Tea Horse Road
Follow the Ancient Tea Traders
About the Journey
Walk in the footsteps of tea traders who braved treacherous mountain paths for centuries. The Tea Horse Road connected Yunnan's tea plantations with Tibet, creating a unique cultural corridor through some of China's most dramatic landscapes.
Route Highlights
Pu'er Tea Plantations
Birthplace of famous Pu'er tea
Tiger Leaping Gorge
One of the world's deepest gorges
Shangri-La
Gateway to Tibetan culture
Ancient Caravan Towns
Preserved trading post villages
Must-Visit Attractions
Don't miss these iconic spots along the way
Plan Your Tea Horse Road Journey
Get expert help with your trip planning
Ultimate Bundle
All-in-one planning stack: Altitude, Self-Drive, and Drone guides, plus 700 attractions.
Single Province
A done-for-you itinerary for one province with route logic, attraction priorities, and local tips.
Travel Tips
Visit tea plantations in spring for the best tea picking experience
Prepare for altitude changes - route goes from 600m to 4,500m
Try local Bai and Naxi cuisine along the way
Book Tiger Leaping Gorge hike with a local guide