CCTV documentary highlights legendary tale of princess

More centrally, the role Liu played in maintaining peace along the Silk Road during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) cannot be underestimated and director Dong has been keen to emphasize the significant role princess Liu had played for economic and cultural integration along the Silk Road.

"Liu was the first Han princess ever recorded in historical materials to undergo heqin, or marriage alliance. This helped preserve friendships between the two kingdoms on the Silk Road."

"[Liu's] heqin stopped the outbreak of war and this is the theme we wanted to relate in the Yangzhou episode of the documentary – peace in place of war and cooperation in place of conflict."

A wax statue of princess Liu Xijun at the memorial hall in Ili, northwest Xinjiang. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In effect, the marriage was the key to preserving the Han and Wusun alliance, which allowed the regions to focus their energy on combatting the common enemy; the Xiongnu, a confederation of nomads with a stronghold over the steppes of Central Asia.

Yet the princess' impact exceeded merely maintaining regional peace. As many historians argue, her cultural impact was also great and the Yangzhou native introduced an array of traditional Chinese cultures to the Western region. These include the pipa, a four-stringed Chinese musical instrument, methods for breeding silkworms, and advanced embroidery techniques.

Unfortunately, Liu's time in Wusun was short-lived as the princess died only five years into her marriage. As she vividly portrayed in Beichouge, Liu's life was sacrificed for state interests. In her poem the migratory swan proved an evocative symbol of a freedom she could only dream of.

Famous Chinese writer Meng Yao is interviewed about her take on princess Liu Xijun's story. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The eight-episode documentary Silk Road Dream reflects an array of historical, political, economic, cultural and military achievements along the ancient Silk Road. The series will be broadcast on CCTV 1 and 2 before the end of the year.