Ming Ocean-Going Fuchuan / Treasure Ship Sailing Vessels

Timeline

1. c. 1405–1433Longjiang Treasure Shipyard, Nanjing · Jiangsu ProvinceZheng He's fleet in the Yongle reign was centered on large Fuchuan built at the Nanjing Treasure Shipyard, with multiple masts and sails, broad stable hulls, and watertight compartment technology; the seven Indian Ocean voyages represent the pinnacle of Ming official ocean-going shipbuilding and navigation.
2. c. 1541–1550Yuegang–Malacca route · Southeast AsiaUnder the Jiajing maritime prohibition, private smuggling trade nonetheless flourished; large Fuchuan sailed from ports such as Yuegang carrying silk, porcelain, and other goods to Southeast Asia and Japan, returning with silver and spices, continuing the tradition of private ocean-going sailing transport in the mid-to-late Ming.