Zheng He, an important figure in Chinese history, led tens of thousands of sailors across the Indian Ocean for 28 years, sailing 300,000 kilometers and seven voyages to the West, and his feat is still breathtaking.
However, there is one question that has always puzzled people - how did Zheng He accomplish this unprecedented feat of voyage in ancient times, when there were no modern navigation equipment? Could it be that the level of science and technology during the Ming Dynasty had reached the level where it could make "engines"?
Zheng He, whose real name is Ma Sanbao, was born in a famous family in Yunnan. In the fifteenth year of Hongwu (1382), the Ming Dynasty army marched south, and his father was killed in battle, resulting in the loss of family property and the family in trouble. The young Ma Sanbao was also captured and brought back to the palace to become a eunuch.
At court, the handsome young man soon gained the favor of the emperor and was placed to serve beside the then King of Yan (later Zhu Di). Ma Sanbao was intelligent, capable and quick-witted, won Zhu Di's trust and appreciation, and was named the eunuch of the inner palace and given the name "Zheng He".
Since then, Zheng He has been following Zhu Di to participate in the southern and northern wars and established a deep friendship. In the Battle of Jingyan, he made great achievements and helped Zhu Di ascend the throne and become the ancestor of the Ming Dynasty.
After Chengzu ascended the throne, he decided to show his national prestige and promote ocean voyages, and Zheng He became the main leader of this feat, which opened the prelude to the "Age of Discovery" in Chinese history.
For long voyages, it was necessary to build large and sturdy ships first. Under Zheng He's leadership, large-scale shipbuilding work began throughout the country. The largest vessel was 147 meters long and 51 meters wide, making it one of the largest ships in the world at the time. Zheng He, as the leader of the fleet, his flagship was even more luxurious and magnificent, and the three big characters "Rulai Treasure Palace" were prominently written on the hull.
After solving the problem of the ship, Zheng He began to concentrate on the study of seafaring technology. He used astronomical observations to chart his route and relied on monsoon changes to choose the time of departure. He also selected and trained a large number of excellent sailors, accumulating a wealth of experience in the sea. Finally, everything is ready. In the winter of the third year of Yongle (1405), Zheng He led a fleet of more than 20,000 people for the first time and embarked on a majestic voyage.
The first voyage lasted more than two years, and Zheng He's fleet sailed westward across the Indian Ocean to reach Gulan East (the northern tip of present-day Sumatra, Indonesia). There, the flotilla encountered strong winds and waves and suffered huge losses. But Zheng He did not give up, and immediately organized ship repairs, replenished water and food, and successfully completed the return voyage.
This voyage broadened the horizons of the Chinese people and enabled them to make a qualitative leap in their understanding of the outside world. Cheng Zu was greatly excited, and immediately began to prepare for an even grander second voyage.
In the first month of the fifth year of Yongle (1407), Zheng He set sail again. The voyage continued westward, eventually reaching Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka). There, Zheng He skillfully used diplomacy to force the local king to recognize China's suzerainty, demonstrating the strength of the Chinese fleet and suppressing other powers.
On his third and fourth voyages, Zheng He visited island nations in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. Through diplomatic means, these regions recognized the legitimacy of the Ming Dynasty and became "vassal states" of China. As a result, Chinese culture has spread to a wider region.
In the seventh year of Yongle (1409), Zheng He set off on his fifth voyage. The voyage was more distant than one might have imagined – his fleet reached the Gulf of Aden and the east coast of Africa. This is the first time that the Chinese have reached the Atlantic! Local residents were amazed by Zheng He's fleet. Zheng He also erected a stone monument on the east coast of Africa to mark the visit of the Chinese fleet.
A few years later, Zheng He set off again. The sixth voyage crossed the islands of Nanhai and finally reached Siam. However, on the way back, Zheng He suddenly fell seriously ill and had to suspend diplomatic activities in Cambodia and return urgently. Luckily, with the help of the ship's doctor, he finally did.
In the nineteenth year of Yongle (1421), Zheng He completed his last trip to the West. The main purpose of this trip is to consolidate previous achievements and visit countries with which diplomatic relations have been established. In the twenty-second year of Yongle, Zheng He returned to Beijing and reported to Chengzu about the voyage, officially ending his historical mission.
Today, we are still amazed by Zheng He's feat of seven voyages to the West. But one question still haunts people: how did Zheng He complete this unprecedented voyage in ancient times without modern technology?
For tens of thousands of miles of ocean voyages, the issue of the structure and power of the ship is of paramount importance. In ancient times, when there were no modern engines, it is difficult for us to imagine how large ships could have overcome rough seas.
In fact, Zheng He's seven voyages to the West relied entirely on "wind power". According to historical records, the large ships of that era were equipped with huge sails that resembled white wings spread. The crew is also required to use oars to assist in propulsion on deck.
Zheng He and his shipwrights improved and optimized these ocean-going ships. Techniques such as a solid wood keel and hollow construction are used to withstand the waves and ensure the stability of the boat. At the same time, reduce the weight of the boat and increase the height of the boom to capture more wind power.
In order to determine the route, Zheng He made extensive use of the "astronomical navigation method". They observe the stars at night to determine their direction, and during the day they rely on natural landmarks such as seabirds and buoys. Zheng He also chose the departure time according to the changes in the monsoon, and used the power of the monsoon to propel the ship forward.
It was with these skills that Zheng He's great ship was able to cross the ocean like a behemoth, all the way west, and finally reach Africa. In the face of rough seas, sails are always the main driving force**. We have to admire the wisdom of the ancients, who were able to conquer tens of thousands of kilometers of oceans with just the naked eye and simple instruments, which is still a great challenge today.
Conclusion: Zheng He's seven trips to the West lasted 30 years. Everywhere he led, the fleet showed the majesty of China and spread Chinese civilization. This marked the pinnacle of the ancient Chinese seas.
Although this feat was ultimately unsustainable, the Chinese objects such as silk and porcelain that Zheng He brought with him had a profound impact on other cultures. His fleet also mapped the western coast of the Indian Ocean in detail, making an important contribution to ancient geographical discoveries.
Today, "Zheng He's voyage to the West" is regarded as a legend in the history of navigation. This voyage heralded ancient China's great achievements in shipbuilding and navigation technology. We should remember the wisdom of our ancestors and inherit the spirit of Zheng He's "harmony" in order to better recognize and understand this diverse and beautiful world.
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