In 629 C.E., a Chinese Buddhist named Xuanzang (shoo-wen-zahng) set out on a long journey to India. His goal was to spread Buddhist learning and form closer ties between India and China. He traveled by land, heading west on the Silk Road across Central Asia before turning south to India. All told, he would cover more than 10,000 miles on his remarkable journey.Xuanzang encountered many dangers along the way. He got lost in the Gobi Desert and nearly died of thirst. Snow and freezing conditions in the Tian Shan Mountains killed many members of his party.Bandits attacked and robbed him. But he also met with great kindness and hospitality. His writings about the people and places he visited provide a valuable historical record of the time.
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