Zhang Qian's Missions to the Western Regions

Timeline

1. -138Chang'an · ShaanxiEmperor Wu of Han appointed the court gentleman Zhang Qian to lead over a hundred men from Chang'an via the Hexi Corridor to ally with the Yuezhi in a pincer attack against the Xiongnu—China's first officially recorded diplomatic mission to the Western Regions.
2. -138–-129Xiongnu royal court · Mongolian PlateauZhang Qian's party was captured by the Xiongnu in the Hexi region and held for over ten years, during which he was forced to marry, yet he always retained the Han imperial tally. He later escaped during Xiongnu internal strife and continued his westward mission.
3. -129–-127Yuezhi · Central AsiaZhang Qian traveled via Fergana and Kangju to reach the Yuezhi, now settled in the Amu Darya region, but they had no desire to return east for revenge. He then went to Bactria, where he saw Shu goods arriving via India, and learned of the Western Regions' geography, products, and political landscape.
4. -126–-115Chang'an · ShaanxiZhang Qian returned to Chang'an and reported to Emperor Wu on the thirty-six states of the Western Regions, receiving the title Marquis of Bowang. He later led another mission to Wusun and other states around 119–115 BCE, prompting the Western Regions states to send envoys to Han and officially opening the Silk Road.