Zheng He was a Chinese explorer and admiral during the Ming Dynasty. He lived from 1371 to 1433 and led several large naval expeditions. His fleets were among the largest ever sent out at that time.

Ships traveled across the Indian Ocean to places such as India, Arabia, and the east coast of Africa. Some voyages included hundreds of ships carrying goods and officials. These journeys showed Chinese presence in distant regions and connected ports through trade and contact.