The Only Surviving Ancient Market on the Tea-Horse Road
Introduction: A Gateway to Tea-Horse Road History
The interview team of "Tea-Horse Road – A Journey Across Time and Space" recently visited Shideng Street in Shaxi Town, Jianchuan County, known as "the only surviving ancient market on the Tea-Horse Road". Stepping into it is like revisiting the era of prosperous horse caravans and booming trade.
Historical Glory and Recognition
34 km from Jianchuan County, Shideng Street took shape in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, flourishing from the late Qing to the Republic of China. As a key horse caravan station and commodity distribution center, it thrived on Yunnan's horse trade. The decline of caravans after highway construction helped preserve its original style, leading to its inclusion in the World Monuments Fund's (WHF) "World List of Endangered Architectural Heritage" in 2001 for its intact theaters, inns and temples.
Architectural Features of the Ancient Market
Stretching 300m north-south and 100m east-west, Shideng Street’s core lies in its Bai-style commercial buildings (shops in front, horse inns behind). Typical dwellings like the three-sided courtyard with a screen wall and the Zhao family’s courtyard still reflect the prosperity of former wealthy merchants.
Revitalization and Contemporary Value
With Swiss support, the Shaxi Revitalization Project (launched in 2003) restored ancient structures and infrastructure per the "restoring as old" principle, investing nearly 25 million yuan. It has revived Shaxi’s prosperity, attracting more tourists and making tourism a pillar industry, while preserving its Tea-Horse Road cultural legacy.
