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. 

Out of all the incredible things they brought back, some of which are on display today in the Forbidden Palace, one of the most popular items was the folding fan. Mariners brought many fans home 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

Ming Times in China

Ming Dynasty