A batch of ancient leather shoes has lately been unearthed from the Xuanquanzhi Ruins in Dunhuang, Gansu Province. Dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D.220) it proved that the Chinese people had already invented durable leather shoes as early as 2000 years ago, archaeologist said.

This is learned from the archaeology institute of Gansu Province.

The Xuanquanzhi Ruins, a communication hub between the Dunhuang City and An'xi County, is a site of post offices of three dynasties, Han, Jin (A.D. 265-420) and Qing (1644 - 1911). Many precious relics have been found here, including books, letters, animal and plant remains as well as daily necessities.

These ancient shoes look slightly different from today's shoes, says He Shuangquan, an archaeologist from Gansu, who is heading a research group to study these unearthed articles. They are all of the same style, all elliptically shaped without any buckle or lace and no difference for the right or left. But they are entirely made from pigskin or sheepskin, including the sole. As a result they are more durable and warm-keeping than straw or linen shoes of that time.

Judging from the sizes, one can see that men, women and children all wore this kind of shoes and so leather shoes were nothing rare in Dunhuang area at that time.

(People's Daily May 29, 2002)