VII century

The Tang capital at Chang’an holds the East and West Markets with guest quarters and caravan stations built into the city plan, receiving Persian, Arab, Indian and Byzantine merchants

The court begins sending embassies to Tang China — nineteen appointed, fourteen arrive, up to six hundred people each, sleeping in Tang post stations on the way

Caliph Uthman makes Jeddah the port for pilgrims to Mecca; the walled town that becomes Al Balad grows around the landing

Donggung and Wolji are laid out at Gyeongju — the Silla court’s banqueting complex, for feasts and the reception of important guests