PHOTO: JIAYUGUAN FORT, GANSU PROVINCE, CHINA
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The Ming Dynasty (AD 1368-1644) Jiayuguan Fort marks the western terminus of the Great Wall in the Gobi Desert. This photo was taken during the 2001 University of Hawaii at Hilo Summer Culture Study Tour. The 2001 tour saw a small group of students and teachers travel on the Silk Road, China's ancient trade route to the west.
The Silk Road is also known as the road of religion as Buddhism, Christianity and Islam were introduced and recorded in great works of literature, including the personal journal of China's revered monk Xuanzang, who travel to India in the 7th century -- A true story that later became a tall tale known around the world as Journey to the West.