Silk Road

The Silk Road is a general term that once comprised a series of ancient trade routes connecting China with Asia, Africa and Europe. As an important link between the Eastern and Western worlds, it greatly improves the in-depth exchange of politics, economics and culture between countries along the route. The four great inventions by the Chinese (namely, paper, printing, compass and gunpowder), silkworm raising and silk weaving, tea and china have also become accessible to other parts of world. At the same time, Buddhism, Nestorianism, Islam, music, and astronomy were introduced to China.

The Silk Road can be divided into two major routes: by land and by sea. The main inland routes prospered during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD) and then declined during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The route, which was over 7,000 kilometers (4,943.6 miles) long, is widely considered to start at Chang'an (today's Xian , China, traverse Gansu and Xinjiang, and extend westward to the Mediterranean area. Interestingly, the starting points changed as the political centers of the following dynasties also changed, including Luoyang , Datong, Kaifeng, and Beijing.

The routes by sea arose in the Qin Dynasty (221 BC-206 BC), flourished in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), and fell into decay during the middle Ming Dynasty. The principle route began in Guangzhou , Yantai, Yangzhou, Ningbo, and Quanzhou along with other coastal cities, via the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and finally reaches the Mediterranean.

After several centuries of disregard, the once dormant Silk Road is once again springing to life. Tourists can explore the ancient historical sites, enjoy the gorgeous scenery along the route and appreciate mysterious attractions, such as Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the Yumenguan Pass which was considered an important pass of the trade route. This centuries-old, international trade route awaits your adventurous undertaking.