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Between 1405 and 1433, the Ming government sponsored a series of seven naval expeditions. The Yongle emperor designed them to establish a Chinese presence, impose imperial control over trade, impress foreign peoples in the Indian Ocean basin and extend the empire's tributary system.<br/><br/> Zheng He was placed as the admiral in control of the huge fleet and armed forces that undertook these expeditions. Zheng He's first voyage consisted of a fleet of up to 317 ships holding almost 28,000 crewmen, with each ship housing up to 500 men.<br/><br/> Zheng He's fleets visited Arabia, Brunei, East Africa, India, the Malay Archipelago and Thailand, dispensing and receiving goods along the way. Zheng He presented gifts of gold, silver, porcelain and silk; in return, China received such novelties as ostriches, zebras, camels, ivory and giraffes.
Between 1405 and 1433, the Ming government sponsored a series of seven naval expeditions. The Yongle emperor designed them to establish a Chinese presence, impose imperial control over trade, impress foreign peoples in the Indian Ocean basin and extend the empire's tributary system.<br/><br/> Zheng He was placed as the admiral in control of the huge fleet and armed forces that undertook these expeditions. Zheng He's first voyage consisted of a fleet of up to 317 ships holding almost 28,000 crewmen, with each ship housing up to 500 men.<br/><br/> Zheng He's fleets visited Arabia, Brunei, East Africa, India, the Malay Archipelago and Thailand, dispensing and receiving goods along the way. Zheng He presented gifts of gold, silver, porcelain and silk; in return, China received such novelties as ostriches, zebras, camels, ivory and giraffes.
Between 1405 and 1433, the Ming government sponsored a series of seven naval expeditions. The Yongle emperor designed them to establish a Chinese presence, impose imperial control over trade, impress foreign peoples in the Indian Ocean basin and extend the empire's tributary system.<br/><br/> Zheng He was placed as the admiral in control of the huge fleet and armed forces that undertook these expeditions. Zheng He's first voyage consisted of a fleet of up to 317 ships holding almost 28,000 crewmen, with each ship housing up to 500 men.<br/><br/> Zheng He's fleets visited Arabia, Brunei, East Africa, India, the Malay Archipelago and Thailand, dispensing and receiving goods along the way. Zheng He presented gifts of gold, silver, porcelain and silk; in return, China received such novelties as ostriches, zebras, camels, ivory and giraffes.
The Qingjing Mosque, also known as the Ashab Mosque, was initially built in 1009 during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It was based on a mosque in Damascus, Syria and is the oldest Arab-style mosque in China. The mosque, built and repaired by Arab Muslims, reflects the longstanding cultural exchange between China and the Arabic countries.<br/><br/> A thousand years ago Quanzhou was arguably the world’s most significant port, with a lucrative position at the centre of the maritime silk trade.<br/><br/> It prospered enormously during the Song and Yuan dynasties, when it was visited by Marco Polo (the port was known as Zaytoun then) and played host to thousands of Arab merchants, many of whom made fortunes introducing Chinese inventions such as gunpowder and printing to the West.<br/><br/> The port fell into irreversible decline following the restrictions on maritime trade imposed by the Ming emperors in the 15th century.
The Qingjing Mosque, also known as the Ashab Mosque, was initially built in 1009 during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It was based on a mosque in Damascus, Syria and is the oldest Arab-style mosque in China. The mosque, built and repaired by Arab Muslims, reflects the longstanding cultural exchange between China and the Arabic countries.<br/><br/> A thousand years ago Quanzhou was arguably the world’s most significant port, with a lucrative position at the centre of the maritime silk trade.<br/><br/> It prospered enormously during the Song and Yuan dynasties, when it was visited by Marco Polo (the port was known as Zaytoun then) and played host to thousands of Arab merchants, many of whom made fortunes introducing Chinese inventions such as gunpowder and printing to the West.<br/><br/> The port fell into irreversible decline following the restrictions on maritime trade imposed by the Ming emperors in the 15th century.
