The Ming Dynasty was a time of adventure and travel. The great Chinese mariners mapped the world. They brought back treasures from around the globe, some of which are on display today in the Forbidden Palace.  

One the most popular items was the folding fan, brought back to China from Japan and Korea. 

Fans had always been popular in ancient China, but the concept of a folding fan caught on quickly.

Ming Dynasty Voyages of Exploration 

The Great Chinese Mariner 

The Forbidden City