Zheng He

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References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

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voyages of Zheng He

Zheng He: fourth voyage

Zheng He: voyages

For Students

Zheng He summary

Zheng He

Zheng He Timeline

Zheng He

Zheng He’s Achievements

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Zheng He: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

News •

FACT CHECK: Palawan was never part of China – NHCP • Mar. 4, 2025, 1:38 AM ET (Rappler)

Facts

Also Known As	Ma Sanbao • Cheng Ho • Ma He
Born	c.1371 • China
Died	1433 • Kozhikode • India

Did You Know?

Zheng He's fleets were active in much of the Old World, travelling from China as far west as Kenya, Somalia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
Zheng He was unusually tall for his time period, standing at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters).
Zheng He was a member of the Hui, a minority group in China that is predominantly Muslim. Later in life, he developed an interest in Buddhist teachings.
On his final voyage, Zheng He diverted from his fleet on his personal hajj to Mecca. He contracted an illness, and whether he successfully returned to China or died during his return is unknown.

Photos

Zheng He: fourth voyage

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Wang Hongwen

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Chinese leader

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Yongle

emperor of Ming dynasty

Kangxi

emperor of Qing dynasty

The Hongwu emperor; in the National Palace Museum, Taipei.

Hongwu

emperor of Ming dynasty

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Zhou Enlai

Zhou Enlai

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Qianlong

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emperor of Qing dynasty

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Liu Shaoqi

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Lin Biao

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Chiang Kai-shek

Chiang Kai-shek

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Hu Shih

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Li Hongzhang

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Xuanzong

emperor of Tang dynasty [685–762]

Hong Xiuquan

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Xi Jinping

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Quiz

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