The ancient tea road

Description

As historical as the Silk Road, the Ancient Tea Road, stretching over 4,000 km in China, used to be an important commercial passage for trading tea, salt and other commodities. However the once prosperous road has become deserted with the quick pace of modernization since the 1950s. Against the breathtaking scenery of the mysterious Qingzang Plateau, tea merchant Zhao Baochang organized a huge caravan composed of 99 horses and 55 herdsmen, retraced the footsteps of their ancestors and revisited this ancient pathway. During the months of travel from Yunnan to Lhasa, they have to brave the challenge of harsh weather, altitude sickness and experience life and death. As the memorable journey draws to an end at the eve of the opening of the Qingzang Railway, the ancient pathway along with hooves beats and clear bells also fade away.

Runtime

47 minutes

Subjects

Geography

Genre

Database

Alexander Street

Direct Link