A Historical Study on Sea Routes of the Zhoushan Archipelago in Ancient China

Abstract

The Zhoushan Archipelago occupies an important position on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, as its strategic position along the Coastal China makes it a crucial passageway for vessels travelling southward and eastward, and thus throughout history, the Zhoushan Archipelago has been an important hub for international exchanges, facilitating numerous sea routes to connect China with the rest of the world. All these sea routes have been well-documented in the historical literature. In this paper, the various sea routes of the Zhoushan Archipelago recorded in the historical literature have been reviewed in detail and drawn on the charts to highlight in an explicit and visual way the importance of the Zhoushan Archipelago in the ancient maritime Silk Road and its role in facilitating international exchanges. It can be argued that there are both natural and cultural reasons for the Zhoushan Archipelago to be referred to as the “Maritime Dunhuang” along the Maritime Silk Road. By reviewing and mapping the diverse sea routes of the Zhoushan Archipelago in nncient China, we can gain a better understanding of the historical significance of the Zhoushan Archipelago in international exchanges and recognise the pivotal role it has played in shaping the world we live in today.