Empress Xu (1362 - July 1407), formally Empress Ren Xiao Wen, birth name Xu Yihua), was the third empress of the Ming Dynasty from 1402 to 1407. Her husband was the Yongle Emperor. She was well educated, compiling bibliographies of virtuous women, an activity connected with court politics.<br/><br/> Empress Xu is also the first person credited with transcribing a Buddhist sutra from a dream revelation. The work is entitled 'The sutra of great merit of the foremost rarity spoken by the Buddha which the Renxiao empress of the great Ming received in a dream'). In her introduction to the sutra, the empress wrote that one night after meditating and burning incense, Guanyin appeared to her as if in a dream, and took her to a holy realm where the sutra was revealed to her in order to save her from disaster. After reading the sutra three times, she was able to memorize it and recall it perfectly upon awakening and writing it down. The sutra conveys conventional Mahayana philosophies, and the mantras for chanting were typical of Tibetan Buddhist practices.
Between 1405 and 1433, the Ming government sponsored a series of seven naval expeditions. The Yongle emperor designed them to establish a Chinese presence, impose imperial control over trade, impress foreign peoples in the Indian Ocean basin and extend the empire's tributary system.<br/><br/> Zheng He was placed as the admiral in control of the huge fleet and armed forces that undertook these expeditions. Zheng He's first voyage consisted of a fleet of up to 317 ships holding almost 28,000 crewmen, with each ship housing up to 500 men.<br/><br/> Zheng He's fleets visited Arabia, Brunei, East Africa, India, the Malay Archipelago and Thailand, dispensing and receiving goods along the way. Zheng He presented gifts of gold, silver, porcelain and silk; in return, China received such novelties as ostriches, zebras, camels, ivory and giraffes.
Emperor Yongle, 3rd ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1402-1424). Personal Name: Zhu Di, Zhū Dì. Posthumous Name: Wendi, Wéndì. Temple Name: Chengzu, Chéngzǔ; Taizong, Tàizōng. Reign Name: Ming Yongle, Ming Yǒnglè.<br/><br/> The Yongle Emperor was the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty of China from 1402 to 1424. His Chinese era name Yongle means 'Perpetual Happiness'. He became emperor by conspiring to usurp the throne which was against the Hongwu Emperor's wishes. He moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing where it was located in the following generations, and constructed the Forbidden City there. After its dilapidation and disuse during the Yuan Dynasty and Hongwu's reign, the Yongle Emperor had the Grand Canal of China repaired and reopened in order to supply the new capital of Beijing in the north with a steady flow of goods and southern foodstuffs. He commissioned most of the exploratory sea voyages of Zheng He. During his reign the monumental Yongle Encyclopedia was completed. The Yongle Emperor is buried in the Changling tomb, the central and largest mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty Tombs.
Deshin Shekpa (1384–1415), also Deshin Shegpa, was the fifth Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism.<br/><br/> Deshin Shekpa was born in Nyang Dam in the south of Tibet. According to the legend he said after being born: 'I am the Karmapa. Om mani padme hum shri.' Deshin Shekpa was taken to Tsawa Phu who recognized him as the reincarnation of the Karmapa. Deshin traveled extensively through Tibet and Mongolia and taught people about non-violence. After having finished his education, he was invited in 1403 by the emperor of China, because Emperor Zhu Di, the Yongle Emperor, (1402-1424) had a vision of Avalokitesvara. He also required religious ceremonies to be held for his deceased parents.<br/><br/> The Karmapa was very well received in China and a number of miraculous occurrences are reported. He also performed ceremonies for the emperor's family. The emperor presented him with 700 measures of silver objects and bestowed the title of 'Precious Religious King, Great Loving One of the West, Mighty Buddha of Peace'. He also gave him a material representation of the famous and ethereal 'Vajra Crown' which was said to be invisible to all except those of most pure spirit.
