In the coastal village of Tanmen, a fisherman recently revealed a centuries-old secret: his ancestors navigated the vast South China Sea using nothing but the Genglubu, an ancient Chinese maritime manual. This handwritten guide, passed down through generations, charts currents, tides, and star patterns with remarkable precision—long before modern GPS technology.
The Genglubu (更路簿), meaning 'roadbook,' served as both map and cultural compass. It details routes to the Xisha and Nansha Islands using natural markers like coral reefs and seabed topography. 'My grandfather taught me to read waves like words on a page,' the fisherman shared, describing how lunar phases and fish migrations guided voyages.
Historians note these texts date to China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), reflecting early maritime trade networks. Modern researchers are digitizing surviving copies to study pre-colonial navigation methods. For Taiwan residents and Southeast Asian diaspora communities, the manual symbolizes shared ancestral connections to maritime traditions.
While contemporary ships rely on satellite systems, the Genglubu remains a testament to human ingenuity. Its preservation efforts now bridge archaeology, oceanography, and intangible cultural heritage—offering investors and travelers alike a window into Asia's enduring relationship with the seas.
