The historic trade route that connected China to Europe is known as the Silk Road. Established during the Han Dynasty around the 2nd century BCE, this network of trade routes facilitated not only the exchange of silk but also a myriad of goods, culture, and ideas between East and West. The Silk Road encompassed various paths that traversed deserts, mountains, and cities, linking China with the Mediterranean and beyond. It played a crucial role in the development of civilizations and the spread of religions such as Buddhism and Islam, significantly contributing to cultural interactions and the global economy throughout history.