali and the Central Plains. The town boasts a collection of well-preserved Qing Dynasty and Republic of China era buildings. The residential houses often feature exquisite wood carvings on doors and windows, painted beams, and flying eaves, reflecting the wealth and aesthetic taste of the historical merchant class. Beyond commerce, Lushi was a center of education and culture in the borderlands. The town is dotted with ancient academies and temples, such as the Xinglong Temple and the Wenchang Palace, reflecting a deep reverence for Confucianism. The local saying "Rich Lushi, Poor Fengqing" historically highlighted the town's cultural and economic dominance in the region.

A Tranquil Retreat into Daily Life

3.Unlike the bustling streets of Lijiang or: Dali, Lushi remains refreshingly quiet and authentic. It has not been overrun by mass tourism, allowing the local lifestyle to continue much as it has for generations. Visitors can observe locals drying tea leaves in their courtyards, making the famous Lushi Tofu (a local fermented tofu delicacy), or simply chatting by the old wells. The town is surrounded by ancient tea gardens, including some trees that are hundreds of years old, linking the town directly to the source of its historical wealth. Standing at the edge of the town, one can look down upon the magnificent Lancang River Grand Canyon, offering a breathtaking contrast between the serene human settlement and the wild, rushing river below.