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First Day Cover Text - The 600th Anniversary of Zheng He's Maritime Expeditions

Zheng He (AD 1371-1433) was born in Kunyang, today known as Jinning County, Kunming in Yunnan Province, China. Between AD 1405 and 1433, he commanded seven expeditions to the "Western Oceans" on royal orders, visiting over 30 countries and regions in Asia and Africa and successfully extending Chinese influence in culture and technology as well as fostering trade and goodwill. These seven voyages were unparalleled in the world's maritime history.

Zheng He's flotilla comprised over 200 ships and a crew of more than 20,000. The hundred-metre long flagships, known as "treasure ships", sailed in convoy with a fleet of battleships, combat billets, supply ships, water tankers and horse ships. Steered by stars and directed by the compass, the fleets succeeded in reaching as far as the eastern African coast during their seven voyages, using nautical astronomy and geonavigation. The size of the fleets sent, the equipment used and the distance travelled all demonstrated that nautical technology in China during the Ming Dynasty was well ahead of other maritime powers.

To mark the 600th anniversary of Zheng He's first voyage, China Post, Hongkong Post and Macao Post are each issuing a set of three commemorative stamps and a stamp sheetlet on 28 June 2005. The three stamps (HK$1.40 each) issued by Hongkong Post present a Likeness of Zheng He; Exploration, Trade and Diplomacy; and Seamanship and the Science of Navigation. The stamp sheetlet (HK$10) features Zheng He's mighty fleet.

The First Day Cover sets the scene of Zheng He's fleet under full sail in rough seas with seagulls in flight, representative of the determination and enterprising spirit of these formidable explorations, against a backdrop of fine silk that symbolises success in foreign trade.