What should be remembered about history?

Stretching thousands of kilometres, the Tea Horse Road linked the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan in China to the far reaches of Tibet. Stretching thousands of kilometres, the Tea Horse Road linked the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan in China to the far reaches of Tibet.

How does the HOLLIN house select its teas when it comes to history?

We taste every batch before listing it and work exclusively with pure teas. Oxidation, roasting and terroir are what create the notes: sourcing therefore focuses on the artisan's craft, not on added flavourings.

Where can you discover and taste these teas in Île-de-France?

At the HOLLIN du Goût counter, 22 avenue de la République, 78500 Sartrouville, open Monday to Saturday from 10h to 20h. There, you can smell the dry leaves, compare several grand crus and leave with the batch suited to your practice. Orders are also shipped throughout France and internationally.

Caravan of horses laden with tea on a mountain road, presented by HOLLIN in Sartrouville

History: the Tea Horse Road.

Written by Dian VAULTIER·23 August 2026

In Brief

Stretching thousands of kilometres, the Tea Horse Road linked the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan in China to the far reaches of Tibet.
Journey along the Tea Horse Road, this thousand-year-old trade network that shaped Pu-erh tea culture.
The expertise of the HOLLIN sommelier: history decoded by a purist tea house, with no added flavours, based in Sartrouville (Île-de-France) and shipping its grand crus worldwide.

Stretching thousands of kilometres, the Tea Tea Horse Road linked the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan in China to the far reaches of Tibet. Caravans traded fermented Chinese tea for hardy Tibetan horses.

A vital network for the Empire

Stretching thousands of kilometres, the Tea Horse Road linked the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan in China to the far reaches of Tibet. Caravans traded fermented Chinese tea for hardy Tibetan horses.

The birth of Pu-erh

It was during these long journeys that tea began to ferment naturally under the effects of humidity and time. "Pu-erh" tea became the emblem of this route, retaining its medicinal properties for years.

Visit the Hollin du Goût counter

We keep these selections in Sartrouville, at the counter Hollin du Goût. You can come and smell, compare and leave with the batch that suits you, with advice tailored to your practice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should be remembered about history?: Stretching thousands of kilometres, the Tea Horse Road linked the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan in China to the far reaches of Tibet. Stretching thousands of kilometres, the Tea Horse Road linked the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan in China to the far reaches of Tibet.
How does the HOLLIN house select its teas when it comes to history?: We taste every batch before listing it and work exclusively with pure teas. Oxidation, roasting and terroir are what create the notes: sourcing therefore focuses on the artisan's craft, not on added flavourings.
Where can you discover and taste these teas in Île-de-France?: At the HOLLIN du Goût counter, 22 avenue de la République, 78500 Sartrouville, open Monday to Saturday from 10h to 20h. There, you can smell the dry leaves, compare several grand crus and leave with the batch suited to your practice. Orders are also shipped throughout France and internationally.