The new sea routes pioneered by Zheng He during his seven voyages formed a comprehensive maritime transport network. The first three voyages passed through Southeast Asia to reach Calicut, India, a major trading port of the ancient world. With the fourth voyage, Zheng He reached West Asia and East Africa.

Zheng He's voyages followed 56 main sea routes and covered a total distance of 15,000 miles. The later voyages continued from Calicut to Liushan (present-day Maldives) and on to the East African coast, reaching ports including Mugudushu (Mogadishu) and Buluwa (Brava) in Somalia; Malindi, Kenya; Bila (Beira), Mozambique; and Sulan in present-day Sufala, Mozambique.

It is said that one portion of the fleet even braved the seasonal monsoons to reach the tempestuous waters of Southern Africa. Zheng He's voyages had a historic impact on the development of maritime navigation, and established a solid foundation for future generations of seafarers.

(ChinaCulture.org June 16, 2005)