IN THIS ISSUE

There was so much to discover about the Silk Road we thought it deserved two editions. Last time we concentrated on the Northern Route; this edition we're looking at the Southern Route, in particular the Tea Horse Road which was the original trade route begun in the Han Dynasty.  Not even the arduous terrain, replete with bandits, stopped trading nations from braving the Silk Road. If it wasn't for these courageous (and perhaps a little naive) adventurers we wouldn't have printing, gunpowder, magnetic compasses, wheelbarrows and umbrellas to name just a few of the inventions the Silk Road helped to spread. We hope you enjoy this second instalment and get as much enjoyment out of the features as we did in creating them.

The Tea Horse Road

The Tea Horse Road stretched from Yunnan and Sichuan through to Tibet and beyond and was the means by which Chinese tea was traded for Tibetan ponies for use by Han Dynasty cavalry. Read about its origins HERE.

Tea Horse Road Wildlife

The Southern routes of the Silk Road are habitat for some rare and unusual fauna. Some are critically endangered; some seem to be holding their own against the encroachment of man. HERE are just a few of the fascinating animals to be found there.

Wu who?

Who was the emperor who conceived the Silk Road and who was the military envoy who spent 16 years travelling to enable it to happen? Read their fascinating stories HERE.

Food and culture.

Euphoria Snaks explores the effects of one upon the other HERE.

Silk Road Ships

Camels have long been known as the ships of the desert but without the hardy Bactrians, trade along the Silk Road would have been sunk. Read about them HERE.

The spread of invention.

Ancient China led the world in many fields of study. And it was the Silk Road that helped spread the knowledge. Be surprised by Chinese inventions  HERE.

What are the 8 famous flowers of Yunnan. Find out HERE.

From pandas to Fes, we chart the Southern Silk Road to bring you the 'must see' places and experiences. Circle your next destinations HERE.

In Your Corner

 Irene Frances Olson muses on endurance HERE.

Silk Road luxury. Discover the top sellers HERE?

How to grow tea. We have all the info HERE.

Do you avoid going out because you can't hear the conversation in noisy restaurants? The Ambient Menu might be your solution. Read how HERE.

Make your own Bactrian camel HERE.

Tastes of the Tea Horse Road HERE.

Thank you to all our Regular Contributors and to everyone who continues to send us content.  We greatly appreciate your support.

Thanks also to all our readers. We keep getting messages of support and comments about our content and contributors. Thank you so much.

​Please continue to spread the word by promoting the magazine to friends and family.   Marsha and Mary 

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