1. The greatest of the Han emperors Wu Ti (Han Wu the Great, 141 to 87 BCE) sent Zhang Qian as emissary to the West in 138 BCE.
2. It paved the way for the opening of the Silk Road in 130 BCE to encourage trade activities.
3. Because of the Silk Road and the resultant trade connections, China benefitted immensely during the rule of Emperor Zhang.
