Ming Treasure Ship (Zheng He Type)

Timeline

1. 1403–1405Nanjing Longjiang Shipyard · JiangsuThe Ming Chengzu, Zhu Di, ordered large-scale construction of treasure ships at the Nanjing Longjiang Shipyard, mobilizing tens of thousands of craftsmen and consuming large quantities of high-quality nanmu timber and iron fittings. The first batch of treasure ships was completed in 1405 and took part in Zheng He's first western voyage, opening a golden age of Ming maritime diplomacy.
2. 1431–1433Indian Ocean to the Strait of Hormuz · Indian OceanZheng He led the treasure fleet on the seventh and final western voyage, covering Southeast Asia, the west coast of India, the Persian Gulf, and the East African coast. Thereafter the treasure ships were never again used for ocean voyages; the Ming court began systematically implementing the maritime prohibition, and treasure ship construction ceased entirely.
3. 1451–1460Nanjing and Beijing · ChinaDuring the Jingtai reign (1449–1457), the Ming court was mired in political turmoil and northern border defense pressures following the Tumu Crisis, and maritime policy contracted further. Treasure ships left in the docks decayed and aged over this decade for lack of maintenance, and related shipbuilding drawings and techniques were gradually lost. This forms a stark historical contrast with the Portuguese caravels actively exploring the African coast at the same time, marking the key window in which China withdrew from the Age of Exploration.