Xinzhi

Between 1900-1901, 1906-1908, and 1913-1916, the British-Hungarian explorer Sir Aurel Stein conducted archaeological explorations in Xinjiang and the Hexi region of China. He subsequently published detailed reports on these three expeditions: "e;Ancient Khotan: Detailed Report of Archaeological Explorations in Chinese Turkestan,"e; "e;Serindia: Detailed Report of Explorations in Central Asia and Westernmost China,"e; and "e;Innermost Asia."e; These three works are Stein's representative publications, comprehensively documenting the relics and artifacts from the Han and Tang dynasties in Xinjiang, as well as the treasures of the Dunhuang Grottoes and the Buddhist art of the Thousand Buddha Caves, unveiling the mysteries of the ancient civilizations in this region and the fusion of Chinese and Western civilizations.The "e;Travels in Western Regions Series"e; integrates Stein's archaeological materials from these three expeditions in western China, consolidating and revising the aforementioned archaeological reports to provide the public with a more accessible understanding of the processes and achievements. The series consists of 15 volumes, and this particular volume is derived from "e;Innermost Asia"e;: In May 1914 (note: there is a discrepancy here as "e;15th month"e; does not exist; it should be corrected to May), Stein explored the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Gaochang, uncovering the archaeological sites at Tuyugou, Mutougou, and the ancient tombs at Astana. The colorful Silk Road culture, especially the Central Plains-style burial objects, reflects the deep historical ties between the vast Tian Shan region and the Central Plains civilization since the Han and Tang dynasties.