The Bolan Ancient Road

　　Among the three Silk Roads in China — the northwestern overland Silk Road, the southern maritime Silk Road, and the southwestern overland Silk Road — the southwestern overland route was the earliest to develop, opening as early as the 4th century BC. During the Han Dynasty, this route was called the "Shu-Shendu Road," where Shu refers to Sichuan and Shendu is the ancient name for India. It denoted the trade route that started from Sichuan, passed through Yunnan and Myanmar, and extended all the way to India.

　　Despite the challenging terrain, ancient merchants braved countless dangers to establish this vital trade route. They transported silk, cloth, porcelain, ironware, lacquerware, tea, and more to India and Myanmar using horses, camels, and even manpower. In return, they brought back gems, pearls, cowrie shells, glassware, and other goods for trade. Indian Buddhism spread along the road, and during the Eastern Han Dynasty, the musical bands and acrobatics of the Shan people (from Myanmar) were introduced to the imperial court in Luoyang, all made possible through cultural exchanges with South Asian countries via the Yongchang Route on the southwestern Silk Road.

　　The southwestern Silk Road began in Sichuan, branching into the southeastern Wuchi Road and the southwestern Lingguan Road, which eventually converged in Dali. From Dali, heading westward and passing through Yangbi County, one enters the Bolan Mountain area. "Bolan" is the name of a county that has been in use since the 1st century AD, with its administrative center located in what is today Yongping County. This mountainous road was ordered to be constructed around 105 BC by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (then referred to as the Bolan Mountain Road). The ancient path crosses the Lancang River to the west and enters the Baoshan region. Baoshan was the seat of the ancient Yongchang Commandery and Yongchang Prefecture, and it served as a major passage of the Silk Road in this area, hence the name "Yongchang Road" came to refer to this section of the ancient road.

　　Standing by the Lancang River, one can see the sheer cliffs of Bolan Mountain facing those of Luomian Mountain, with the ancient Lanjin Ferry nearby. This ferry was an essential stop along the Yongchang Road. Near the ferry, there are two bridge piers, supporting what is believed to be the oldest iron-chain bridge discovered in China — the Jihong Bridge. Legend has it that in those days, before the gate of the bridge pavilion opened each morning, the line of merchants, travelers, horses, and pack animals waiting to cross would stretch five to six li long. Today, deep horse hoof prints can still be found along the ancient post road, a testament to the frequent traffic in those times.

The Bolan Ancient Road