Xi’an: In second century BC, a Han Dynasty diplomat, Zhang Qian, ventured forth from Xi’an in China. Zhang Qian brought with him Chinese silk, porcelain and other precious treasures to the West. He also gook back to the East the cultural riches, such as grapes, pomegranates and walnuts. He opened …. linking China to the Western countries, the route became the famous – Silk Road.
Dunhuang: With the rise of the Sillk Road and its resultant commerce in trade and ideas, Dunhuang’s role and character altered. Though its importance as a garrison remained, it now doubled as a trading post and cultural centre.
Baghdad: In the eighth century, Baghdad was on the trade route reaching to China. Wander through a bazaar in legendary Baghdad – home of the Arabian Nights — one of the three greatest cities along the ancient Silk Road!
Italy: Italy was the last stop at the western end of The Silk Road where goods were taken to by ships from the great ports of Asia Minor and Palestine.
As a refreshment … here are last year’s 14 Days of Lantern posts: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14 | Extra Day
