Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c4.s2.98

v1.c4.s2.98

In Yuan Dynasty, Wang Dayuan (14ᵗʰ century CE) went by ship twice to investigate the seas south and west of China, first setting out in 1330 and returning four years later. The second time starting in 1337 and returning two years later. He went to many places in India and after returning to China, in 1349, he completed *Dao Yi Zhi Lue*; this book offers a detailed introduction to various Indian places and is of great help to understand maritime cultural exchange between Yuan Dynasty and India. Wherever he went, he would pay attention to the geography, soil, produce, trade, race and customs. At that time, India was known for gems, pearls, cotton cloth, linen, medicine, spice and the like while China was mainly known for silk, coloured silk satin, cloves, cardamom, blue-and-white porcelain, white porcelain, etc.