To oppose the Xiongnu, Emperor Wu sought alliances with countries in the Western Regions and sent Zhang Qian as an envoy. This diplomatic activity led to the opening of the Silk Road linking East and West.
Zhang Qian's Mission to the Western Regions
In 139 BCE, Emperor Wu sent Zhang Qian to Central Asia to form an alliance with the Greater Yuezhi, which was under pressure from the Xiongnu. Although the alliance negotiations failed, Zhang Qian brought information about the geography, culture, and political conditions of the Western Regions to Han, laying the foundation for later foreign relations.
- 139 BCE：Zhang Qian set out for the Western Regions for the first time（returning 13 years later）
- 119 BCE：established diplomatic relations with countries in the Western Regions during his second mission
- Establishment of the Protectorate of the Western Regions：an administrative institution overseeing the Western Regions was established around 60 BCE
Exports from China：silk・porcelain・lacquerware・paper
Imports from the West：glassware・gold and silver・precious stones・horses（heavenly horses）・grapes・alfalfa
Cultural influences：Buddhism（around the 1st century, introduced from India through Central Asia）・Western music・art
The Silk Road was also called the "Silk Route" and consisted of three routes: the oasis route・the steppe route・the maritime route（the Maritime Silk Road）.
Han and Neighboring Countries
Han established four commanderies, including Lelang Commandery, in the northern Korean Peninsula（108 BCE）, and extended its rule by establishing commanderies in northern Vietnam as well. It also repeatedly fought the Xiongnu in the north while sometimes making peace with them（heqin）. These diplomatic and military activities greatly contributed to the formation of the later East Asian world.
Practice
- Give the name of the envoy Emperor Wu sent to the Western Regions and the purpose of the mission.
- Give two representative trade goods transported from China to the West along the Silk Road.
- What religion was introduced to China through the Silk Road?