Determined to make the journey

In 627 A.D., Hsuan Tsang embarked on his journey to India in defiance of a decree by Emperor Taitsung that prohibited all Chinese from leaving China. He stealthily made his way to Guazhou (now the area of Xi¡¦an and Dunhuang in Gansu Province). Hsuan Tsang then crossed the Hulu River under cover of night. After that, he traveled alone. After passing Wufeng, outside the Yumen Pass, he crossed the Moheyan Desert and arrived at Yiwu (now Hami in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region). When King Wentai of Gaochang (now Turpan in Xinjiang) learned of Hsuan Tsang's arrival in his kingdom, he sent envoys to greet him. Originally the king meant to detain Hsuan Tsang and force him to stay in Gaochang, but Hsuan Tsang adamantly refused. The king had to let him go, but he kindly ordered envoys to escort him on his journey.