Zheng He (1371-1433) led his great fleet on historic expeditionary voyages in the 15th century connecting the West and East, but these only represent a small episode of the Maritime Silk Road, which is probably less well-known than its overland counterpart that crosses deserts and grasslands.

An exhibition in Beijing tells much more of the seafaring story. A show of treasures from the Maritime Silk Road titled Sailing Far and Wide on the Sea is on display at the Capital Museum.

More than 350 exhibits gathered from 51 museums in eight provinces compose this panoramic presentation of China's voyage chronicle, which began in prehistoric times and peaked from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) to Zheng He's time.