The Silk Road is originated in the Western Han Dynasty(second Century BC),which is not only the road for political and economic exchanges between China and foreign countries,but also the road for civilizational encounters and cultural exchanges.There are important religious factors in the connection and preservation of the Silk Road.To a large extent,religious exchanges maintain and extend the vitality of the Silk Road,which typically embodies its soul of religion.This article explores various religious exchanges and their spread in China in the history of the Silk Road including Buddhism,Zoroastrianism,Judaism, Nestorianism, Manichaeism, Islam,Catholicism,etc.,analyzes and evaluates the role and significance of the religious and cultural exchanges in the history of the Silk Road,clearly points out the values of religions for the Silk Road,gives people an insight into the current according to history,and provides beneficial enlightenments and references for the reconstruction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the maritime Silk Road.
