Atlas: Expeditions Through Time

Person

Zhang Qian

Han diplomat and envoy whose mission to the Western Regions brought the Han court new knowledge of Central Asia.

Rolesdiplomat, envoy

Related expeditions

139 BCE–126 BCE

Zhang Qian’s Mission to the Western Regions

Sent by Emperor Wu of Han to seek an alliance with the Yuezhi, Zhang Qian travelled west from Chang’an, survived long captivity by the Xiongnu, reached Central Asia, and returned with new information about lands and exchange networks beyond Han territory.

Sources and further reading

  1. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Hong Kong Museum of History Exhibition on the Silk Road, Hong Kong Museum of History. Museum account of Zhang Qian’s mission, its Central Asian knowledge, and its relationship to later Silk Road connections.
  2. Zhang Qian, Envoy to the Western Regions, Shaanxi Provincial Local Records Office. Chinese government historical account supporting the 139 BCE departure, captivity, return route, and 126 BCE arrival.
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