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This ancient trade route starts in the old capitals of Luoyang and Xi'an, reaches the Yellow River at Lanzhou, follows along the Hexi Corridor and stretches along the edge of deserts and mountains. Before the discovery of the sea route to India, the Silk Road was the most important connection between the Orient and the West, via which China's ancient four inventions, pottery, iron wares were exported to the West, and astronomy, mathematics, religions and gems were introduced into China. Gansu was officially established during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).

Culture of Gansu
Rich cultural relics are the most important tourist resources in Gansu province. The famous Silk Road is the link in ancient time between China and western countries. Oases, ancient towns, passes, part of the Great Wall, temples and grottos attract thousands of visitors home and abroad every year. Places of historic and cultural interest include the Dunhang Grottos and the Jiayu Pass (an important outpost in ancient China and at the western end of the Great Wall), etc.