Between 1405 and 1433, the Ming government sponsored a series of seven naval expeditions. The Yongle emperor designed them to establish a Chinese presence, impose imperial control over trade, impress foreign peoples in the Indian Ocean basin and extend the empire's tributary system.<br/><br/> Zheng He was placed as the admiral in control of the huge fleet and armed forces that undertook these expeditions. Zheng He's first voyage consisted of a fleet of up to 317 ships holding almost 28,000 crewmen, with each ship housing up to 500 men.<br/><br/> Zheng He's fleets visited Arabia, Brunei, East Africa, India, the Malay Archipelago and Thailand, dispensing and receiving goods along the way. Zheng He presented gifts of gold, silver, porcelain and silk; in return, China received such novelties as ostriches, zebras, camels, ivory and giraffes.
Emperor Yongle, 3rd ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1402-1424). Personal Name: Zhu Di, Zhū Dì. Posthumous Name: Wendi, Wéndì. Temple Name: Chengzu, Chéngzǔ; Taizong, Tàizōng. Reign Name: Ming Yongle, Ming Yǒnglè.<br/><br/> The Yongle Emperor was the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty of China from 1402 to 1424. His Chinese era name Yongle means 'Perpetual Happiness'. He became emperor by conspiring to usurp the throne which was against the Hongwu Emperor's wishes. He moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing where it was located in the following generations, and constructed the Forbidden City there. After its dilapidation and disuse during the Yuan Dynasty and Hongwu's reign, the Yongle Emperor had the Grand Canal of China repaired and reopened in order to supply the new capital of Beijing in the north with a steady flow of goods and southern foodstuffs. He commissioned most of the exploratory sea voyages of Zheng He. During his reign the monumental Yongle Encyclopedia was completed. The Yongle Emperor is buried in the Changling tomb, the central and largest mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty Tombs.
Between 1405 and 1433, the Ming government sponsored a series of seven naval expeditions. The Yongle emperor designed them to establish a Chinese presence, impose imperial control over trade, impress foreign peoples in the Indian Ocean basin and extend the empire's tributary system.<br/><br/> Zheng He was placed as the admiral in control of the huge fleet and armed forces that undertook these expeditions. Zheng He's first voyage consisted of a fleet of up to 317 ships holding almost 28,000 crewmen, with each ship housing up to 500 men.<br/><br/> Zheng He's fleets visited Arabia, Brunei, East Africa, India, the Malay Archipelago and Thailand, dispensing and receiving goods along the way. Zheng He presented gifts of gold, silver, porcelain and silk; in return, China received such novelties as ostriches, zebras, camels, ivory and giraffes.
Emperor Yongle, 3rd ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1402-1424). Personal Name: Zhu Di, Zhū Dì. Posthumous Name: Wendi, Wéndì. Temple Name: Chengzu, Chéngzǔ; Taizong, Tàizōng. Reign Name: Ming Yongle, Ming Yǒnglè.<br/><br/> The Yongle Emperor was the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty of China from 1402 to 1424. His Chinese era name Yongle means 'Perpetual Happiness'. He became emperor by conspiring to usurp the throne which was against the Hongwu Emperor's wishes. He moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing where it was located in the following generations, and constructed the Forbidden City there. After its dilapidation and disuse during the Yuan Dynasty and Hongwu's reign, the Yongle Emperor had the Grand Canal of China repaired and reopened in order to supply the new capital of Beijing in the north with a steady flow of goods and southern foodstuffs. He commissioned most of the exploratory sea voyages of Zheng He. During his reign the monumental Yongle Encyclopedia was completed. The Yongle Emperor is buried in the Changling tomb, the central and largest mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty Tombs.
