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How do they govern?

The Song Dynasty condensed their territory and ruled with more of a centralized government.  Government officials were chosen through the Civil Service Exam, which could only be taken by men.

1 Cultural tradition

The Song dynasty was the first region to practice foot binding: women bound and reshapened their feet as a symbol of social status and beauty among the chinese.

1 Innovation/ Achievement

The Song dynasty invented a new strand of drought- resistant rice, which increased their population greatly.

Trade: What do they trade, who do they trade with?

Continued to trade along the silk road exporting tea, silk, paper, and copper coins, and importing goods like leather and salt.

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I have reached my final destination, Antioch!  Not many travelers make it this far, and now I know why.  My body is weak and feeble from hunger, my skin is scorched from the blazing sun, and my my butt is bruised from the contant ridining.  I will be staying here for several days to recover.  Although I have made many trades with the goods I brought from China, I am still left with just as much money as I left with.  I will be recieving a sum from the government at home, the amount depending on how much information I bring back.  Once I've gained my sociatal honor, I will be settling down, never to journey this road again.  The cities are beautiful, but evrerything is different.  I yearn for the the calmness and simplicity of home.  The return trip will be a long one, but easier than the original.  I know the route well.  Where I will journal next, I'm not sure, but this small notepad has kept me good company over these past months.

Wang Lei

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Karaoke "Marakanda", Mukanova Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan

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Finally, I have reached civilization, the thriving city of Marakanda.  It could not be a starker contrast to the bleakness I experienced in the Gobi deser last time I journaled.  Everyone looks like they have a place to go.  Exotic fruits and goods fly by in a blur of colors.  Sitting down at an empty table, I hope to meet a fellow traveler.  I know that some of the most valuble information can come from common looking folk.  The next league of my jouney is the longest, and the last.  Next time I journal, I will have reached the westernmost part of the silk road, Antioch.  A place I have heard tales of since I would a child.  I will recount once I arrive.  Signing off for now

Wang Lei

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The sun scorches the land around me. As far as the eye can see there is nothing but sand and sky. The relentless heat tears at my back and neck, but the caravan trudges on. There is no beaten path, only the bones of fallen caravaners before us. I must stay alert and active in this monotony, however, so I chose to write this entry. When (if) I get back home I will surely recount my tales of valor and bravery across nature's relentless attacks. However, now I do not feel that victorious. I will write again soon.  The sun scorches the land around me.  As far as the eye can see there is nothing but sand and sky.  The relentless heat tears at my back and neck, but the caravnan trudges on.  There is no beaten path, only the bones of fallen caravaners before us.  I must stay alert and active in this monotany, however, so I chose to write this entry.  When (if) I get back home I will surley recount my tales of valor and bravery across natures relentless attacks.  However, now I do not feel that victorious.  I will surley write again soon.

Wang Lei

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Having traveled almost 1,000 miles since my lastjournal entry much has happened.  The journey was rather uneventful, but when we reached Dunhaung, It was like stepping into another world.  Religions merge and mix here.  As I sit around a campire, one of my fellow travelers banters on about ideals: those from Buddhism, Confusionism, and Hinduism.  Although this dosen't intrest me much, it will be good information for the government back home.  There are caves here lined with miniture buddhas, I have heard, and I may visit them tommorow. I do not know much of the religion, although it is spoke of much back home. The next treck of our jounrey is across the Gobi desert, and I hope the heat will not impede my progress.  I have traded my trusty horse for a camel, as I know they will need much less water, a resource of great importance here in the desert.  Riding is difficult, and everything aches, but my spirit is still high.  The campire dwindles low, and it is getting hard to see.  Will recount at my next stop.

Wang Lei

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Hi! I am Wang Lei, a Han Official.  Born and raised in an upperclass family with 5 older brothers, I am always eager to prove myself to my parents.  That's why I've chose to journey on the treterous Silk road.  Only 15 years of age, unmarried, young, and innexperienced, I will always put myself in harms way to prove myself worthy.  My biggest goal is to make a difference in the world, and I believe the first step is collecting valuble information for the Chinese government.

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.  Journal Entry #1
Chang'an, April 5, 200, Dawn
As I look over my map, preparing for the long journey ahead, I feel my stomach churn.  What dangers will I face along the way?  I've heard from other travelers that bandits are common at the entrance to the Gobi desert, and I am worried.  I denied any aid from soldiers who offered to accompany me.  I know that if I am to prove myself to my father I must do this alone and unaided.  However, there is so much going through my head.  Did I pack enough food?  What if I run out along the way?  All it is is deser for miles and miles, and although I will have others with me, what if I stray off the trail?  I could go on and on.  My calm facade is weakining by the minute.  Attempting to measure the approximate distance, I use the scale at the uppermost corner of the map, however I can only get a rough estimate of the journey that lues ahead.  I estimate it will take a couple of weeks to get to my next destination.  Signing off for now.

Wang Lei