Diplomacy & Public Service
Landmark
Zhang Qian
200 β 114 BC
Han envoy whose journeys opened the Silk Road
Landmark is level 2 of 4 in the China Hall of Fame: a first that opened a door, or the pre-eminent figure of their generation in this country. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
The Han dynasty envoy whose journeys into Central Asia in the second century BC opened the contacts that grew into the Silk Road.
Sent west by Emperor Wu to seek allies against the Xiongnu, Zhang Qian was held captive by them for about ten years before escaping and reaching the lands of Central Asia. He returned with detailed reports of peoples and kingdoms previously unknown in China.
His missions led to Han trade and diplomatic links with Central Asia and beyond, and he is honoured as a pioneer of the Silk Road.
His missions led to Han trade and diplomatic links with Central Asia and beyond, and he is honoured as a pioneer of the Silk Road.
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