| Full Name |
Zhang Qian |
| Date of Birth |
c. 164 BCE |
| Place of Birth |
Hanzhong, Han Dynasty China |
| Date of Death |
c. 114 BCE |
| Place of Death |
Chang'an, Han Dynasty China |
| Citizenship / Country of Residence |
Han Dynasty China |
| Education |
Military and diplomatic training |
| Profession |
Diplomat, explorer, envoy |
| Years of Activity |
c. 138 BCE - 114 BCE |
| Brief Information |
Zhang Qian was a Chinese imperial envoy and explorer. His expeditions to the Western Regions in the Han Dynasty initiated the direct contact between China and Central Asia and were instrumental in the development of the Silk Road. He brought back valuable information about lands and peoples previously unknown to the Chinese court. |