Monday, August 27, 2007
Zheng He is arguably China's most famous navigator. Starting from the beginning of the 15th Century, he traveled to the West seven times. For 28 years, he traveled more than 50,000km and visited over 30 countries, including Singapore. Zheng He's tomb in Nanjing has been repaired and a small museum has been built next to it. But, Zheng He's body is not here as he was buried at sea off the Malabar coast near Calicut in Western India. However, his sword and other personal possessions were interred in the typical Muslim tomb inscribed with Arabic characters.
At the entrance to the tomb is a Ming-style structure, which houses the memorial hall. Inside are paintings of Zheng He himself and his navigation maps. To get to the tomb, there are newly laid stone platforms and steps. The stairway consists of 28 stone steps divided into four sections with each section having seven steps. This represents Zheng He's seven journeys to the West. The Arabic words inscribed on top of the tomb means "Allah (God) is great”.
Zheng He constructed many wooden ships, some of which are the largest in the history, in Nanjing. Three of the shipyards still exist today.
ZHENG HE'S Museum:
(Direct descendant of Wenming, Zheng He's elder brother, next to Zheng He's statue)
This small museum is built next to Zheng He’s tomb in Nanjing.
as told by us;
12:22 AM