Zheng He's Great Voyages Goes On Show Today
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Some 81 historical photographs and invaluable replicas ofAdmiral Zheng He's Great Voyages to the West will be displayed starting today at The Mall.

The two-day event is being held in conjunction with the 600th Anniversary of Admiral Zheng He's Great Voyages.

He and his fleet visited Brunei twice in 1407 and 1421. Zheng He, also known as Cheng Ho, was born in Kunming, Yunnan around 1371 AD.

Raised as a Muslim, Zheng He started to study the teachings of Islam at an early age and became interested in "the outside world" after listening to the stories from his elders of distant lands.

It was not until the 15th Century's first three decades however that his dreams started to become a reality.

Assigned to take charge of maritime affairs by Yongle Emperor Zhu Di, Zheng He led

seven Expeditions of Peace and Friendship, travelling on the South China Sea and Indian Ocean to the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, reaching as far as the East Coast of Africa.

It was believed that he had been in more than 30 countries after his voyages.

The travels not only put China in the forefront for navigation but also helped promote foreign and trade relations between the state and other countries.

The exhibition is organised by the People's Republic of China's Ministry of Culture, The Embassy of the People's Republic of China to Brunei, the Sultanate's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as well as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News