Page 8 - 文化旅游2024-7

07 FOCUS | 焦点

Exploring Zheng He’s hometown

遇见郑和家乡

Zheng He (1371-1433), originally named Ma He Village have been relocated to accommodate Zheng
and known by the nickname Sanbao, was born in He Park. Upon entering the park, you will find a
Hedai Village, Baoshan Township, Kunyang County striking 5.55-meter-high statue of Zheng He standing
(now part of Kunyang Subdistrict in Jinning District, on a three-meter-high pedestal shaped like the bow of
Kunming City, Yunnan Province). In 1404, due to a ship. With his head held high and a valiant expres-
his outstanding achievements in military campaigns, sion, Zheng He exudes a sense of strength and pur-
Zhu Di, the Chengzu Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, pose. In his left hand, he grasps the hilt of a sword,
granted him the surname Zheng through an imperial while his right hand holds a nautical chart, presenting
decree. Between 1405 and 1433, Zheng He, who en- a weathered yet impressive visage that captures his
joyed the Emperor’s utmost trust, embarked on seven adventurous spirit.
voyages to the West, achieving remarkable milestones Every year on July 11, Jinning District hosts the
in human history. Zheng He Culture and Tourism Festival, where peo-
Traces of Zheng He’s influence can be found ple sing and dance to celebrate his remarkable story.
throughout his hometown, Jinning District. On the Within Zheng He Park, attractions like the Memorial
western slope of Yueshan Mountain by Dianchi Lake Hall, his former residence, Sanbao Tower, and the
in Kunming, you can visit Zheng He Park, which was tomb of his father, Ma Hazhi, narrate different facets
established in 1978. Six hundred years ago, this location of his life and legacy. In the downtown area, you'll
was the largest fishing area and cargo terminal along the discover Zhenghe Road, themed buses, a cultural pla-
southwestern shore of Dianchi Lake. Today, the wharf za, and a pavilion dedicated to his honor. These vari-
where ships once docked has evolved into a modern ous sites help weave the story of peaceful interaction
town, while the expansive wetland nearby has become a into the hearts of the community through vibrant and
popular destination for leisure and relaxation. diverse experiences.
As you ascend the western slope of Yueshan
Mountain, you’ll notice that the residences of Hedai