Written especially for young readers by acclaimed children's author and explorer Peng Xuluo, this series of adventure stories is inspired by the historical event of Zhang Qian's first mission to the Western Regions. It includes Encountering Emperor Wu of Han, Adventures in Xiongnu Territory, A Chance Encounter in the Poplar Forest, and Return to Chang'an.
Eleven-year-old Hu Ke is a young explorer. While fiddling with the “mysterious clock” his grandfather left him, he miraculously transmigrates to the distant Western Han dynasty. There, he meets Zhang Qian, an envoy of the Western Han, and Gan Fu, a Xiongnu guide. He joins them on their mission to the Western Regions and experiences firsthand the hardships Zhang Qian faced in opening the Silk Road. With astonishing imagination and concise, distinctive prose, the author creates an exciting and inspiring journey through time. Young readers will learn about the hardships of Zhang Qian's journey to open the Silk Road and meet famous historical figures such as Zhang Qian and Chanyu Junchen. They will also discover distinctive landscapes such as the Taklamakan Desert and the poplar forests. As the story unfolds, readers will travel alongside Hu Ke, Zhang Qian, and Gan Fu through ancient Western Regions kingdoms such as the Xiongnu, Cheshi, Dayuan, and Greater Yuezhi, gaining an initial understanding of the Silk Road's geography and developing a keen interest in exploring it.
Through the hardships of their mission to the Western Regions, Hu Ke, Zhang Qian, and Gan Fu forge an unbreakable friendship. Though their journey is fraught with difficulties, they never lose heart or give up. When imprisoned by the Xiongnu, they work actively to negotiate their way out; when caught in a sandstorm, they use their wits to save themselves. Young readers will feel the tremendous power of courage and confidence and gain the wisdom to face life with an open mind and composure. Return to Chang'an is the fourth book in the series. On the journey back to the Han Empire from Greater Yuezhi, Hu Ke gets his “mysterious clock” back after losing it. Hu Ke, Zhang Qian, and Gan Fu endure a grueling journey through Western Regions kingdoms such as Shache, Yutian, and Loulan, only to be captured by the Xiongnu again as they near the Han Empire. Hu Ke witnesses Zhang Qian use his exceptional diplomatic skills to turn danger aside. In 126 BC, after thirteen years of wandering through the Western Regions, the group finally reaches the Han Empire. On a quiet night, Hu Ke's “mysterious clock” shines once more…
This book is great! I especially like Hook in it. He is brave and smart, and has experienced many exciting adventures with Zhang Qian and Gan Fu. I hate the Xiongnu Chanyu, he always bullies Hu and defeats them. This book helped me understand the history of the Silk Road, and also taught me the spirit of not being afraid of difficulties. I can't wait to read the fifth one!