ABSTRACT
In the history of China’s foreign communication links, there existed three main passageways, namely, North Silk Road and South Silk Road on land and Silk Road on sea as well. Among the common studies of the Silk Roads, North Silk Road always commanded a prominent position. According to the historical records from China and other countries, the ancient Silk Road starting from China already existed before the Han Dynasty. Even in the strong and prosperous period of Han Dynasty, the imperial court merely had limited and weak domination in Ba Shu and other areas to the south of it. Having learned that in the south there was a trade road to India, Emperor Wu of Han dispatched envoys to India through the south-west ethnic minority region of China. The chapter analyses potential advantages of South Silk Road in order that it can play a greater role in bridging different countries and cultures as well as promoting regional common prosperity.
