Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 312

The Ming Treasure Voyages
Harrow International School Shanghai, Zhang, Evan - 9
The Ming Treasure Voyages is the most remarkable event of the 15 th century. The Ming Treasure
Voyages were the fleet of Chinese ships that explored the sea. It spanned twenty-eight years, from 1405 to
1433, which was over 100 years earlier than the Age of Discovery. The chief captain was Zheng He, who
was an aid to the Chinese Emperor. The Chinese Emperor trusted Zheng He. The fleet consisted of 1403
ships and traveled six times visiting over 30 countries. The voyages started from Nanjing and reached as far
as the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
The fleet had to face many challenges during the voyage: living through natural disasters, preserving
cargo, and fighting pirates. Firstly, they encountered many natural disasters that were very dangerous.
Secondly, the food and the cargo had to stay in good condition, Moreover, they not only had to protect the
goods, but also to defend themselves, because there were pirates at sea. Zheng He and his crew had to be on
their alert at all times to be prepared to fight pirates. There were some countries that were hostile to them
and would take any possible opportunities to attack the fleet. Fortunately, they did not, and the Chinese
sailors stayed on the sea for four years during each voyage!
The Ming Treasure Voyages proved a miracle at the time.
Zheng He’s Voyages’
Harrow International School Shanghai, Zhang, Evan R. - 9
Many years ago, in 1405 there were many ships in China. There was a man called Zheng He. He was the
leader of seven voyage. He was very strong and when they sailed to many countries (10 in total), he took a
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lot of gold and silver. When China returned from these countries Zheng He was the greatest man He
made everything good and he also skillfully fought against those threatening China. The ships had many
useful tools and instruments! They used compasses to see their way in the night. They had to see stars so that
they could find their way.