Chinese Name: 北斋公房
English Name: Beizhai Gongfang Ancient Tea Horse Caravan in GaoliGongshan Mountain, Baoshan

Beizhai Gongfang(北斋公房， Public House in the North) , located in Gaoligong Mountain（高黎贡山）, is the only route of the Silk Road on land（陆上丝绸之路） in ancient southern China. There were three routes from Baoshan(保山) to Tengchong （腾冲）on the Silk Road in ancient southwest China, crossing Nu River （怒江）from Baoshan, over the Gaoligong Mountain-Ma Mian Guang (in some books, it is called Ma Hui Guang, which means that this place is too dangerous for horses to cross, but now it is generally known as Ma Mian Guang) – Beizhai Gongfang- Qiaotou(bridge), which is the oldest recognized route.

Architectural History

Beizhai Gongfang should be initially built at the time of Nanzhao Kingdom (a local regime in ancient China) of Tang Dynasty. During this period, it was destroyed and repaired several times. In the long river of history, there were wars and fires, but the wall base and stone stairs of the house are still faintly visible. From the present ruins, we can imagine that the bustling scene of the prosperous ancient business travel.

Surrounding Landscapes

Along the river from Huang Jia Village(黄家寨) of Jie Tou Township（界头乡） (a local village), we will see Chao Yang Dian (朝阳殿，a hall face the sun), During the Anti-Japanese War in western Yunnan(滇西), the government of Anti-Japanese in Tengchong was established here for three times. It takes 5 and half hour to go to Zhai Gong fang. Because there’s another zhai Gong Fang in the south, for convenience, it’s called Beizhai Gongfang, and in the south is called Nanzhai GongFang(Public House in the south).

Up from Beizhai Gongfang, as the increase of altitude, a large area of bamboo forest appeared, and we can pass the saddle back if go further on. On the saddle back, the Nu River(怒江) can be seen to the East, and a wide expanse of flat land -Jietouba(界头坝) can be seen to the West.
Translated by Ma Yunru/马云茹

Chinese Name:南斋公房茶马古道
English Name: Nanzhai Gongfang Ancient Tea Horse Caravan in Gaoligong Mountain, Baoshan

Location and Name Origin: Nanzhai Gongfang is located in Gaoligong Mountain at an elevation of 3,150 meters. The name originated from a devout Buddhist volunteer who settled here to provide food and lodging for travelers. Historically, Nanzhai Gongfang, Beishai Gongfang, and the Hongmushu Path were three important ancient routes of the Southern Silk Road connecting Baoshan and Tengchong. These paths were strategically significant due to their treacherous terrain.

Historical Significance:

• Strategic Importance: The ancient routes, including Nanzhai Gongfang, were crucial for military and trade purposes. Over seventy years ago, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the 198th Division of the 54th Army of the 20th Group Army fought fiercely against Japanese forces on these paths. The battles along these routes, including the Battle of Datangzi, Battle of Nanzhai Gongfang, Battle of Dajian Mountain, and Battle of Linjia Shop, were intense and significant, with many soldiers and enemies losing their lives.
• Trekking Route: Today, Nanzhai Gongfang is known for its well-established and relatively safe trekking route across Gaoligong Mountain. It is a popular choice for hikers due to its moderate difficulty compared to Beishai Gongfang.

Cultural Heritage of Tengchong:

• Quishi Bronze Artifact: In January 1989, Zhang Daoyi, a farmer from Zhangjia Village in Tengchong, discovered a bronze altar while digging. This artifact, identified as a Grade One Cultural Relic, represents typical Spring and Autumn and Warring States period bronze culture.
• Jiangju Village: Jiangju Village is known for its historical printing workshop, Doyu Tang Book House, which printed many books during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Only one set of woodblock printing plates remains. The village also features a unique house built entirely on a stone and streets paved with blue stone slabs.
• Historical Significance of Jiangju: Although now somewhat desolate, Jiangju was once a bustling post station on the Silk Road. It was a critical supply and rest stop for muleteers traveling across Gaoligong Mountain. The area had numerous shops and guesthouses, with up to ten horse shops at its peak. Horses and muleteers frequently passed through, creating a lively atmosphere with the sound of bells and songs echoing through the forest.

Modern Experience:

• Ancient Stone Steps: The ancient stone steps, covered with leaves and moss, still show the deep footprints left by muleteers. Linjia Shops along the route were traditional resting places for travelers.
• Challenging Conditions: At 3,150 meters, the altitude presents challenging conditions, including thin air and altitude sickness. Historically, this high elevation, combined with the arduous journey, made it a place where many travelers perished.

