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Basking in reflected glory
After 1949, when New China was founded, people did all they could to hide
anything which linked them to relations overseas, such were regarded a shame
bordering on sin. "I never told anybody my ancestry, but don't know why still
many around know about it," said Zheng Enliang.
The situation is now the reverse, and Zheng Enliang prides himself on it and
regales his son and grandson with tales of their illustrious ancestor's
achievements.
Their family photograph taken in front of the statue set in Zheng He
Garden in Jinning, has been used on promotion materials for the Zheng
He Memorial Hall.
Zheng Enliang still remembers the doggerel his grandfather taught him about
his ancestry:
"New spring of lunar month,
Outbound to shun enemy's hunt.
Bid adieu to old home in Kun Yang,
Moved to new shelter in Yu Xi small town.
Although life is hard and rough,
Thou shalt not forget you Zheng He's son."
Like Zheng Enliang, who has become open about his family, Jinning County, the
birthplace of one of the world's greatest mariners, is hoping his fame will lift
it out of obscurity.
The largest lake in the province is Dianchi
Lake, near Kunming.
However, the local people call it Kunyang Ocean.
Zheng He's first maritime odyssey was in 1405. Between then and 1433 he
directed the fleets of mighty sailing junks under his command on another six
epic voyages, travelling westward along the coast of Africa.
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Emissary