The main trade route connecting China with Europe was known as the Silk Road. This extensive network of trade routes facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between East and West. Spanning over 4,000 miles, the Silk Road enabled traders to transport valuable commodities such as silk, spices, and precious metals. Active from around the 2nd century BCE to the 14th century CE, the route significantly impacted the economies of many civilizations. It also contributed to cultural exchanges, introducing innovations like paper and gunpowder to Europe, while spreading major religions like Buddhism and Islam.