Early Dunhuang Ethnic Tribes and Chinese-Western Communication

This book introduces readers to ancient Chinese communications with other ethnic communities that lived west of Dunhuang along the ancient Silk Road. These ethnic groups included the Yuezhi and the Xiongnu (Huns), the Sogdians, the Tubo (Tibetans), the Huihu (Uigurs), and the Khotanese. Offering detailed descriptions of Chinese interactions with these peoples, it offers readers a clearer picture of China’s ancient and medieval history, particularly the spread of Buddhism and other religious faiths, military operations like the Tibetan occupation and those under the Guiyijun (Return-to-Allegiance) regime, socioeconomic activities, and artistic efforts to create the Buddhist Grottoes.