The Ancient Silk Road

The ancient Silk Road, originating in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), refers primarily to the overland network of routes that linked China with Central Asia, the Mediterranean, and the wider European world. In a broader sense, it encompasses both the overland Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road. Far more than a commercial system, it served as a vital corridor for cultural interaction, technological innovation, and the exchange of ideas between East and West. Among the many commodities exchanged, Chinese silk became the most representative, giving the Silk Road its enduring name.

The Maritime Silk Road, centered on the South China Sea, took shape during the Qin and Han dynasties (221 BC-AD 220) and reached its height from the 7th to the 14th century. As one of the world’s earliest and most influential sea routes, it originated from ports such as Quanzhou in Fujian province and Guangzhou in Guangdong province, connecting China with regions across Asia and far beyond.

Across both land and sea, the ancient Silk Road facilitated the movement of goods, technologies, beliefs, arts, and ideas. This extensive network became a foundational conduit of human civilization. In recognition of its enduring impact, the Silk Roads: The Routes Network of Chang'an–Tianshan Corridor was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014.