Yuan–Ming Junk Ship System

Timeline

1. 1311–1314Liujiatai, Taicang · JiangsuAround 1311, Jiangnan shipyards built large grain ships to official specifications, using multi-mast rigging and watertight bulkheads, transporting Jiangnan tax grain by sea to Zhigu and Dadu.
2. 1316–1318Quanzhou port · FujianJunk-style merchant ships used in Southeast coastal ports adapted to ocean voyaging with battened sails, a stern rudder, and compartmentalized structure; Yuan overseas trade ship types and grain ships shared many construction techniques.
3. 1320Zhigu sea mouth · North ChinaAround 1320, large junk-style wooden sailing ships remained the mainstay of the Yuan court's sea transport of grain and coastal shipping, and their shipbuilding techniques were inherited by the construction of even larger fleets in the Ming dynasty.