From Sea Routes to Silk Roads

For over 500 years, the island kingdom of Ryukyu was connected to China's southeastern coast through a network of sea routes that crisscrossed the East China Sea. These routes facilitated the exchange of goods and fostered deep cultural and social ties between Fujian and Ryukyu. In From Sea Routes to Silk Roads: Fujian and the Ryukyu Kingdom, we explore the historical relationship between these two regions, from the early Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Through 284 images and five chapters, we examine the political, economic, cultural, and religious dimensions of the Fujian-Ryukyu connection. We also delve into the daily lives, customs, and traditions of the people who lived along these sea routes, shedding light on an often-overlooked facet of East Asian history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of maritime trade, the Silk Road, or the complex web of relationships that link East Asia's diverse cultures and peoples.