(Chapter 2) From ancient Silk Road to Prosperity of Suvarnabhumi in China


(Chapter 2) From ancient Silk Road to Prosperity of Suvarnabhumi in China

Connection of ancient silk road in China (Xi’an to Dunhuang) Dunhuang

Mogao Cave, Dunhuang, illustrates the largest and well-maintained Buddhism art in the world, with 735 Buddha carved stone caves, the ancient site that demonstrates sculptures since 366 B.C. for thousands of years.

Mogao Cave is currently designated World Heritage in the 11th Ordinary Sessions of the World Heritage Committee in 1987.

En route from Chang’an, or Xi’an passes major cities, which are Tianshui, Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang, the last frontier of China in the past. There are important stations and routes such as Rainbow Mountain, Zhangye Danxia, the mountainous area ranging from east to west, the route for Chinese ambassadors to Xinjiang and Europe, and main ancient troops.

The area features Park of Jiuquan, previously rest station for army during war and caravan of merchants for intercity trade, currently renovated as a park by Chinese government. Lotus pond, key water source of the area in the past is also maintained. Ancient place for commerce, Sha Zhou Market is the crowded market until present, key products include scarf, silk, handicraft, souvenir, spice, carpet.

(To be continue)