Even after a dissolution of the Xiongnu leadership in 54 BCE led to the end of the hostilities, the Chinese demand for Central Asian horses would continue unabated for many centuries. A long succession of Chinese emperors developed what can only be described as a obsession with the spirited and powerful steeds they called a variety of poetic names, including "celestial horses.
In return, Han traders exported worked gold objects, polished mirrors, reams of silk, and other manufactured goods. Along with all the material exotica that made its way into Han China came other incidental imports, including religion, for it was during this time that Buddhism diffused into China. Diplomatic missions also traveled the trade routes, with the arrival of Roman envoys sent by emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus recorded in CE.
It seems, however, that the Han court was rather disappointed with the Roman diplomatic offerings of ivory, rhinoceros horn and tortoiseshell, having expected more rare and exotic gifts from such distant lands. Zhang Qian died in B. Important Activities. Educational Exchanges. Related News:. Alfalfa, grape, flax, pomegranate, walnut, cucumber, lion, peacock, elephant, camel and house and some other plants and animals were taken to central China at that time.
Chinese high-ranking monk Fa Xian in the Jin Dynasty — and Xuan Zang in the Tang Dynasty — respectively visited India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and dozens of other countries and districts and did missionary work in these countries along the Silk Road.
From to , Yilu Chucai, a famous poet in the Yuan Dynasty and the Taoist patriarch Qiu Chuji toured the Silk Road and vividly described the local customs and folk culture in Xinjiang and Central Asia.
In his journal notes, he gave a detailed description about the local custom and culture in Pamirs, Kashi, Shache and Hotan. On the Silk Road, many passes, castles, grotto caves, tombs, posthouses and beacon towers were well maintained. So far, there are 14 grottoes and caved found in Xinjiang. Among these grotto caves, there are four large ones including the LarKirtz Aqianfo grottoes. The sculpture and murals in these grottoes integrate Chinese, Indian and Persian culture and feature special artistic styles.
Apart from Buddhist art work, these grottoes also reflect the production and living condition of ancient people. On the ancient Silk Road, one of the fascinating places is the ancient castle in Loulan. It is located northwest of Lop Nor, a strategic pass of the ancient Silk Road.
The castle has a rich history with prosperous trade and busy tourism. Now only the relics of the castle surrounded by desert are left. The most well-preserved relics are the castles in Turpan's Gaochang and Jiaohe. An imperial palace, temples and some other high building can still be found here.
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