Sailing Into New Waters

July 11 marks the 17th Maritime Day of China. On this very day some 600years ago, Zheng He, a great navigator from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), kicked off his first voyage into the vast open waters. In total, Zheng undertook seven expeditions on behalf of the Chinese emperor sailing across the South China Sea, Indian Ocean,Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and along the east coast of Africa, leaving behind a wide range of cultural, religious and economic heritage.