Revisiting the YunnanXizang Tea-Horse Road: Zhenyuan and Jianchuan as Historical and Contemporary Nodes

Abstract

This paper examines the historical role and contemporary significance of the YunnanXizang Tea-Horse Road through the lens of
its two pivotal nodes: Zhenyuan, a major tea-producing area, and Jianchuan, a key trade and transit hub. Moving beyond a traditional Chinacentric perspective, the study positions this ancient network within broader regional frameworks of South and Southeast Asia, highlighting its
function as a crucial corridor for transregional exchange. It analyzes how the unique geographical endowments and cultural heritage of these
localities facilitated not only the trade of commodities like tea and horses but also profound cultural and political interactions. Furthermore,
the paper argues for a re-evaluation of the Tea-Horse Road in the modern context, contending that its legacy offers valuable insights for contemporary initiatives. It concludes that the scientific preservation and strategic development of this historic routeintegrating tea culture, ancient pathways, and archaeological sitescan significantly contribute to Yunnans current positioning as a radiating center toward South and
Southeast Asia, thereby fostering new pathways for regional development.