Chamadao - Legacy of Buddhism on the Tea Horse Road


This photography project explores the evolving spiritual and cultural identity of Buddhist communities along the southern Silk Road and the Ancient Tea Horse Road, regions deeply affected by China’s modern policies. 

The Ancient Tea Horse Road linked tea-producing provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan specifically for Pu’er tea with horses from Tibet, serving as vital corridors for trade, rituals, and cultural exchange from the Tang dynasty to the late Qing period.

While traditional pack animal caravans have mostly disappeared, replaced by modern highways and rail lines, the region continues to evolve, now shaped by internal tourism and a renewed interest in the legacy of the Tea Horse Road and Buddhism. Yet, under increasing Chinese government control, many Buddhist communities face cultural repression, restrictions on religious practice, and threats to their heritage. This series reveals how Buddhism and tea culture persist and adapt, reflecting a resilient identity forged through centuries of journey, trade and spirituality.