My journey to Lijiang, a picturesque city in Yunnan province, began with admiration for its snowcapped mountains, which I had only seen in photographs and videos. Upon arriving after a four-hour flight from Beijing, the majestic snowy peaks, set against a backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, appeared tantalizingly close, revealing the city's true charm.

The following morning, I met He Zhao, a documentary filmmaker, at Zhongyi Market. This vibrant market was a treasure trove of local ingredients, fresh fruits, and traditional copperware. As we explored, we observed Naxi ethnic women in traditional attire carrying baskets, a convenient local custom for shopping. He Zhao, a Lijiang native, highlighted the abundance of wild vegetables, many with medicinal properties, which are a staple in local households. Even he, familiar with the region, couldn't identify all of them, underscoring the rich biodiversity.

He Zhao has dedicated years to capturing Lijiang's beauty and its people through his photography and filmmaking. I decided to accompany him to meet some of the city's intriguing residents. Our first visit was to the ancient town to meet He Ronggui, the founder of the Caravan Museum. He Ronggui, also of Naxi descent (a common surname among the Naxi people), shared his experiences as a former caravan member. Both he and his father spent their youth transporting tea along the historic Ancient Tea Horse Road in Yunnan.

His museum showcases artifacts from these tea journeys, which were often long and arduous, lasting from six months to several years. He Ronggui humorously described caravan members as the original outdoor adventurers, possessing essential survival skills such as setting up safe camps, identifying edible plants, and navigating dangers like mountain bandits. This visit provided a fascinating glimpse into the challenging yet adventurous lives of those who traversed the Ancient Tea Horse Road.