Relating the host country’s history is often a feature of opening ceremonies, bridging aspects which are known internationally and those better known locally. Around the world, the Silk Road is famed as a travel route. The segment presented for Beijing 2008 referred to its beginnings, when the route was opened by Zhang Qian, sent to the Western Regions on a diplomatic mission. Silk was a typical export product that travelled along this land route. This costume, inspired by ones worn during the Tang Dynasty (618-906 Common Era), was worn by dancers during the segment.