Attached to the Sea: The Hundred Questions Edition

Author: Organizing Committee for the 600th Anniversary Celebration of Zheng He's Voyages to the West / China Science and Technology Museum
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-07-01
Features: On July 11, 2005, marked the 600th anniversary of Zheng He's Voyages to the West. To commemorate this milestone and promote the great national spirit embodied in Zheng He's voyages, the nation launched a series of commemorative activities under the theme "Love for the Motherland, Friendly Neighbors, and Scientific Navigation" since 2003. In preparation for the 600th anniversary celebration, the Organizing Committee for the 600th Anniversary Celebration of Zheng He's Voyages to the West and the China Science and Technology Museum organized experts to compile the "Popular Science Series on Zheng He's Voyages to the West," which was officially published and released on July 6. The "Popular Science Series on Zheng He's Voyages to the West" consists of four volumes:
- Comprehensive Volume -- Sails and Drums Westward by Shi Ping
- Q&A Volume -- Bound to the Sea by Yu Haoming
- Ship Volume -- Splendor of Boats and Ships by Dun He et al.
- Relics Volume -- Exploring Ancient Sites by Yang Xinhua et al.
In the early 15th century, when the turbulent and mysterious ocean was regarded as a perilous journey, a legendary figure emerged from the Eastern land of China—Zheng He, the world-renowned great navigator in maritime history. Zheng He's seven voyages to the West pioneered the age of global navigation, bridged friendship between Central Asia and Africa, spread Chinese civilization, and promoted economic, cultural, and social development in 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, endowed with extraordinary wisdom, courage, and bravery, and driven by an indomitable, pioneering spirit, was commissioned to lead the world's most magnificent fleet. With superior navigation skills and awe-inspiring organizational talent, he commanded nearly 30,000 well-trained officers and soldiers, steering over a hundred ships through fierce winds and storms, enduring countless hardships, and traveling across the vast and treacherous ocean.
Over 28 years, Zheng He's fleet embarked on 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 nation or the advancement of its culture, and without regard to race or skin color, they actively promoted the Ming Dynasty's policy of friendly neighbors and shared peace, engaged in equal and mutually beneficial trade, spread civilization, and built friendships.
This series is primarily aimed at the general public, with a particular focus on 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 his voyages, the entire process of his seven voyages to the West and the significant historical events that occurred, as well as his outstanding contributions to navigation, shipbuilding, and economic and cultural exchanges between China and the world.