A grand Ancient Tea Horse Road left with countless traces of horseshoes and porters over the times, witnesses the glory old time.

Benzilan is a solitary paradise located at the foot of the Jinsha River, which flows along the foot of Baima Snow Mountain. It is the only gate the Ancient Tea Horse Road goes through. Benzilan is a strategic hub town and is increasingly attracting more people choosing to stop and stay.

Benzilan

"Fertility in Khampa," exploration of natural and human resources

 “Benzilan” means “beautiful sandy dam” in Tibetan language, as a commercial and strategic town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It features a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year, in addition to rich natural and human resources.

The charming valley may be regarded as the best base both for exploring magnificent glaciers and taking the rare trail adventure, satisfying the curiosity of travelers about the area’s natural features.

In ancient times, there were also fearless caravan warriors fleeted here, and the original ecological scenery preserved by Benzilan opens a window to the mysterious Tibetan culture for guests.

Trekking exploration with hikers

Steep road beaten by caravan warriors through hardship

As a destination where caravan warriors once settled, Benzilan is a fairyland for adventurers. You can seek local guides to visit Ancient Tea Horse Road horseshoe prints, with the depth of 70 centimetres, various Buddha statues and religious stories as clear as past.

You may wade through the hills and waters with mountaineers alongt the way, explore covert mountain roads, look for delicious local mushrooms, and find the steep path beaten by the caravan warriors through hardship.

For those who are strong, this unique walking experience will be memorable. Local guides can also tailor easier routes for more junior hikers.

Visit the best black pottery craftsman in Nixi Village

Hands-on shaping of caravan's favourite hand-made treasure

There is a story that is not widely popular. It is said that the ancient caravan collected Nixi Black Pottery, a precious handicraft, while passing by Benzilan.

If you want to know more about the story of Black Pottery, why not visit Lozang, the best black pottery craftsman in Nixi Village.  Lozang’s inherited his skills come from his father. Small workshops are filled with finished and semi-finished products of black pottery.

The “Eight Tibetan Auspicious” are the most popular art crafts among visitors, which are combined with the black pottery and represent the essence of the auspicious and complete art in Tibetan culture.

You are allowed to experience the feeling of touching the clay with your hands and learn how to shape them into beautiful and wonderful Tibetan art under the guidance of Lozang.

Seeking the pure and holy realm of peaceful soul

Praise Kawakarpo with the Lama

Dongzhulin Lama Lamasery, a few kilometres away from Benzilan, is a sanctuary to seek peace. Unlike famous Songzanlin Lamasery in the suburbs of Shangri-La, always receiving groups of tourists, the lamas are glad to spare the time to explain Tibetan Buddhism to those who are truly interested.

The lamas in the lamasery pray every day. If you would like to go beyond the stories you will hear, you are also allowed to chant Kawakarpo at the main peak of Meili Snow Mountain Range - Kawagebo - under the guidance of the lamas or participate in a well-known Dge-lugs-pa debate.

The debate ceremony is solemn and of high tension. The lamas are usually divided into groups of two. One sits on the ground, while the other stands and expresses his point of view by jumping, dancing and holding a boxing palm. It’s a unique experience.

Drink homemade barley wine

Sing for a quiet country life

In Benzilan, is a must-do part of your trip is to taste local delicacies and experience having dinner with Tibetans.

You are recommended to ride a bicycle in the early morning and view the rugged fields from the endless fields of the ancient town to the mountains. As the sky fades away, you can join a Tibetan-style party. You won't leave an empty stomach thanks to delicious yak meat and rich local products.

A round of homemade barley wine will come amid the singing and dancing games. The quiet country life suddenly becomes full of vitality and a great long-lasting taste.

Enjoy splendid view of riverbank

Benzilan Lishi Hotel is located at the historic centre of the tea horse road and adjacent to the Jinsha River. Here, you can not only admire the magnificent view of Baima Snow Mountain but also enjoy the tranquility and quietness of Tibetan villages on both sides of the Jinsha River.