Between 1405 and 1433, the Ming government sponsored a series of seven naval expeditions. The Yongle emperor designed them to establish a Chinese presence, impose imperial control over trade, impress foreign peoples in the Indian Ocean basin and extend the empire's tributary system.<br/><br/> Zheng He was placed as the admiral in control of the huge fleet and armed forces that undertook these expeditions. Zheng He's first voyage consisted of a fleet of up to 317 ships holding almost 28,000 crewmen, with each ship housing up to 500 men.<br/><br/> Zheng He's fleets visited Arabia, Brunei, East Africa, India, the Malay Archipelago and Thailand, dispensing and receiving goods along the way. Zheng He presented gifts of gold, silver, porcelain and silk; in return, China received such novelties as ostriches, zebras, camels, ivory and giraffes.
Between 1405 and 1433, the Ming government sponsored a series of seven naval expeditions. The Yongle emperor designed them to establish a Chinese presence, impose imperial control over trade, impress foreign peoples in the Indian Ocean basin and extend the empire's tributary system.<br/><br/> Zheng He was placed as the admiral in control of the huge fleet and armed forces that undertook these expeditions. Zheng He's first voyage consisted of a fleet of up to 317 ships holding almost 28,000 crewmen, with each ship housing up to 500 men.<br/><br/> Zheng He's fleets visited Arabia, Brunei, East Africa, India, the Malay Archipelago and Thailand, dispensing and receiving goods along the way. Zheng He presented gifts of gold, silver, porcelain and silk; in return, China received such novelties as ostriches, zebras, camels, ivory and giraffes.
Empress Xu (1362 - July 1407), formally Empress Ren Xiao Wen, birth name Xu Yihua), was the third empress of the Ming Dynasty from 1402 to 1407. Her husband was the Yongle Emperor. She was well educated, compiling bibliographies of virtuous women, an activity connected with court politics.<br/><br/> Empress Xu is also the first person credited with transcribing a Buddhist sutra from a dream revelation. The work is entitled 'The sutra of great merit of the foremost rarity spoken by the Buddha which the Renxiao empress of the great Ming received in a dream'). In her introduction to the sutra, the empress wrote that one night after meditating and burning incense, Guanyin appeared to her as if in a dream, and took her to a holy realm where the sutra was revealed to her in order to save her from disaster. After reading the sutra three times, she was able to memorize it and recall it perfectly upon awakening and writing it down. The sutra conveys conventional Mahayana philosophies, and the mantras for chanting were typical of Tibetan Buddhist practices.
Between 1405 and 1433, the Ming government sponsored a series of seven naval expeditions. The Yongle emperor designed them to establish a Chinese presence, impose imperial control over trade, impress foreign peoples in the Indian Ocean basin and extend the empire's tributary system.<br/><br/> Zheng He was placed as the admiral in control of the huge fleet and armed forces that undertook these expeditions. Zheng He's first voyage consisted of a fleet of up to 317 ships holding almost 28,000 crewmen, with each ship housing up to 500 men.<br/><br/> Zheng He's fleets visited Arabia, Brunei, East Africa, India, the Malay Archipelago and Thailand, dispensing and receiving goods along the way. Zheng He presented gifts of gold, silver, porcelain and silk; in return, China received such novelties as ostriches, zebras, camels, ivory and giraffes.
Emperor Yongle, 3rd ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1402-1424). Personal Name: Zhu Di, Zhū Dì. Posthumous Name: Wendi, Wéndì. Temple Name: Chengzu, Chéngzǔ; Taizong, Tàizōng. Reign Name: Ming Yongle, Ming Yǒnglè.<br/><br/> The Yongle Emperor was the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty of China from 1402 to 1424. His Chinese era name Yongle means 'Perpetual Happiness'. He became emperor by conspiring to usurp the throne which was against the Hongwu Emperor's wishes. He moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing where it was located in the following generations, and constructed the Forbidden City there. After its dilapidation and disuse during the Yuan Dynasty and Hongwu's reign, the Yongle Emperor had the Grand Canal of China repaired and reopened in order to supply the new capital of Beijing in the north with a steady flow of goods and southern foodstuffs. He commissioned most of the exploratory sea voyages of Zheng He. During his reign the monumental Yongle Encyclopedia was completed. The Yongle Emperor is buried in the Changling tomb, the central and largest mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty Tombs.