"In 1405, the Chinese emperor sent the world's largest fleet of ships to explore the ""Western Oceans."" Zheng He was at the helm of the expedition, a man who rose from poverty to captain China's famous Treasure Fleet on an adventure covering more than thirty-five thousand miles. Little known in the West, Zheng He was one of history's most important explorers. This guide will take readers on a journey from Nanjing all the way to Africa and the Middle East as Zheng He brings Chinese technology to remote ports of call, and changes the face of the world in the process.".