Silk had been traded and transported from China’s then capital Xi’an to the Mediterranean countries.
A caravan route between Xi’an in the east and Tianshan in the west was used for several hundred years to transport goods before trade routes were expanded and trade with Mediterranean countries began.

At the request of a Chinese diplomat, an international trade route called the Silk Road was opened. It started in the capital of China and passed through several countries such as Nepal, India, Kazakhstan and Persia before reaching the buyers of the goods. Over time, trade increased and more goods such as tea and spices were traded along the trade route. As a result, traders needed places to sleep and eat, so private individuals offered them accommodation in exchange for goods.

Traders carried extra goods specifically to pay for their accommodation and food. Before the road became well known, travelers had to bring their own food and a tent to stay overnight. But the more people used the road, the more those living along it realized that they could make money and benefit from providing shelter and food. The trade route was extended several times over the years, with the longest documented stretch running from what is now South Korea (then Korea) to Lisbon, Portugal, transporting goods overland.

As it was common to sell goods along the way, or even their entire transport, it was normal not to ask for much when arriving at a place to spend the night. Instead, they took what was offered and paid by giving away goods as a friendly gesture to show their appreciation for the opportunity to sleep and eat. Although there were several options for traveling traders to choose from, no one asked for more than what the host offered.

Offering those on the move has been around long before the construction of the Silk Road.

Payment could vary depending on whether the guests were merchants or post-couriers and their wealth. It could be in the form of goods or by performing simple chores in the home.
Over time, competition became more intense as there were many places for travelers to choose from, and in order to attract more guests, their requests were accommodated.