New Research

All starts with Chinese Characters.

Zhu Di (Ming Chengzu), the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368— 1644), sent the explorer and diplomat Zheng He (circa 1371—1433) to the “Western Oceans” during the third year of his reign (1405). In the next 28 years, Zheng He sailed to the “Western Oceans” seven times. At that time, the “Western Ocean” referred to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean west of Brunei. Zheng He's fleet went to more than 30 countries and regions, and is now known to have reached as far as the eastern coast of Africa, the Red Sea, Mecca, and possibly Australia.

Read more: 5.8 Ming Chengzu and Zheng He's Voyages to the "Western Oceans" 明成祖与郑和下西洋

The prosperous period of the Qing emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong was also called the Prosperous Age of Kang-Yong-Qian (the first character of the name of each emperor), and this period lasted 134 years (1662—1796). During this period, the Qing Dynasty had vast territories, a stable society, a developed economy, and rapid population growth. This was the peak of the Qing Dynasty's rule and the last flourishing age of ancient Chinese dynasties.

Read more: 5.9 Qing Gaozong and the Prosperity of the Kangxi and Qianlong Periods 清高宗与康乾盛世