What place does Hexi Corridor refer to, and why did all previous dynasties attach great importance to its control and defense?

Hexi Corridor, located in the northwest of Gansu, is the gateway to the Central Plains, so all previous dynasties attached great importance to its control and defense. From an economic point of view, the use value here is not high, and most of the land here is desert, which is not conducive to the development of agriculture. However, it has important military strategic significance. There are many ethnic minorities living here, and Hexi Corridor is the border barrier of feudal dynasty. Ethnic minorities can enter the Central Plains by crossing here. On the contrary, if they hold the Hexi Corridor, the Central Plains will not be threatened. Nomads covet the richness and prosperity of the Central Plains, and often go to the Central Plains to snatch materials. Defending the Hexi Corridor prevented the nomadic people from developing eastward.

The location of Hexi corridor is also conducive to defense. Gobi is everywhere, inaccessible and surrounded by mountains. During the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, this area was occupied by the Han Dynasty, and Zhang Qian made three missions to the Western Regions, which was the main place. A large number of mainland immigrants settled and developed in the Han Dynasty, and there was a brief prosperity here. However, after the death of Emperor Wu, people did not attach importance to the development here. When Wang Mang usurped the Han Dynasty, his control over the frontier declined, and he was gradually controlled by ethnic minorities.

Hexi Corridor also has important cultural significance. Hexi Corridor is an important place for dialogue between Han Dynasty and other countries. Farming civilization and feudalism gradually took root in the western regions. The Han dynasty brought silk and tea to the western countries, and the western countries brought good BMW to the Han dynasty.

Hexi Corridor is an important area where feudal dynasties controlled ethnic minorities. By controlling this place, ethnic minorities can be divided into two parts, exposed to their own sight, and their every move can be known by the rulers of the Central Plains. Hexi Corridor is like a wedge, firmly nailed into the hinterland of the western regions. Controlling Hexi Corridor is an important symbol of a powerful political power.