Trade Interaction between Hunan and Southeast Asia during the Han–Tang Period: An Archaeological Perspective

CHEN Bin

Situated between the Central Plains and the Lingnan region, Hunan has historically functioned as a transitional zone linking inland China with the southern coastal areas. Notably, the Xiang River basin served as a significant corridor enabling communication between the interior and maritime regions. Archaeological excavations provide substantial evidence of trade interactions between Hunan and Southeast Asia during the Han and Tang dynasties. Various ornaments and ivory artifacts uncovered from Han dynasty tombs in Changsha, along with carnelian, amber, agate, gold, and glass beads discovered at sites in Hengnan, Chenzhou, and Linwu, suggest the existence of extensive long-distance exchange networks. Concurrently, Chinese artifacts—including Han dynasty bronze mirrors, ceramics, seals, and porcelains from Changsha kiln—have been recovered from archaeological contexts in Thailand, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia. These discoveries serve as direct material evidence of trade relations between China and Southeast Asia during this historical period. Hunan, situated adjacent to Lingnan geographically, was connected to southern regions via major routes such as the Xiang–Gui corridor and the Xiang–Yue corridor. These routes served as significant inland passages, facilitating linkage between Hunan and Southeast Asia during the Han–Tang period. Archaeological discoveries related to these interactions provide essential material evidence for examining the origins, development, and routes of the Maritime Silk Road, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the historical dynamics governing maritime trade networks in East and Southeast Asia.