In an ambitious fusion of history and craftsmanship, shipbuilder Xu Lu has spent over a decade reconstructing Ming Dynasty-era treasure ships to retrace Admiral Zheng He's legendary voyages across the Taiwan Strait. The project, which began in 2025 at Yuegang Port, coincides with Dragon Boat Festival celebrations and highlights enduring cultural connections through maritime heritage.
Xu's replicas mirror the 15th-century 'treasure ships' that once symbolized China's naval prowess, with some historical vessels reportedly stretching 400 feet long. While modern reconstructions adapt ancient techniques to contemporary materials, they preserve the spirit of Zheng He's diplomatic and exploratory missions that connected Asia with distant continents.
This initiative has drawn attention from historians and maritime enthusiasts alike, particularly for its symbolic crossings between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. Analysts note such cultural preservation efforts could foster new opportunities in heritage tourism and traditional shipbuilding industries across coastal regions.
As Xu prepares for future voyages, the project serves as a floating testament to shared historical narratives – a timely reminder of cross-strait cultural bonds at a moment of renewed global interest in Asia's maritime legacy.
