Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges during the Sui and Tang dynasties

The Japanese envoys risked their lives to come to China to learn the political system, imperial examination education, and literature and art of China in an all-round way. The Sui Dynasty unified China and put an end to the 300–400 years’ south–north separation. With its powerful national strength, developed culture, and advanced system, the Sui Dynasty formed a centre of attraction and had a great influence upon the neighbouring countries. The building and the cultural relics in the Shosoin have both become national treasures of Japan. The economic exchanges between Tang China and Japan helped Sinicize the Japanese nobles’ lifestyle. The building and the cultural relics in the Shosoin have both become national treasures of Japan. Among the members of Japanese missions dispatched by Japan to China during the 260 years in history, Chao Heng was the most noteworthy one.