The First Town of the Ancient Tea Horse Road | Lushi Ancient Town

Lushi Ancient Town, located in the northeast of Fengqing County, Lincang City, is situated between the Lancang River and the Heihui River. This ancient town, originally named Alusi, evolved from the language of the indigenous people and contains a rich historical and cultural heritage. It was once a crucial town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road between Yunnan and Burma, known as the 'First Town of the Ancient Tea Horse Road.' Historically, Lushi Ancient Town was an important post station leading to Kunming, Lijiang, and Tibet, as well as an important passage to India and Burma. Lushi Ancient Town is 82 kilometers away from Fengqing County, mainly accessible by oil roads with some secondary roads. The roads are narrow, steep, and winding, so driving must be done with caution. It took me 130 minutes to drive from Fengqing County to Lushi Ancient Town. Due to inconvenient transportation, there are very few tourists, allowing one to fully immerse in the profound historical atmosphere of the ancient town. One can feel the neighing of horses and the sound of horseshoes clattering on the stone slabs, as well as the hustle and bustle of the crowd and the cries of vendors from many years ago, becoming deeply enchanted by it. Lushi Ancient Town is a place I must visit again if I have the chance.