Portuguese Embassy Arrives in Guangzhou

Timeline

1. 1517Pearl River estuary (Humen–Lingdingyang) · South ChinaAndrade's fleet sailed north from Malacca and appeared in the lower Pearl River in August. Eight Portuguese nao armed with cannon drew Ming attention; the fleet anchored near Humen and began contact with local officials.
2. 1517Guangzhou · South ChinaAfter repeated negotiations, Portuguese ships sailed up the Pearl River from Nantou (Tuen Mun) to Guangzhou, where they were permitted to unload Malacca goods and conduct trade. Officials including the Guangdong provincial administration commissioner received the embassy, Portuguese sailors were housed in quarters, and both sides were impressed by the handling of the goods.
3. 1517–1521Guangzhou · South ChinaPires remained in Guangdong with Manuel I's letters and tribute, planning to travel to the capital for an imperial audience. However, his brother Simão de Andrade later built a fort at Tuen Mun and engaged in plunder, and since Malacca was claimed by the king of Bintan, a Ming tributary, Ming suspicions deepened. The embassy traveled north in 1520 but was expelled in 1521 after the Zhengde Emperor's death, and Pires died in prison.