Chinese Fuchuan Ship

Timeline

1. 1405–1433Sea route from Longjiang, Nanjing to the Indian Ocean · Indian OceanZheng He's seven voyages to the Western Ocean relied on large fuchuan ships as their backbone, carrying troops, officials, and tribute envoys to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and even East Africa, demonstrating Ming ocean-going shipbuilding and navigation capabilities.
2. 1433–1520South China Sea to Malacca route · South China SeaAfter official voyages ceased, fuchuan ships still carried tribute envoys across the sea and transported private commercial goods. In the 1490s, many fuchuan ships sailed between Fujian and Guangdong ports and Malacca and Siam, carrying silk and porcelain and bringing back spices and sappanwood.