2002

China - Beijing, Urumiqi, Dunhuan, Turpan, Jiayuguan, Lanzhou, Guangzhou

The Silk Road was an important trade route which brought goods from the Far East to Europe and vice versa.  Most importantly, it led to the exchange of ideas among different cultures.  The importance of control over the gateway and routes along the Silk Road were obvious.  Many Chinese emperors throughout the dynasties placed armies and people to maintain control of this route.  The military might of each dynasty can be measured by the distance of the route controlled.  During the Han Dynasty, the Chinese controlled fortress and towns up to Urumiqi which is located in the western borders of today's China.