Qian Zhang

Qian Zhang (164–114 BC) was born in Chenggu County in Hanzhong (now Shaanxi Province). He was a traveller and explorer during the Han Dynasty. In 139 BC, he was sent on a diplomatic mission to the Western Regions, during which he travelled through the desert, climbed over the Onion Ridge (Pamirs), and visited Central Asian countries, including Dayuan, Kangju, Darouzhi and Daxia (Tochari). He returned via the northern foot of Mount Kunlun in 126 BC. These 13 years were full of hardships. In 119 BC, he was sent to Wusun with his deputies to countries such as Dayuan, Kangju, Daxia (Tochari) and Anxi (Parthian). He returned to Changan in 115 BC and passed away the following year. Qian Zhang led the first Chinese delegation sent to the Western Regions by the imperial court. He opened up the export of products such as silk and brought back political, economic and geographical information about the countries in the Western Regions. He promoted economic and cultural exchanges between the East...