Record of Western Tribute and Annotation of the Examination of the East and West Ocean

Author: Huang Shengzeng (Ming Dynasty), Zhang Xie (Ming Dynasty), edited by Xie Fang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2000-04-01
Features: The Records of Western Tributary Missions documents the relationships and tributary trade between the Ming Dynasty and 23 overseas countries, some of which are not found in other books. It can also correct and verify Jingya and Xinguo, making it very useful for researching Sino-foreign relations and maritime history during the Ming Dynasty. The annotated edition uses the earliest Biji Shanfang for annotation and organization. The Examination of the East and West Oceans records the rapid development of foreign trade and maritime communication in southern Fujian after the lifting of maritime restrictions in Zhangzhou, Fujian, during the later middle period of the Ming Dynasty. It reflects the situation of 23 overseas countries related to Zhangzhou, including valuable records of contacts between Western European countries and China, as well as the routes of the East and West Oceans. An index of place names is appended at the end of the book.