On a breezy morning in Tanmen, young fisherman Liu Jun unfurled a weathered scroll before setting sail. This wasn't a map app or a GPS device—it was the Genglubu, an ancient navigation manual passed down through his family for centuries.
Mapping the Waves with Stars and Currents
Long before compasses and satellites, Tanmen sailors read the sky and sea. The Genglubu records star positions, monsoon patterns, tidal currents and hidden shoals. By memorizing star charts and coastal landmarks, generations of fishermen charted safe routes across the South China Sea.
A Living Legacy in Tanmen
According to Tanmen Maritime Museum records, over 60% of local fishermen still consult the Genglubu before each voyage. For Liu Jun, these scrolls bridge past and present. "When I trace the inked lines," he says, "I feel connected to my ancestors and the vast ocean beyond."
From Scroll to Screen
To preserve this intangible heritage, local scholars digitize the Genglubu, creating interactive guides and workshops for the next generation. Students can now learn star navigation through apps that overlay ancient charts on modern maps, ensuring the tradition sails into the future.
As the sun dips below the horizon, Tanmen's fishermen demonstrate that sometimes, the most cutting-edge navigation begins with age-old wisdom. In every carefully charted course lies a story of resilience, community and a timeless bond with the sea.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
