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The region became significant in later centuries as a cultural conduit between East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Islamic world and Europe, such as during the period of the Mongol Empire.

One of the most significant exports of the Western Regions was Buddhism, which was carried by traders and pilgrim monks to China.

The Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang's journey crossed the region on his way to study in India, resulted in the classic text Great Tang Records of the Western Regions upon his return to the Tang capital Chang ' an.