Mandarin Language Game online book
This can be downloaded in pdf format Chinese Characters
31. Zheng He
Zheng He zhèng hé 郑和
This stamp was issued in 1985 in a set of 4 stamps celebrating the 580th anniversary of Zheng He's first voyage to western seas.
Zhèng Hé 郑和 was born as Mǎ Hé 马和. He was captured as a slave but he worked hard and served the prince. He became a general and then an admiral with a large navy. He explored many countries. He served under three emperors and achieved many great things.
和 hé also means 'and' or 'together with'. Historically it also means 'harmony' which helps explain the character. The character is made up from two characters - mouth and grain. If the mouths are filled with grain then everything is in harmony.
Suggested activities:
- Find out about the famous admiral and explorer Zheng He.
Next page is about willow tree porcelain