As early as 260 CE, many Chinese monks took the route to India where they can trace back the source of their beliefs. Also, they visited historical sites associated with the Buddha and brought back manuscripts and relics back to their homes. One of the pilgrims is Fa-hsien. He traveled westward from his homeland, Ch'ang-an, to Zara Shahr. Then, southward to the Swat Vally and to the final destination, India. His incredible journey inspired Hs�an-tsang, a young Chinese Buddhist, to become another Chinese pilgrim