Mystery of the Treasure Ship

Author: China Science and Technology Museum
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: In the early 15th century, when people regarded the turbulent and mysterious sea as a perilous journey, a legendary figure emerged from the land of Eastern China. He was the world-renowned great navigator in maritime history—Zheng He. Zheng He's seven voyages to the Western Oceans pioneered the age of global maritime exploration, bridged the friendship between Central Asia and Africa, spread Chinese civilization, and promoted the economic, cultural, and social development of the Asia-Africa region, bringing the Maritime Silk Road to unprecedented prosperity and activity. 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 commissioned to lead the largest fleet in the world at that time. With superior navigation skills and awe-inspiring organizational abilities, he commanded nearly 30,000 well-trained officials and soldiers, navigating hundreds of ships across the vast and perilous ocean. 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 foreign policy of friendly neighborliness 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 the 600th anniversary of Zheng He's voyages and to promote the great national spirit of his expeditions, 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 commemorative events, the Preparatory Committee for the 600th Anniversary of Zheng He's Voyages 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 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 Haiming
Vessel Volume—Splendor of Ships and Boats by Dun He et al.
Remains 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, it provides an in-depth and comprehensive introduction to Zheng He's life and related key figures, the entire process of his seven voyages to the Western Oceans and the significant historical events that occurred, as well as his outstanding contributions in navigation, shipbuilding, and economic and cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries.