Historical Sites Exploration: Ruins Chapter

Author: Preparatory Committee for the 600th Anniversary Celebration of Zheng He's Voyages to the Western Oceans / China Science and Technology Museum
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-07-01
Features: This book comprehensively introduces the various relics and historical legends related to Zheng He's Voyages to the Western Oceans that have been discovered so far both at home and abroad. These relics are primarily located in cities along Zheng He's maritime route and in multiple countries and regions beyond China. In China, the relics are distributed in places such as Nanjing, Changzhou, and Xiamen in Jiangsu, as well as Changle and Xiamen in Fujian, which served as the starting, gathering, and anchoring ports for Zheng He's fleet. Outside China, they are found in countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei in Southeast Asia; India and Sri Lanka in South Asia; and Somalia and Kenya in Africa. In the early 15th century, when the vast and mysterious ocean was regarded as a perilous and daunting journey, a legendary figure emerged from the land of Eastern China. He was Zheng He, the world-renowned great navigator in maritime history. Zheng He's seven voyages to the Western Oceans pioneered the age of global maritime exploration, bridged the friendship between China and Central Asia and Africa, spread Chinese civilization, and promoted economic, cultural, and social development in Asia and Africa. The Maritime Silk Road flourished and became more active than ever. With the heroic spirit of "daring to be the first in the world," Zheng He, relying on his extraordinary wisdom, courage and bravery to face difficulties and sacrifices, and his unwavering, pioneering spirit, was appointed to lead the unparalleled massive fleet of his time. Using advanced navigation techniques and astonishing organizational skills, he commanded nearly 30,000 well-trained officers and soldiers, skillfully maneuvering hundreds of ships across the vast and treacherous ocean, enduring countless hardships and long journeys. Over 28 years, Zheng He's fleet made seven voyages to more than 30 countries and regions in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Africa, establishing a maritime transportation network. Wherever they went, regardless of the size of the country or the advancement of its culture, and without regard to race or skin color, they actively promoted the Ming Dynasty's policy of friendly neighborly relations and shared peace, engaged in equal and mutually beneficial trade, spread civilization, and built friendships. July 11, 2005, marked the 600th anniversary of Zheng He's Voyages to the Western Oceans. To commemorate this milestone and promote the great national spirit of Zheng He's voyages, the state launched a series of commemorative activities since 2003, themed "loving the motherland, cherishing friendly relations with neighbors, and pursuing scientific navigation." To coincide with the 600th anniversary celebration, the Preparatory Committee for the 600th Anniversary Celebration of Zheng He's Voyages to the Western Oceans and the China Science and Technology Museum organized experts to compile the "Zheng He's Voyages to the Western Oceans Popular Science Series," which was officially published and released on July 6. The "Zheng He's Voyages to the Western Oceans Popular Science Series" consists of four volumes:
Comprehensive Volume -- Sails and Drums Westward by Shi Ping
Q&A Volume -- Bound to the Sea by Yu Haoming
Vessel Volume -- Splendor of Ships and Boats by Dun He et al.
Relic Volume -- Exploring Ancient Sites by Yang Xinhua et al.
This series is primarily aimed at the general public, especially young readers. Using numerous images and accessible language, the authors provide an in-depth and comprehensive introduction to Zheng He's life and the key figures associated with him, the entire process of his seven voyages to the Western Oceans and the major historical events that occurred, as well as his outstanding contributions to navigation, shipbuilding, and economic and cultural exchanges between China and the world. Each volume of the series has a unique style and focuses on different aspects, featuring rich illustrations and highlighting knowledge, fun, and readability.