After years of meticulous craftsmanship and overcoming a devastating fire, shipwrights in Ningde, Fujian Province on the Chinese mainland completed the Fu Ning this year. The vessel is a full-scale replica of a Fuchuan, a wooden Ming-era naval boat famously used under Admiral Zheng He.
The Fuchuan Reborn
Built with age-old carpentry methods, the Fu Ning faithfully reproduces the scale and wooden structure of its Ming-era counterpart, celebrating the artistry of early ocean-going vessels.
Voyage Along the Maritime Silk Road
In late 2025, the Fu Ning set sail from the Chinese mainland’s southeastern coast, retracing Admiral Zheng He’s historic route through Southeast Asia. Calling at various ports along the way, the replica boat rekindled the living memory of the Maritime Silk Road, engaging communities with the shared heritage of early global trade.
By bridging past and present, the Fu Ning voyage inspires a new generation to explore the interconnectedness of world cultures and the enduring impact of maritime history.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
