The Long Riders' Guild

From China to Afghanistan

One of the most remarkable journeys took place in 1414 when the Chinese emperor ordered a diplomat named Chen Cheng to ride to the distant city of Herat, Afghanistan. Cheng’s mission was to trade Chinese silk for valuable horses.

Dr. Sally Church translated the diary Cheng kept during his journey, making it the oldest known “Story from the Road.” This map shows the route Cheng used to reach Afghanistan.

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