Sail Drum Western: Comprehensive Edition

Author: Compiled by the China Science and Technology Museum
Publisher:
Publishing Date: July 1, 2005
Features: In the early 15th century, when people regarded the turbulent and mysterious ocean as a perilous journey, a legendary figure emerged from the land of Eastern China. He was the world-renowned great navigator in the history of global maritime exploration—Zheng He. The magnificent voyages of Zheng He to the Western Oceans pioneered the era of human maritime exploration, bridged friendship between Central Asia and Africa, spread Chinese civilization, and promoted the economic, cultural, and social development of the Asia-Africa region, bringing unprecedented prosperity and vitality to the Maritime Silk Road.
With the heroic spirit of "daring to be the first in the world," Zheng He, relying on his extraordinary wisdom, courage to face hardships and sacrifice, unwavering perseverance, and pioneering spirit, was commissioned to lead the largest and most advanced fleet in the world at that time. Using his superb navigation skills and astonishing organizational abilities, he commanded nearly 30,000 well-trained officers and soldiers, steering 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 foreign 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." In preparation for the 600th anniversary celebrations, the Preparatory Committee for the Zheng He to the Western Oceans 600th Anniversary Commemorative Activities, in collaboration with the China Science and Technology Museum, organized experts to compile the "Zheng He to the Western Oceans Popular Science Series," which was officially published on July 6.
The "Zheng He to the Western Oceans Popular Science Series" consists of four volumes:
- Comprehensive Volume—Sailing West by Shi Ping
- Q&A Volume—Bound to the Sea by Yu Haoming
- Ship Volume—Maritime Wonders by Dun He et al.
- Heritage Volume—Exploring Ancient Sites by Yang Xinhua et al.
This series is primarily aimed at the general public, with a particular focus on young readers. Using numerous illustrations and accessible language, it provides 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 expeditions to the Western Oceans 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.
From the third year of the Yongle reign to the eighth year of the Xuande reign (1425–1428), China's great navigator Zheng He led the largest and most technologically advanced fleet in the world at that time. With the pioneering spirit of the Chinese nation that dares to overcome difficulties and conquer nature, he carried the mission of peace, friendly relations, and exchange. Sailing across the vast and turbulent Pacific and Indian Oceans, he pioneered the long-distance sea route across the Indian Ocean to the African continent, symbolizing the bold and majestic spirit of the Chinese people stepping out of their homeland and embracing the ocean. His voyages marked the grand opening of the era of global maritime exploration.
Zheng He's voyages represent the trend of their time, signifying the arrival of an era of great vitality!