The Perception of Maritime Space in Traditional Chinese Sources

The book "The Perception of Maritime Space in Traditional Chinese Sources" offers a comprehensive analysis of the perception of maritime spaces in traditional Chinese sources. The collection of essays, originally prepared for an international conference at the University of Munich in 2005, highlights various aspects of East Asian seas, including the Sea of Japan, the South China Sea, as well as the Yellow and East China Seas. The contributions examine the concepts of contact zones and the idea that the sea should be viewed as a protective belt around the mainland. The focus is on the perception, classification, and management of maritime spaces, including trade routes and China's coastal waters. In addition to textual sources, maps are also analyzed to provide a complete picture of maritime geography and its cultural significance. The discussion also encompasses related topics such as trade, diplomacy, and daily life during sea voyages.