The Kingdom of Yanqi (Karashar) was an ancient Buddhist kingdom located on the branch of the Silk Route that ran along the northern edge of the Taklamakan Desert in the Tarim Basin. During the Han dynasty it was a relatively large and important kingdom. According to Hanshu; the various states of the Western Regions; including Yanqi; were controlled by the Xiongnu; but later came under the influence of the Han Dynasty after its show of force when it attacked Dayuan (Fergana) late 2nd century BCE.

According to Hou Hanshu; General Ban Chao went on a punitive campaign against Yanqi in 94 CE after they attacked and killed the Protector General Chen Mu and Vice Commandant Guo Xun in 75 CE. The king of Yanqi was decapitated and his head displayed in the capital. Later rebellions were subdued by Ban Chao's son Ban Yong in 127. Pictures From History State Hermitage Museum