Long before planes and trains made the world connected, the ancient Silk Road was the first major bridge between the East and the West. For over two thousand years, merchants and traveling groups traveled between China and the Mediterranean region. This trade enabled people not only to exchange goods, but also to share cultures, technologies, and ideas.

The Silk Road started from Chang’an (now Xi’an) and stretched for more than 7,000 kilometers to the Mediterranean (地中海). It was pioneered by Zhang Qian, an envoy (使者) of the Han Dynasty, who helped establish ties with Central and Western regions. Chinese silk was highly valued in the West, attracting many merchants to engage in trade. Most traders did not travel the entire route, but rather bought and sold goods such as silk, carpets, and pottery at different trading centers. 

A wide variety of goods were transported along the Silk Road. China exported silk, jade, and tea; India supplied cotton and spices; regions in West Asia and the Mediterranean provided ivory, perfumes, olive oil, and wine. This vibrant exchange involved numerous people. Major cities along the route, including Chang’an, Dunhuang, Kashgar, as well as international cities such as Samarkand and Constantinople, grew prosperous (繁荣的) and culturally vibrant as a result.

Today, the Silk Road is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a famous historical travel route. In China, it passes through the northwestern region, covering about 4,000 kilometers. Visitors can experience diverse landscapes such as deserts, grasslands, rivers, and mountains. They can also explore cultural sites including the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Qinghai Lake, and Heaven Lake in Urumqi. It’s a wonderful journey to learn about history and culture!