Book History of Chinese Exploration unveiled in Beijing

(ECNS) -- The launch ceremony for History of Chinese Exploration, China's first-ever exploration history monograph, was held at CITIC Bookstore in Beijing's Sanlitun on the weekend.

The History of Chinese Exploration project was officially initiated by the China Adventure Association in 2017 and compiled by a team of the association.

Published by Encyclopedia of China Publishing House, the book consists of 460,000 Chinese characters.

The introduction part primarily explores the concept and characteristics of exploration, along with the ideological foundations and distinctive features of ancient Chinese exploration.

The dynastic history part divides China's ancient exploration into eight distinct phases based on stage characteristics: legendary era, Xia, Shang and Zhou which are the three earliest dynasties in Chinese history and collectively referred to as the Bronze Age, the Spring and Autumn Period (770 B.C.-476 B.C.), Qin Dynasty (221 BC-207 BC) and Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 220), Six Dynasties period (222-589), Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties (581–960), Song and Yuan Dynasties (960-1368), and Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911).

What is particularly valuable is the book's innovative approach to researching and mapping the key exploration routes of ancient Chinese adventurers.

History of Chinese Exploration is an exceptional work that systematically documents China's ancient exploration heritage, said Yu Minhong, chairman and CEO of New Oriental Education Technology Group.

"This publication inspires more people to pursue the unknown," Yu added.

(By Zhang Dongfang)