A group of international students visits the Jinghai Temple, as well as the Treaty of Nanking Historical Archives Exhibition Hall, in Nanjing. [Photo/Jiangsu Zheng He Research Society]

A group of international students explored historical sites associated with Zheng He's voyages in Nanjing on March 11, gaining firsthand insight into China's rich maritime heritage.

The students, from Germany, Russia, France, Vietnam, Malaysia and India, visited the Jinghai Temple and the site of the Longjiang Shipyard, following in the footsteps of Zheng He's legendary fleet.

At the rear courtyard of Jinghai Temple, a massive iron anchor drew particular attention. "It's incredible that craftsmanship reached such a high level more than 600 years ago," one student said.

Professor Zhao Zhigang gives students an introduction to the historical sites related to Zheng He's voyage. [Photo/Jiangsu Zheng He Research Society]

The group later visited Xiuqiu Park, located across from Jinghai Temple. The park stands on the site of the historic Longjiang Shipyard, once the largest and most advanced shipbuilding base in Nanjing. The shipyard played a key role during Zheng He's voyages, constructing ocean-going vessels for his expeditions.

Through the visit, the students gained a deeper understanding of China's maritime history and the technological achievements that supported Zheng He's journeys, which connected China with regions across Asia, Africa and beyond.