Han Ethnicity epitomized in city

In 138 BC, when envoy Zhang Qian struck out on his expedition westwards on order of the Emperor Liu Che during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BCAD 24), he didn't realize just how difficult the journey would be. His orders were to seek a diplomatic alliance with Darouzhi, an untapped country as far as the edge of heaven and persuade its leader to help in the fight against Xiongnu, a powerful nomadic tribal group on the border of the Han territory.

Despite being captured twice and held in custody for a total of 11 years in the northern kingdom of Chanyu, a branch of Xiongnu, Zhang did not give up. He escaped with his entourage and headed west again until he reached Darouzhi, and then returned to Chang'an in 126 BC with records of geography, local conditions and customs.

"Zhang Qian was a very responsible and competent envoy. He demonstrated a pioneering spirit, courage of exploration and the determination to serve the country, which are of key significance in the modern era, especially under the Belt and Road Initiative," said Zhang Lijun, decedent of Zhang Qian, who lived in Chenggu county in Hanzhong. The county is home to the Memorial Hall of Zhang Qian and his tomb, which were included on the World Cultural Heritage List in 2014.