The Silk Road
The Silk Road was an important historical trade route between China and the Mediterranean.In the past,travel by land was difficult,dangerous and expensive,so only very valuable goods such as silk were traded over long distances.In fact,silk made in China comprised a large proportion of the trade along that route.Thus,in 1877,this route was given the name"the Silk Road"by the famous German geographer,Ferdinand von Richthofen.
The history of the old Silk Road began with the explorations of Zhang Qian during the Han Dynasty,and continued until the Ming Dynasty-a period of some 1,700 years.The route started at Chang'an,the modern Xi'an.It then passed through the Hexi Corridor, before reaching Dunhuang.From there,the Silk Road split into the northern,central,and southern routes,proceeding through today's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China to reach India,and eventually Italy.
The Silk Road was more than just a trade route.It was a cultural crossroads that connected the great ancient civilisations of China,India,Persia,Greece,Rome and others.Between these civilisations passed new ideas,developments in the arts and new inventions,including the four great Chinese inventions:gunpowder,papermaking,printing and the compass.
Today,the old Silk Road is being brought back to life through China's Belt and Road Initiative.The new Silk Road will bring all kinds of goods to people along the route.These goods will be delivered at higher speeds and lower prices.And,more importantly,this new Silk Road will make cultural exchanges faster and easier,helping more people come together in mutual understanding and friendship.
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