Xinzhi

Between 1900-1901, 1906-1908, and 1913-1916, the British-Hungarian Aurel Stein conducted archaeological explorations in Xinjiang and the Hexi Corridor of China, subsequently publishing detailed reports on these expeditions: "e;Ancient Khotan: Detailed Reports of Archaeological Excavations 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 magna opus, 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 ancient civilization of the region and the mysterious veil of Sino-Western cultural exchange and fusion. The "e;Western Regions Travel Series"e; compiles Stein's archaeological materials from these three expeditions in western China, integrating and revising the aforementioned archaeological reports to make it easier for the public to understand the processes and achievements. The series consists of 15 volumes, and this volume is from "e;Innermost Asia"e;: In December 1914 (note: it should be a typo for a month not exceeding 12, possibly meant November 1914 or another month in 1914), Stein explored the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Gaochang, uncovering the ruins of Tuyugou, Mutougou, and the ancient tombs at Astana. The colorful Silk Road culture, especially the Central Plains-style burial objects, reflects the blood ties between the vast Tian Shan region and the Central Plains civilization since the Han and Tang dynasties.