Zhang Qian
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Zhang Qian (Chinese:張騫; died 113 BC) was a Chinese explorer, in the 2nd century BC, during the time of the Han Dynasty. He was the first official diplomat to bring back reliable information about Central Asia to the Chinese imperial court and played an important pioneering role in the Chinese colonisation and conquest of the region now known as Xinjiang.
Zhang Qian was born in Chenggu county (成固), Hanzhong commandery (漢中) in western China. He entered the capital Luoyang between 140 BC and 134 BC as a Gentleman (郎), serving Emperor Wu. At the time the Xiongnu tribes controlled modern Inner Mongolia and dominated much of modern Xinjiang (called the "Western Regions"). The Han court despatched Zhang Qian to the Western Regions in 138 BC with a delegation of over one hundred members, including a surrendered Xiongnu guide. The objective of Zhang Qian's first mission was to seek a military alliance with the Greater Yuezhi (月氏), in modern Tajikistan. On route he was captured by the Xiongnu and detained for ten years. When Zhang finally made it to Yuezhi lands, he found that they were too settled to want war against the Xiongnu. Zhang Qian returned in 125 BC with detailed news for the Emperor.
His second expedition was more organised, a trade mission to the Wu-sun people in 119 BC. This was a success and led to trade between China and Persia.