Legacy: Nanzhai Gongfang remains a testament to its historical and strategic importance. The area still features remnants of World War II trenches and fortifications, preserving the memory of the fierce battles fought here.

Chinese Name: 大理白族自治州祥云县云南驿镇云南驿村
English Name: Yunnanyi Village of Yunnanyi Town in Xiangyun County, Dali

Yunnan Yi Village is located in the northern part of Yunnan Yi Town, Xiangyun County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is about 3 kilometers from the town government and has convenient transportation. The village borders Longdong Village to the east, Shuikou Village to the south, Gaoguan Village to the west, and Beipeng Village to the north. It has 9 administrative groups and a total population of 4,605, with 4,452 people engaged in agriculture. The village has 2,751 acres of arable land, with an average of 0.62 acres per person, and mainly grows crops such as rice, broad beans, and corn. In 2010, the village’s total economic income was 40.38 million yuan, with a per capita net income of 3,706 yuan. The primary sources of income are agriculture and animal husbandry.

Historical Background

Yunnan Yi was an important post station on the ancient “Southern Silk Road” and “Tea Horse Road,” with a long history. As the administrative center of Yun Nan County during the Han Dynasty and one of the largest post stations on the ancient Tea Horse Road, Yunnan Yi once thrived. It was a transportation hub in southern China, witnessing the trade of tea, silk, and porcelain, and recording the glory of ancient mule caravan culture.

Cultural and Historical Sites

• Yinma Stone: The stone-paved streets with varying depths of hoof prints record the bustling scenes of ancient times. The ruins of shops along Yinma Stone showcase the prosperity of the past.
• Cen Gong Shrine Post Museum: This museum displays the postal history of Yunnan Yi and related materials from the wartime period. During World War II, it was an important base for the Allies in the Far East.
• Mule Caravan Culture Museum: This museum exhibits the mule caravan culture of the Tea Horse Road, including models of ancient mule stables and related artifacts. The southern courtyard of the museum was once the largest mule stable, accommodating over 300 horses.
• Burma Road and Hump Airlift: Yunnan Yi was an important post station on the Burma Road and became a key material transit station during World War II. It was a frontline support point for the Hump Airlift.

Modern Development

With the advancement of modern transportation, Yunnan Yi Ancient Town has gradually integrated into the modernization process. Today, Yunnan Yi is market-oriented, with a diversified industrial development pattern, including agriculture, animal husbandry, and business operations. The area around the ancient town features many specialty restaurants and leisure fruit-picking gardens, such as the Nongyun Ecological Fruit Garden in Xiangyun County, which offers a variety of fruits to meet visitors’ needs.

Tourist Experience

Visitors can experience traditional mule caravan culture in Yunnan Yi Ancient Town, visit the Mule Caravan Culture Museum, and experience life in ancient mule stables and post stations. The well-preserved stone-paved streets and historical buildings provide a glimpse into the past. Tourists can also engage in intangible cultural heritage projects such as pottery making and silverware exhibitions, experiencing Yunnan’s traditional crafts and culture.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Yunnanyi Village is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the village and its surroundings. Spring offers blooming flowers and lush greenery, while autumn provides cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. Summer can be quite warm and rainy, while winter may be chilly but still manageable for those who enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

How to Get There

1. By Air:
   • Arrival: The nearest major airport to Yunnanyi Village is Dali Airport (DLU), which is about 80 kilometers away from the village.
   • From Dali Airport: You can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Dali city, and then continue your journey by bus or taxi to Xiangyun County. From Xiangyun County, you can take a local taxi or bus to Yunnanyi Village.
2. By Train:
   • Arrival: The nearest railway station is Dali Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in China.
   • From Dali Railway Station: Take a bus or taxi to Xiangyun County, and then travel by local transportation to Yunnanyi Village.
3. By Bus:
   • Direct Bus: You can take a direct bus from Dali to Xiangyun County. There are several buses operating between Dali and Xiangyun throughout the day.
   • Local Transport: Once you arrive in Xiangyun County, you can take a local bus or taxi to Yunnanyi Village.
4. By Car:
   • Self-Drive: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Dali and drive to Yunnanyi Village. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Useful Travel Tips

