The weathered rocks, eroded foundations and well-preserved silk embroideries excavated at sites in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have revealed the dynamic prosperity of the ancient Silk Road. Booming in China’s Han (202 BCE - 220 CE) and Tang (618-907) dynasties, Xinjiang connected East and West Asia to form a bustling intersection for trade and cultural exchanges. To dive into its historic vibrancy, archaeologists over the past few decades have excavated the ruins of communities, fortresses, Buddhist monasteries and engravings of Greek and Roman warriors that were demolished or obscured by storms and desertification. Thanks to their efforts, memories of the emergence and convergence of civilizations have been revived. There are mysteries around some ancient cities, people and kingdoms that archaeologists are trying to unravel by unearthing more relics. Protection plans have also been made, and the public can learn more about ancient cultures at museums and exhibitions.
Old Version
