The Prince's Pass above the Abyss: Walking the Precipitous Tea Horse Road at Taiziguan

The Gateway in the Clouds

Suspended between the towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Haba Snow Mountain, Taiziguan (Prince's Pass) is a formidable natural barrier and a historical marvel located in Baoshan Township, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang. Sitting at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters, this pass is a critical section of the Jinsha River Grand Canyon. It is widely regarded as one of the most perilous and spectacular segments of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Unlike the commercialized ancient towns, Taiziguan offers a raw, unfiltered encounter with the wild nature of the Hengduan Mountains, where the cliffs drop vertically for hundreds of meters to the roaring river below.

A Legend of Conquest and Royalty

The name "Taiziguan" is steeped in history and legend. Historically, this area is famous as the site where Kublai Khan, the founding emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, crossed the Jinsha River on leather rafts ("Ge Nang Du Jiang") to conquer the Dali Kingdom in the 13th century. Local legend also speaks of an ancient crown prince who traversed this treacherous terrain, giving the pass its name, which translates to "Prince's Pass." This blend of imperial history and folklore imbues the rugged landscape with a sense of epic grandeur, marking it not just as a geographical landmark but as a monument to human resilience.

The Perilous Tea Horse Road

1.The defining feature of: Taiziguan is the ancient path carved directly into the 90-degree vertical cliffs. For centuries, this "sheep intestine track" was a lifeline connecting Yunnan and Tibet. Caravans laden with tea and horses tread carefully along this narrow edge, with the abyss on one side and the sheer rock face on the other. Today, hikers can still see the deep indentations left on the stone slabs by the hooves of countless horses over hundreds of years. The path winds through the canyon, offering heart-stopping views of the Jinsha River (Yangtze) far below, which appears turquoise in winter and yellow in summer, resembling a dragon winding through the mountains,.

The Tunnel Through the Rock

2.One of the most thrilling sections of the: Taiziguan trail involves passing through man-made tunnels hewn from the solid rock cliff. There are two notable tunnels, roughly 60 meters and 90 meters long. Walking through them is an adventure in itself; the interior is pitch black, with the wind howling through the openings like a tiger's roar, earning one section the nickname "Tiger's Mouth." These tunnels were essential for overcoming the vertical barriers of the canyon, showcasing the incredible determination of the ancients to maintain this vital trade route. Emerging from the darkness to the blinding sunlight and the panoramic view of the canyon is a visual and psychological shock that defines the Taiziguan experience.

A Journey to the Stone City

Taiziguan is geographically and culturally linked to the nearby Baoshan Stone City. The trek often serves as a route to or from this unique Naxi fortification built atop a giant mushroom-shaped rock. From the heights of Taiziguan, one can look back and see the Stone City standing defiantly in the canyon, a testament to the Naxi people's survival skills. The journey through Taiziguan is more than a hike; it is a pilgrimage through the living history of the Tea Horse Road, offering a profound connection between the majestic natural environment and the enduring spirit of the people who call this rugged frontier home,.