The Silk Road

Seasons

1980

9.2

Since the first century to 1650, a whole network of trade routes crossed the Eurasian continent, from China to the shores of the Mediterranean, which was the main caravan route between East and West.

Episode List

S1 • E1

Glories of Ancient Chang-An

The journey begins from Chang'an (today known as Xi'an) at the eastern end of the route. It became a hub of foreign trade, travel and residence, and the melting pot of international influences.

A Thousand Kilometers Beyond the Yellow River

S1 • E2

A Thousand Kilometers Beyond the Yellow River

At the foot of the Qilian Mountains, various Chinese dynasties fought wars against the foreign nomadic tribes. They left behind a rich history, including sculptures and rock-carved Buddhas. There's also the mighty Yellow River.

S1 • E3

The Art Gallery in the Desert

The ancient cave sites in the Dunhuang area in Western China are like a treasure house of Buddhist culture and art. Beautiful images, statues and murals in what is almost an art gallery of Silk Road Culture.

S1 • E4

The Dark Castle

An expedition to the ruins of the visionary city of Khara-Khoto, which once lied in the middle of the Gobi Desert in Inner Mongolia. It was the northern outpost of the Han period that was once taken by the legendary Genghis Khan.

S1 • E5

In Search of the Kingdom of Lou-Lan

The expedition of Chinese scholars to an ancient kingdom Loulan and to the "wandering lake" of Lop Nor, now largely dried-up salt lake in China. These are the mysteries along the Silk Road, in the heart of Asia.