1. Weather Preparation: Check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Bring layers, comfortable walking shoes, and rain gear if visiting during the rainy season.
2. Local Currency: Carry some cash as smaller businesses and local markets may not accept credit cards.
3. Language: Mandarin is the primary language spoken. Having a translation app or basic knowledge of Chinese phrases can be helpful.
4. Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Options in Xiangyun County range from budget guesthouses to more comfortable hotels.
5. Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions. When visiting cultural sites, dress modestly and follow local guidelines.
6. Health Precautions: Ensure you have any necessary vaccinations and carry a basic medical kit. Drink bottled or boiled water to avoid any stomach issues.
7. Transport Booking: For convenience, book long-distance transportation (bus, train, or flight) in advance. Local taxis or rides can be arranged through your hotel or by using local ride-hailing apps.
8. Local Delicacies: Try local Yunnan cuisine and specialties available in the village and surrounding areas. Ask locals for recommendations on where to eat for an authentic experience.
9. Navigation: Use a map or GPS to navigate the area, especially if exploring on your own. Local signage may not always be in English.
10. Safety: Yunnanyi Village is generally safe for tourists, but always stay aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure.

Overview

Chinese Name: 剑川县弥沙乡弥井村
English Name: Mijing Village of Misha Town in Jianchuan County, Dali

Location: Mijing Village is located in Misha Town of Jianchuan County in Dali.

Introduction

Misha Well is known for its abundant salt mines and was once a major salt town in western Yunnan. It is also one of the origins of the “Salt Horse Ancient Road.” During the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, embassies, inspection offices, and salt tax offices were established. Misha Salt Well was listed as the “Mother Well,” overseeing surrounding “daughter wells” such as Qiaohou Well and Yunlongla Well. Misha Salt Well includes old wells, dripping wells under rock walls, submerged wells under the west bridge pier, and Shalu wells, Dajing, Xiaojing, and mining wells under the east bridge pier.

Mijin Village

Mijin Village is located in the southeast of Mishaxiang, Jianchuan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, more than 80 kilometers away from Jianchuan County Town, on both sides of the Mishaxiang River, bordered by Qiaohou Town, Er Yuanxiang, Shaxi Town, and connected to Dayi, Xizhuang, and Dongzhuang villages.

Mijin Village is picturesque, nestled among mountains and rivers. The western part of the village features deep valleys, waterfalls, ancient trees, and streams. The southern part, where Kuisi Pavilion and Sansheng Palace are located, resonates with mountain peaks. The entire village is scattered along the banks of the Mishaxiang River, with adobe houses, secluded lanes, and ancient stone walls, reflecting a strong ethnic character. The sound of mule bells and the smooth bluestone roads record the long history and culture of Mijin, one of the second batch of traditional villages in China.

Mijin Village has a long history and profound cultural heritage. It was once a major salt production town in northwest Yunnan during the era of the Salt Horse Ancient Road. The prosperity of the salt industry made Mijin a bustling place, with markets held every three days and nights. Currently, the village still retains relics from the Salt Horse Ancient Road era, such as the Salt Goddess Mother, Sansheng Palace, Zhao Ying Temple, and ancient theaters.

Legend of the Ancient Well

Historical records state that “Misha” was the combined name of “near Miquan” and “Shazhuijing” during the Tang Dynasty in Nanzhao. Since the Tang Dynasty, salt wells have been established in Misha, known as near Miquan. Misha Well was one of the four major salt wells in western Yunnan at that time.

According to legend, initially, there were no inhabitants near Misha Well. People lived on the flat ground halfway up the mountain. A woman’s cow often secretly ran down to the salt spring to drink salt water. To understand why the cow liked to run downhill, the woman followed her cow and discovered Misha Well. In commemoration of the cow’s discovery of the salt well, every Spring Festival or the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, villagers in Mijin hold a “Dae Gou” (bull dance) activity, simulating primitive agricultural production and sacrificial activities, hoping for a good harvest.

Misha Well is separated from the famous Salt Horse Ancient Road town, Shaxi, by only one mountain. Due to its narrow geographical location, salt from Misha Well had to be transported by mule to Shaxi for distribution. From Shaxi, travelers passed through Mapingguan, then crossed a vast primitive forest to reach Misha Well. The journey from Shaxi to Misha Well required traversing a steep five-li slope, a section of ancient road manually carved on a steep slope. This section of the ancient road is also called “Three Stone Markers” by the people of Misha Well. Legend has it that in ancient times, the steep slope of the five-li slope was often blocked by stones trampled by mule caravans, making it difficult to pass. Passersby developed a habit of picking up three stones each to pile them on both sides of the ancient road. Over time, two stone walls were formed on both sides of the ancient road.

Salt Goddess Mother

Mijin is famous for salt production, and the legend of the “Salt Goddess Mother,” the founder of the Misha salt industry, has been passed down in the village. Every year on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, villagers go to Baihua Tan on the western mountaintop of the village to welcome the “Salt Goddess Mother” and hold rich and colorful folk cultural activities, including bull dancing, dragon dancing, lion dancing, fishing, chopping wood, duets of sanxian love songs, and operas. The cultural traditions of fishing, woodcutting, farming, and reading continue to this day.

