Introduction of the Ancient Silk Road
The Silk Road was a network for political, economic, and cultural exchanges between ancient China and other civilizations through overland and maritime routes. The Silk Road has a long history and contains wealthy historical value and cultural significance.
● During the Western Han Dynasty, Zhang Qian made two missions to the Western Regions and reached Central Asia and West Asia. China and Western Regions have established stable political connection and commercial relation. The Continental Silk Road was thus opened. It started from Chang'an (present-day Xi'an) and Luoyang, and traveled through Gansu and Xinjiang to Central Asia, Western Asia, and Europe.
● During the Three Kingdoms, Eastern and Western Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties, the Continental Silk Road still played an important role in cultural exchanges between China and world. Religion and arts were constantly introduced to China. Until the mid-Tang, the Continental Silk Road was the most important network for exchanges between China and foreign countries. Materials, culture, art, and religions from all over the world converged in the capital city of Chang'an. The openness of the Tang Dynasty was unique in ancient Chinese history.
● In the second half of Tang Dynasty, the political environment in northern China was changed by the An Lushan Rebellion. The trades and population shifted the southeast coast of China. The maritime trade of the Tang Dynasty gradually expanded to more distant countries and regions. The Maritime Silk Road gradually replaced the Continental Silk Road.
● The Song Dynasty emphasized the development of commerce. During the Northern Song Dynasty, the Custom Department, namely Shibosi, was set up in Guangzhou, Quanzhou and other places to manage maritime trade. Silk, porcelain and other goods produced in China were exported overseas. The development of foreign trade has made the Maritime Silk Road more prosperous.
● In the early Ming Dynasty, Zheng He conducted seven voyages, which were the most important maritime activities in ancient Chinese history. Zheng He visited many countries and reinforced the international status and prestige of the Ming Dynasty. His voyages also improved the maritime trade of Ming Dynasty.
● During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the maritime trade covered Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, truly forming a global trade network.
Table of Chinese Historical Periods
丝路动物与人
