Ming Dynasty Maritime Ban Policy

Timeline

1. 1370–1398Mingzhou (Ningbo) · NingboIn the early Ming, to prevent remnants of Zhang Shicheng and Fang Guozhen from colluding with overseas powers, maritime ban edicts were repeatedly issued, restricting private seafaring and allowing only tribute missions to trade under official supervision.
2. 1403–1433Liujiagang · TaicangDuring the Yongle and Xuande eras, the state sent large fleets westward across the oceans, and the maritime ban did not apply to the treasure ship fleets; private seafaring remained restricted, but tribute trade ports retained limited trading space.
3. 1436–1440Zhangzhou, Fujian · ZhangzhouIn Zhengtong 1 the court issued an edict reaffirming the maritime ban, strictly forbidding soldiers and civilians from privately going to sea to trade and banning construction of large ships with two or more masts; after the treasure ship voyages ended, the official window for ocean voyaging closed and enforcement tightened.
4. 1450–1567Zhejiang coast · ZhejiangFrom Zhengtong to Jiajing, the maritime ban was repeatedly tightened and relaxed; smuggling and wokou pirate activity mutually intensified. In Longqing 1 Yuegang was opened, substantially loosening the ban and transforming Ming maritime control.