Records of Special Regions and Inquiries -- A Collection of Historical Books on Sino-foreign Transportation

Author: [Ming] Yan Congjian, edited by Yu Silin
Publisher:
Publishing Date:
Features: The entire book centers on the Ming Dynasty, documenting the distances, mountains and rivers, ethnic groups, customs, and products of the coastal and inland countries and regions in the east, south, west, and north, serving as a reference for officials on diplomatic missions. The sources used include imperial decrees issued by the Ming Dynasty over the years, major exchanges between countries, written records of mutual visits by envoys, and archives stored by the Xingren Si. It comprises twenty-four volumes:
Volume 1: Korea
Volumes 2-3: Japan
Volume 4: Ryukyu
Volumes 5-6: Annam
Volume 7: Champa
Volume 8: Cambodia, Siam, Malacca, Java, Srivijaya, Borneo, and Sulu
Volume 9: Sumatra, Ceylon, Sulu, Malacca, Hormuz, France, and the Baiyis of Yunnan
Volume 10: Tibet
Volume 11: Fergana, Bengal, Mecca, and the Hejaz
Volume 12: Hami (see Hami Guard)
Volume 13: Turpan
Volume 14: Chagatai Khanate, Andijan, Kuche, Khunduz, and Khotan
Volume 15: Samarkand, Ili, Khotan, and Herat
Volumes 16-22: Tartary
Volume 23: Uriyangqin
Volume 24: Jurchen
The entire book is also divided into four regional sections: Eastern Barbarians, Southern Savages, Western Rong, and Northern Di. Among these, Volumes 9 (the Baiyis of Yunnan), 10 (Tibet), and 12-24 all record the ethnic conditions of the frontier regions during the Ming Dynasty.