The ancient silk road was a once in a life time journey. It was one of the most important milestones of trade and culture in world history, and the pioneer, Zhang Qian, could not be easily forgotten by history. He was an outstanding diplomat, traveler and explorer in the Han Dynasty of China, honored as the “the first Chinese to open their eyes to see the world” and “the Columbus of the east”.
In 138 BC, at the reign of Emperor Wudi, Zhang Qian was sent to the west of China for an alliance with the Yue-chi people to fight against the Xiongnu. He started his trip from Chang’an(now Xi’an in Shanxi Province)to Longxi(in Gansu Province). Along the way, no matter how difficult the environment was, his faith was firm. But unfortunately, Zhang was caught by the Xiongnu people just as he left Han, and was held prisoner for ten years.
Zhang finally managed to escape with some of his men and continued to travel west without any dry food or drinking water. Due to the excellent skill of shooting arrows, they survived by eating some birds and other animals along the way. When Zhang at last reached the Yue-chi in Northern India, he was disappointed to find that they didn’t want to fight against the Xiongnu people. On the return journey, Zhang Qian and his men were again caught. It was not until 125 BC that they returned to Chang’an.
Though Zhang hadn’t finished his mission, he brought back first-hand information on the geography, ethnography, and societies of Central Asia. The paths Zhang Qian explored later served as the highways connecting Europe, the Middle East, Mesopotamia, Central Asia, and East Asia. Commodities, crops, animals, religions, ideas, music, technology, and artifacts have been transported by diplomats, merchants and soldiers along this network of highways, which have, since the 19th century been known as the “Silk Road”. Zhang Qian has been remembered as the great explorer that opened up a new era of cultural exchange between East and West with long-lasting treasure well observable today.
8. What is the passage mainly about?
A.Zhang Qian and Yue-chi people. | B.The importance of the Silk Road. |
C.The paths Zhang Qian explored. | D.Zhang Qian and the Silk Road. |
9. The word “
alliance” in Paragraph 2 has the similar meaning to ________.
A.decision | B.exploration | C.agreement | D.excitement |
10. According to the passage, what is true about the Silk Road?
A.Columbus set the footprints on the ancient silk road. |
B.The Silk Road was a highway to Europe in Han Dynasty. |
C.Zhang Qian was a pioneer opening up the Silk Road. |
D.The Silk Road has the greatest value in Chinese history. |
11. Which words best describe Zhang Qian?
A.Brave and strong-willed. | B.Careful and confident |
C.Proud and open-minded. | D.Honest and excellent. |