# The Silk Road: History and Modern Revival Through China's BRI

![Silk Route](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/s6N0rgVJd2VKEHbxqxl92agtgFs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/silk-route-final-db8ea765599e450f84bf1825936cb248.png)

*— Investopedia / Lara Antal*

## What Was the Silk Route?

The Silk Route, known for linking China to the Mediterranean from the 2nd century B.C. to the 14th century A.D., was pivotal for trade. It facilitated the exchange of silk, fabrics, spices, and grains, leading to cultural and economic exchanges that reshaped the regions it connected. China's modern Belt and Road Initiative aims to revive this pathway, enhancing trade and connectivity with over 60 countries.  

### Key Takeaways

*   The Silk Route, active between the 2nd century B.C. and the 14th century A.D., was a key trade network linking China to Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods and culture.  
    
*   China's Belt and Road Initiative aims to revive the Silk Route through significant infrastructure projects connecting over 60 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa.  
    
*   The original Silk Route played a major role in spreading major religions and fostering cultural exchanges, contributing widely to global history.  
    
*   The closure of the Silk Route by the Ottoman Empire in 1453 led to the exploration of new sea routes for East-West trade.  
    
*   Modern efforts to re-establish the trade corridors include the East Wind freight train, providing a quicker alternative to traditional sea routes between China and Europe.

## Insights Into the Silk Route's Extensive Trade Network

The Silk Route was a network of land and sea paths connecting China and the Far East to Europe and the Middle East. Trading posts along the route helped in storing, transporting, and exchanging goods. 

Travelers used camel or horse caravans, staying at inns set apart by a day's journey, while sea travelers stopped at ports for water and trade. Archaeologists and geographers are the Silk Route’s most modern travelers. 

### Impact of the Silk Route on Western Culture and Technology

The Silk Route introduced products like gunpowder and paper, which greatly impacted Western history and became highly traded items between [China and the West](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/092815/chinas-top-trading-partners.asp).

Paper was especially important, as it was key to the use of the printing press, enabling the mass circulation of newspapers and books.

## Unveiling the Historical Evolution of the Silk Route

Zhang Quian, a Chinese official, established the original Silk Route during the Han Dynasty. During a diplomatic mission, Quian was captured and detained for 13 years on his first expedition before escaping and pursuing other routes from China to Central Asia.

The Silk Route thrived during the [Tang Dynasty](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/092413/how-currency-works.asp), from 618 to 907 A.D. Travelers could choose from various land and sea paths to reach their destinations. The routes changed with territorial boundaries and national leadership.

The Silk Route was a means to exchange goods and share innovations. It contributed to the development of science, technology, literature, and the arts.  

Buddhist and European monks traveled the Silk Route, spreading Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism across borders.

## Revitalizing Trade: China's Belt and Road Initiative

In 2013, President Xi Jinping launched the $900 billion "One Belt, One Road" initiative to boost China's connectivity with over 60 countries in Asia, Europe, and East Africa.

Known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it includes land and sea routes. The Silk Road Economic Belt connects China with Central Asia and Europe, while the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road links China's coast to the Mediterranean, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia.

China sees the project as a key to boosting its [domestic growth](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/12/okuns-law.asp). It opens new trade markets for Chinese goods, offering a cheaper, easier export route.  

> **Important**
>
> Critics, including Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, argue China uses the BRI to make loans that could lead to economic or political concessions if countries default.  

China has passed several milestones related to the OBOR, including the signing of hundreds of deals since 2016.

In January 2017, a new rail service using the East Wind freight train was introduced from Beijing to London along the historic route, passing beneath the English Channel to reach London. The 16- to 18-day journey travels nearly 7,500 miles and allows freight shippers an alternative to slower water routes and expensive air routes.

Other main OBOR routes link China to 14 major European cities.

## Why Did the Original Silk Route Disappear?

The ancient silk route was disrupted in the year 1453 when the Ottoman Empire closed off trade with the West, effectively separating East and West. Later exploration identified other sea routes that could be used more efficiently for East-West trade.

## What Cities Along the Silk Route Can Still Be Visited?

Dozens of cities that were important stops along the Silk Route can still be visited today. A few are Aleppo, Syria; Alexandria, Egypt; Granada, Spain; Hangzhou, China; Tblisi, Georgia; Venice, Italy, and Zanzibar, Tanzania.

## What Was the Online Silk Road?

The [online Silk Road](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/silk-road.asp#:~:text=The%20Silk%20Road%2C%20as%20it,crack%20down%20on%20illegal%20operations.) was a black marketplace for anonymous money laundering and drug transactions, among other illegal activities. It was shut down by the FBI in 2013 and its founder is serving a life sentence.

Illegal activities continue to thrive on the internet on the so-called "dark web."

## The Bottom Line

The Silk Route, an ancient trade network established over 2,000 years ago, significantly influenced global commerce and cultural exchanges, facilitating the spread of goods, ideas, and religions. Its impact culminated in major innovations and cultural diffusion between Asia and Europe. In a modern context, China's Belt and Road Initiative seeks to revive this historical route by enhancing infrastructural and trade connectivity across more than 60 countries, aiming for economic cooperation and growth. With this, China intends to reconnect Asia, Europe, and Africa, while critics voice concerns regarding potential economic dependencies. The initiative represents an ambitious effort to reshape global trade dynamics, echoing the Silk Route's foundational role in history.

> **Article Sources**
>
> 1.  Forbes. "[The New Silk Road: China Launches Beijing-London Freight Train Route](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jwebb/2017/01/03/the-new-silk-road-china-launches-beijing-london-freight-train-route/)."
>     
> 2.  National Geographic. "[The Silk Road](https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/silk-road/)."
>     
> 3.  UNESCO. "[Cities along the Silk Roads](https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/silk-road-themes/cities-silk-roads)."