Published : 2024-07-11

July 11 was officially set as China's National Maritime Day in 2005, commemorating the 600th anniversary of the first maritime expedition led by Zheng He (鄭和), a Ming Dynasty navigator.

Zheng He embarked on his first maritime expedition on June 15, third year of the Yongle reign (July 11, 1405).

At that time, his fleet was renowned worldwide for its formidable strength as a special maritime force.

The fleet, composed of more than 200 vessels of various sizes, was organised and commanded uniformly based on the needs of navigation and battle.

Zheng He's seven maritime expeditions marked the beginning of mankind's venture into the open seas. China has designated July 11 as National Maritime Day, which is also the date when World Maritime Day is observed in China.

On National Maritime Day every year, a variety of celebration activities are conducted across the country, during which related vessels would synchronously sound their horns for one minute.