NANJING, July 12 (Xinhua)-- In memory of the ancient voyages of Chinese explorer Zheng He, a scroll painting is being displayed in east China's city of Suzhou.
The gigantic ink painting - 128 meters long and 0.5 meters high - took Yan Feng, head of a local painting and calligraphy institute, five years to complete. It presents a sweeping view of many exotic features and commercial activities recorded in Zheng He's travels.
Zheng He made maritime voyages to more than 30 countries and regions in Asia and Africa from 1405 to 1433, during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The voyages enhanced diplomatic, economic and cultural exchanges between China and other countries.
Since 2012, Yan has visited many of the countries and regions that Zheng He's fleet visited and collected materials describing the customs, cultures and commerce of these places at the time of the voyages.
"I hope to use the painting to show the political, economic and cultural exchanges between China and Asian and African countries in history," Yan said.
The painting will be on display from July 11 to 18 in Suzhou. It will then be displayed in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Iran and Saudi Arabia.
