deals with one of the two routes by which Chinese silk was exported more than two thousand years ago. The overland “silk road” is quite well known, but the maritime “silk road” is not so familiar. This article, based on ancient documents and archaeological materials, discusses the formation, development and contributions of the maritime “silk road.” It shows that when extension and development are considered, the maritime “silk road” in fact endured longer and was wider in scope and greater in influence than the overland route. It was a route along which not only were commercial goods transported, but also inventions and works of various cultures disseminated. deals with one of the two routes by which Chinese silk was exported more than two thousand years ago. The overland “silk road” is quite well known, but the maritime “silk road ” is not so familiar. This article, based on ancient documents and archaeological materials, discusses the formation, development and contributions of the maritime “silk road. ” It shows that when extension and development are considered, the maritime “silk road ” in fact endured longer and wider in scope and greater in influence than the overland route. It was a route along which not only were commercial goods transported, but also inventions and works of various cultures disseminated.