Zhang Qian (張騫) was a Chinese traveller and a diplomat, born in modern Hanzhong, Shaanxi. As an imperial envoy, he was the first man to bring back reliable information about Central Asia back to the Chinese imperial Court and also one of the first to travel the Silk Road. Depending on this information, Zhang Qian must certainly be experienced and familiar with Central Asia, Silk Road, and, of course, trading and journeying. In fact, he was the one who led to the development of the Silk. (Right) Inperial Envoy Zhang Qian, sent by Emperor Wu Di of the Han Dynasty to seek alliance from the Yuezhis (enemies of the Xiongnus in the 2nd Century B.C. when they killed the Yuezhi's beloved king ruthlessly), thus began his journey in 139BC to modern day Tajikistan. 
A mural of Mogao Caves, showing Zhang Qian opening the Silk
Unfortunately, on the way to the Western regions, he was captured by the Xiongnus as hostage. Confined by the Xiongnus for about ten years, Zhang Qian finally found a chance to flee by marrying a Xiongnu woman. Nevertheless, though he just got back his freedom, his loyalty to the Hans was venerable; evident when he continued to pursue the Yuezhis. At long last, he found them in Transoxonia. However, the Yuezhis refused to form an alliance against the Xiongnus as they were contented with their fates now, and deemed it too dangerous to make an alliance against the Xiongnu. Hence, disappointed, Zhang Qian headed home.
Map of Han Empire, showing the dwellings of the Xiongnus and Yuezhis; also depicts Zhang Qian's two journeys through the Silk.
On the return journey, Zhang Qian and his commission were captured by yet another tribe, and it was not until 125 B.C. that they returned to China. Yes, he failed to achieve a military alliance with the Yuezhis. Yet his amazing discoveries while he was there made him one of the greatest explorers alive! (being accustomed with the geography, people, customs and cultures of the 36 kingdoms in the Western Regions). That is one of the reasons our group has chose him as our researched traveller.
Zhang Qian knew the Xiongnus' military tactics - and found out about a kind of horse (the Ferghana), hence Emperor Han Wudi was able to bring China to fight on horseback. Also, during his travels, he took note of the kingdoms he went to - and was surprised to discover Chinese silk and bamboo in countries so far away from China. In the end, the truth was out - some Chinese traded the goods to India and they, in turn, traded with the people here. Emperor Han Wudi, learning that people were eager to buy their goods, encouraged trade links along what became the Silk Road.
Even now, his name is known throughout the world - 'Lord Who Carries out His Missions'.
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