This course is designed to acquaint students with historical knowledge of Chinese maritime exploration history and the cultural exchange that resulted from the interactions. It is very much related to this part of the world and deserved more attention. The period spans from Han to Qing, which covers most Chinese maritime explorations to the Indian Ocean and ideas spread through the sea routes. The lectures focus on each period of maritime activity in the form of diplomatic missions, trades and pilgrimages, which are recorded in historical texts, travel notes, rutters and navigation charts for a well-rounded view of the past events.