The replica of a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) wooden junk set sail
from Guangzhou yesterday, part of celebrations to mark the 600th
anniversary of the original journey.
"This is a celebration not only of the achievements of Zheng
He's voyages across the Indian Ocean but also of China's maritime
history and marine economy," said Xu Guanchao, director of the
organizing committee.
The original 31-meter-long Lü Meimao ('Green Eyebrow')
was part of the fleet commanded by Zheng He -- the navigator and
diplomat who set sail in 1405.
In the next three decades, Zheng led his fleet to 30 countries
in Asia and Africa on seven voyages, helping extend China's
maritime and commercial influence overseas.
The replica began its journey in Qingdao in east
China's Shandong
Province on March 24, and arrived at Quangzhou on April 14. It
got to Guangzhou, its eighth stop of eleven Chinese cities, on May
14.
It will now head for Hong Kong, Macao and Sanya in Hainan
Province before continuing to 17 countries in Asia and Africa
in July.
The whole journey will last five months and is expected to be
completed by the end of this year.
Sources from the organizing committee said nationwide nautical
knowledge contests and academic exchanges would be held after the
junk's voyage.
(China Daily, China.org.cn May 27, 2005)
