Zheng He Statue in Jinning, Kunming

The Zheng He Statue (郑和雕像) in Jinning District (晋宁区), Kunming (昆明), stands at 5.55 meters tall and is carved from white marble. Positioned at the entrance of Zheng He Park (郑和公园), the statue depicts the famous Ming Dynasty navigator, Zheng He, holding a maritime map and a sword. The statue symbolizes his ambition to explore the seas and his contributions to cultural exchange during his seven voyages to the West.

The statue is part of a larger cultural complex that includes the Ma Ha Zhi Tomb (马哈只墓), a national heritage site, and Sanbao Tower (三宝楼). It is a major landmark that attracts visitors both domestically and internationally. Every year on July 11, Zheng He’s birthday, a flower offering ceremony is held to commemorate his legacy. Visitors can enjoy the park’s serene views of Dianchi Lake (滇池) while learning about Zheng He’s remarkable contributions to global exploration.

1. Basic Information about the Statue

Material and Size

The Zheng He Statue (郑和雕像) stands 5.55 meters tall, carved from white marble. It is placed on a 3-meter high base shaped like a treasure ship. The statue was designed by Professor Wang Guanyi (王官乙) from the Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts (四川美术学院).

Pose and Features

In the statue, Zheng He holds the hilt of a sword with his left hand and a maritime map with his right. His expression is solemn, exuding the authority and intelligence of the great navigator.

Design Background

The statue’s features reflect Zheng He’s ethnic heritage, specifically his Hui Muslim (回族) background, with a design based on historical descriptions of his high nose and deep-set eyes. The statue also depicts his rounded physique as he aged.

2. Location and Surrounding Scenery

Park Location

The statue is located in Zheng He Park (郑和公园) in Jinning District (晋宁区), Kunming (昆明). The park is a cultural landscape area that also includes other significant landmarks such as the Ma Ha Zhi Tomb (马哈只墓) and Sanbao Tower (三宝楼).

Layout and Significance

At the entrance to the park, there is a relief sculpture of “Zheng He’s Seven Voyages to the Western Ocean” (郑和七下西洋). The statue is positioned along an axis with Sanbao Tower, which is designed to resemble a treasure ship, reinforcing the maritime theme of the area.

3. Cultural Significance and Historical Connections

Family Heritage

Adjacent to the statue, the Ma Ha Zhi Tomb (马哈只墓) is a national-level cultural heritage site. The tomb’s inscription confirms that Zheng He’s ancestral home was in Jinning, and his father, Ma Ha Zhi (马哈只), was a devout Muslim.

Symbolic Meaning

The statue faces the East, symbolizing Zheng He’s ambition to sail across the seas. The base of the statue is inscribed with the words: “Pioneer of Navigation, Ambassador of Friendship” (航海先驱、友谊使者).

4. Visiting Information

Opening Hours

The statue is open to visitors during the same hours as Zheng He Park: from 06:30 to 20:00, and entry is free.

Recommended Route

A suggested route for visitors is to follow the path from the Zheng He Statue, to the Ma Ha Zhi Tomb, and then to the Sanbao Tower Observation Deck, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the southern shore of Dianchi Lake (滇池).

5. Related Activities and Influence

Commemoration Activities

Each year on July 11, Zheng He’s birthday, a flower offering ceremony is held at the statue. Surrounding wooden plaques detail the story of his seven voyages to the Western Ocean.

Cultural Value

As a prominent symbol of Zheng He’s hometown, the statue attracts visitors from both China and abroad. In 2023, it was included as part of the Chinese Overseas Chinese International Cultural Exchange Base (中国华侨国际文化交流基地).

For a deeper understanding of Zheng He’s legacy, visitors are encouraged to explore the Zheng He Culture Exhibition at the Jinning District Museum (晋宁区博物馆).