Biography of Zheng He

Biography of Zheng He

Learn about the biography and life of Chinese explorer Zheng He. Commander of giant treasure ships.

Biography of Zheng He

• Occupation: Explorer and Fleet Commander
• Born: 1371 in Yunnan Province, China
• Died: 1433
• Best known for: Treasure Ship voyages to India

Life Story: Biography of Zheng He

An outstanding Chinese explorer and navy commander was Zheng He (1371–1433). For the Chinese emperor’s benefit, he embarked on seven significant missions in an effort to expand Chinese trade.

Zheng He’s Childhood

Ma He was Zheng He’s given name at birth. In 1371, he was born in the Yunnan Province. Leaders of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty who were Muslims were his father and grandfather. But when the Ming Dynasty came to power, Chinese troops abducted Ma He and took him as a slave to Prince Zhu Di, one of the Emperor’s sons.

Ma He gave the prince good service, and he advanced in the ranks of the household staff. He quickly rose to become the prince’s trusted advisor. By changing his name to Zheng He, the prince recognized his merit and bestowed honor upon him. Later, the prince assumed the title of Yongle Emperor and ruled China.

Chief Envoy

The Yongle Emperor wished to display the splendor and might of the Chinese Empire to the rest of the world. Additionally, he desired to develop trade and contacts with other international peoples. He designated Zheng He as Chief Envoy and gave him the order to assemble a fleet and travel the globe.

Fleet of Treasure Ships

Zheng He oversaw a sizable fleet of vessels. It is estimated that roughly 28,000 troops and more than 200 ships made up his first expedition. Large treasure ships were among the vessels, some of which were over 400 feet long and 170 feet broad. That exceeds the length of a football field! They had ships for carrying horses and men, ships for carrying wealth, and even specialized ships for carrying fresh water. The civilizations Zheng He visited were undoubtedly astounded by the Chinese Empire’s greatness and power when this fleet arrived.

The First Mission

Zheng His first journey took place between 1405 and 1407. He made the long journey to Calicut, India, stopping in numerous cities and ports along the way. In the countries they traveled, they conducted trade and established diplomatic ties. Additionally, they engaged in pirate warfare; they even managed to capture one well-known pirate commander and bring him back to China.

Six More Missions

Zheng Over the course of his entire life, he would sail on more missions. He established economic ties with more than 25 nations while traveling to numerous remote locations, including all the way to the coast of Africa. Zheng returned with a variety of unusual items, including camels and giraffes. He also invited diplomats from many nations to the Chinese Emperor’s court.

He supposedly passed away during the seventh and last treasure hunt.

Facts about Zheng He

• Another translation of his name is Cheng Ho. You will often see him referred to as Cheng Ho. He also went by the name of San Bao (which means Three Jewels) while serving the prince.
• The ships that Zheng He sailed were called “junks”. They were much wider and larger than the ships used by the Europeans in their explorations.
• It is thought that some of Zheng He’s ships may have rounded Africa at the Cape of Good Hope. They may also have visited Australia.
• He served three different emperors: his first six missions were under the Yongle Emperor, he was a military commander under the Hongxi Emperor, and made his final mission under the Xuande Emperor.

Read also: Biography of Empress Wu Zetian