Zhang Qian
~164–113 BCE · Chinese (Han Dynasty) · Han Dynasty
Known for: Opened the Silk Road — the diplomat who connected China to the Western world and launched 2,000 years of global trade
Zhang Qian was a Han Dynasty diplomat sent by Emperor Wu to forge an alliance with the Yuezhi people against the Xiongnu. He was captured and held prisoner for 10 years, escaped, continued his mission, and returned with the first detailed Chinese knowledge of Central Asia, Persia, and India.
His journeys opened the Silk Road — the trade network that connected China with Rome and everything in between. He introduced grapes, alfalfa, and knowledge of distant civilizations to China. He's considered the greatest explorer in Chinese history.
Browse all 1,000 figures by category
Enable JavaScript to view the full "if they lived today" Q&A and personality profile.