Tang-Tibet Road: Rekindling Sino-Tibetan Friendship, Experiencing the Echoes of the Ancient Trail

Author: Bai Yu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-06-01
Features: The prosperous Shaanxi Guanzhong Plain once bore the capitals and imperial palaces of 14 ancient Chinese dynasties, including the Zhou, Western Han, Xin, Eastern Han, Eastern Jin, Han Zhao, Former Qin, Later Qin, Western Yan, Northern Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, and Tang, spanning over 1,100 years. What often fascinates people is the dazzling Tang Dynasty, the capital of which, Chang'an, was the most brilliant period in Chinese history. Unfortunately, history, like flowing water, cannot return, leaving later generations unable to witness the grandeur of the imperial city in its prime. Today, to trace the footsteps of the ancient Tang-Tibetan Road, we have come to Xi'an, once the former imperial capital. During our visit to Xi'an, what strikes me the deepest is the lingering ancient atmosphere, especially the profound legacy of the Tang Dynasty. Tang architecture, ruins, mausoleums, artifacts, and music and dance are everywhere, both above and below ground. Over 1,300 years ago, Princess Wencheng, who was married to the Tubo, and Princess Jincheng who followed later, all set off from here. After crossing the Xianyang Bridge, they traveled along the northern bank of the Wei River, passing through Mawei and Wugong stations, then through the vast Zhou Plain and the ancient capital of Fengxiang during the Spring and Autumn Period. After entering the border between Shaanxi and Gansu, they crossed the Dazhen Pass and sorrowfully left the fertile 800-li imperial state of Guanzhong, never to return. Though centuries have passed and the ancient figures are no longer visible, the spirit of the ancient road west of Chang'an still sweeps across the land of Guanzhong today.
Currently, whether Chinese or foreign, those who have some knowledge of Chinese history and are passionate about traveling are well aware that between the Han Dynasty and Central, West Asia, and South Europe, an internationally renowned trade route called the "Silk Road" was opened between Xi'an and these regions. In fact, during the Tang Dynasty, another route was from the Tang capital, Chang'an, to the "Roof of the World"—the "Tang-Tibetan Road." However, fewer people are familiar with this road. Princess Wencheng was likely the first from the Central Plains to explore the Tang-Tibetan Road. From then on, along roughly the same route, stations were densely packed, and relay horses rushed back and forth. Envoys, merchants, and monks came and went continuously. This road not only became a "hotline" for Han-Tibetan communication but also connected with the Nepal Road, further linking China with India, Nepal, and other South Asian countries.