Zhao Ying Temple

Along the ancient stone steps, perhaps only the remaining Zhao Ying Temple on the opposite hillside can vaguely explain the past of Misha Well. According to the “Inscription of the Newly Built Zhao Ying Temple,” by Wanli Jiwei (1573), the temple decayed and collapsed… until the second year of Tianqi (1622), when it was completed after forty-nine years of construction.

Sansheng Palace

Misha Well is historically known as a place of “people’s happiness and industry.” It also attracted various foreign religious cultures due to the prosperity of the salt industry. Zhao Ying Temple and Sansheng Palace have always been the center of religious activities in the Misha area. Sansheng Palace is still registered as the activity place of the Taoist Association of Jianchuan County. To this day, Taoist music in Mijin is well preserved and unique. Every July of the lunar calendar, Misha holds a mass festival, including the Yulan Festival, grand vegetarian feasts, water and land processions, to commemorate ancestors and mourn the deceased.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Take a bus from Xiaguan Passenger Transport North Station to Jianchuan, 45 yuan per person, from 7:00 to 18:00, with a bus departing every 30 minutes. Get off at Jianchuan and transfer to a minivan to Mijin Village.

Specialties: Walnut, soybean, Yuhu wine, wild mushrooms, and honey.

Mijin Village does not currently have hotels. Visitors with camping equipment can camp. Local restaurants in Misha provide food. Misha Well is only separated from Shaxi Ancient Town by one mountain, so it is recommended to visit Shaxi after visiting Mijin to taste authentic Bai cuisine (Tea Horse Inn is recommended) and explore the only surviving ancient market temple street on the Tea Horse Ancient Road.

How to Get to Mijing Village of Misha Town

Take a bus from Xiaguan Passenger Transport North Station to Jianchuan, 45 yuan per person, from 7:00 to 18:00, with a bus departing every 30 minutes. Get off at Jianchuan and transfer to a minivan to Mijin Village.

1. Dali City to Mijing Village

• By Bus:
  • Step 1: Go to Dali North Bus Station (大理北客运站) and take a bus to Jianchuan County (剑川县). The journey takes around 2-3 hours.
  • Step 2: Upon arrival in Jianchuan, take a local bus or hire a taxi to Misha Town (弥沙镇), which is about 30-40 minutes away.
  • Step 3: From Misha Town, take a local minibus or taxi to Mijing Village (密境村), approximately a 10-15 minute drive.
• By Car:
  • Distance: Around 150 kilometers.
  • Route: Drive north along the G214 National Highway towards Jianchuan County. After reaching Jianchuan, follow local roads to Misha Town and then to Mijing Village.
  • Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours in total.

2. Shaxi Old Town to Mijing Village

• By Bus:
  • Step 1: From Shaxi Old Town, take a local bus or minibus to Jianchuan County, which is about 1 hour away.
  • Step 2: Once in Jianchuan, transfer to a bus or taxi to Misha Town (弥沙镇).
  • Step 3: From Misha Town, take a local minibus or taxi to Mijing Village (密境村).
• By Car:
  • Distance: Approximately 40 kilometers.
  • Route: Drive northeast from Shaxi along local roads to Misha Town, and then continue to Mijing Village.
  • Travel Time: About 1.5 hours in total.

3. Jianchuan County to Mijing Village

• By Local Bus:
  • Step 1: In Jianchuan County, take a local bus or minibus to Misha Town (弥沙镇). The journey should take around 30-40 minutes.
  • Step 2: From Misha Town, take a minibus or taxi to Mijing Village (密境村), about 10-15 minutes away.
• By Car:
  • Distance: Approximately 20 kilometers.
  • Route: Drive south from Jianchuan to Misha Town, then continue to Mijing Village.
  • Travel Time: Around 40-50 minutes in total.

Summary:

• Dali City to Mijing Village: 3-4 hours (bus/car).
• Shaxi Old Town to Mijing Village: 1.5 hours (bus/car).
• Jianchuan County to Mijing Village: 40-50 minutes (bus/car).

Tips:

• Car Hire: Renting a car or hiring a taxi is a convenient option, especially if you prefer direct travel with flexibility.
• Local Transport: In more rural areas, buses might not run frequently, so it’s helpful to check schedules in advance or arrange transportation through local guesthouses or travel agencies.

Chinese Version:
http://www.jianchuan.gov.cn/content/detail/5a38672488d294e0170010f5.html
http://www.comedali.com/pc/article/id/576

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