A panoramic view along the Bian River, Northern Song dynasty

Along the River,
A Serendipitous Meeting

A Tale Within the Riverside Scroll
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Amir, a Persian merchant, on a ship deck laden with goods, sailing toward China
Vials
Spices
Nuts
Aromatics
Glassware
Carpets
Metals & Jewels
Textiles

My name is Amir,
a merchant from Persia.

I sailed across oceans along ancient maritime trade routes.

With me, I carried spices, glassware, and precious jewels

all to trade for one treasure: fine Chinese tea.

HOVER EACH SPARKLE TO SEE WHAT AMIR BROUGHT
Amir arrives at the city of Bianjing, with its canals and gates

This is my first time in Bianjing.

Before leaving Persia, I learned a little Chinese,

as many merchants trading with Song China did.

I had long heard tales of this legendary city—

its lively markets, gentle waterways,

and traders from every corner of the world.

Amir holding a folded trade order in a Bianjing market

In my hand lay a trade order with a single destination:
a teahouse beside the Rainbow Bridge, 
owned by Mr. Zhao.

My plan was plain and straightforward:
finish the trade, and set sail home.

Amir walking toward Rainbow Bridge along the Bian River

It began like any other trade journey.

But as I walked toward Rainbow Bridge,

something shifted.

Without knowing why,

I was no longer just a visitor —

I had stepped into a living world along the Bian River.