The Chinese compass and explorer Zheng He (Hello China #9)

GBTIMES

2 Jul 201202:42

Summary

TLDRThe compass, or zhǐ nán zhēn, was invented by the Chinese over 2,000 years ago to indicate direction. Initially designed as a spoon on a plate that pointed south using magnetic fields, it was later replaced by a small steel needle for easier use. This advancement significantly improved navigation. About 600 years ago, the famous Chinese explorer Zheng He used the zhǐ nán zhēn to travel to Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and even the Red Sea. The invention of the compass greatly boosted maritime exploration and navigation.

Takeaways

🧭 The compass, or zhǐ nán zhēn, indicates directions like north and south.
🛠️ The compass was invented by the Chinese about 2,000 years ago.
🥄 The ancient zhǐ nán zhēn looked like a spoon and was placed on a plate.
🧲 The spoon's handle pointed south due to magnetic fields.
🧵 The Chinese later replaced the spoon with a small steel needle, making the compass easier to carry.
🌍 About 600 years ago, Zheng He, a famous eunuch of the Ming Dynasty, used the compass on his voyages.
🚢 Zheng He traveled seven times to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean.
🔴 Zheng He even reached the Red Sea, aided by the compass.
📈 The invention of the compass greatly advanced navigation.
🏞️ The compass played a significant role in Chinese exploration and maritime history.

Q & A

What is the Chinese term for a compass mentioned in the script?
-The Chinese term for a compass mentioned in the script is 'zhǐ nán zhēn.'
What does a compass or zhǐ nán zhēn indicate?
-A compass or zhǐ nán zhēn indicates north and south.
How long ago was the compass invented in China?
-The compass was invented by the Chinese 2,000 years ago.
What did the ancient zhǐ nán zhēn look like?
-The ancient zhǐ nán zhēn looked like a spoon.
How did the spoon in the ancient zhǐ nán zhēn function?
-When the spoon was placed on a plate, its handle would point to the south using magnetic fields.
What improvement did the Chinese make to the original zhǐ nán zhēn design?
-The Chinese replaced the spoon with a small steel needle, making the zhǐ nán zhēn easier to carry.
Who was Zheng He, and how did he use the zhǐ nán zhēn?
-Zheng He was a famous eunuch of the Ming Dynasty who traveled to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean seven times using the zhǐ nán zhēn.
How long ago did Zheng He make his voyages?
-Zheng He made his voyages 600 years ago.
What distant location did Zheng He reach with the help of the zhǐ nán zhēn?
-Zheng He reached the Red Sea with the help of the zhǐ nán zhēn.
How did the invention of the compass contribute to navigation?
-The invention of the compass boosted the development of navigation, allowing for more accurate and long-distance sea travel.