About the Book

As the latest and most significant addition to The Maritime Silk Road Series, this volume stands as the first comprehensive scholarly monograph on the protection of China’s maritime cultural heritage available in English. Authored by Qu Jinliang, a founding figure in Chinese marine cultural studies, and supported by the National Social Science Fund of China, it offers a theoretical framework for preserving underwater, coastal, and island heritage sites.

The book systematically explores diverse categories:

• Underwater archaeology: Shipwrecks and ancient navigation technology.
• Maritime policy: Legal frameworks for heritage protection and the “Ten Thousand Li Sea Wall.”
• Cultural anthropology: The spread of Mazu beliefs and maritime folk traditions across East Asia.

Crucially, this work challenges traditional terrestrial-centric historiography. As China advances its 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, this book provides essential historical context and empirical support for scholars of Asian History, Maritime Law, and Ocean Policy.

About the Author

Qu Jinliang is a preeminent scholar and a Distinguished Professor at Jimei University, China. Regarded as a founding figure in the modern study of Chinese marine culture, Dr. Qu has engaged in teaching and research for over 30 years. He has spearheaded more than 10 national and ministerial-level projects and published over 20 monographs, including A Comprehensive History of Chinese Maritime Culture.