This translation of collected articles by Yan Chen (1916–2016) examines the role of the Maritime Silk Road in the formation of world civilizations. Analyzing the Maritime Silk Road’s political, economic, cultural, and technological influence, Chen argues that this expansive trade network was vital to the spread of traditional Chinese culture.

Chapter 1: The Morning Twilight of China’s Marine Culture—the Significance of Hemudu Culture on the Exploration of the Origin of the Maritime Silk RoadChapter 2: On the Rise and Fall of the Silk Road and the Shift from the Overland Route to the Sea RouteChapter 3: On the Maritime Silk RoadChapter 4: The Role of Ancient Zhejiang in East China Sea Silk RouteChapter 5: The South China Sea Route and Cultural Exchange between China and Foreign CountriesChapter 6: The Place of Ancient Countries in Thailand and the Bay of Thailand in the Maritime Transportation between the East and West before the Sixth CenturyChapter 7: The Special Status of the Arab World in the Overland and Maritime Silk RoadChapter 8: The Influence of Zheng He's Expeditions on the Islamic World and CultureChapter 9: The Prosperity of Maritime Silk Road Pushed by Zheng He’s ExpeditionsChapter 10: The Special Status and Influence of Macao Port on the Modern Maritime Silk RoadChapter 11: On the Maritime Silk Road and Cultural Exchanges between China, the Philippines and the Latin AmericaChapter 12: The History and Prospect for the Development of the Southwest Silk RoadChapter 13: On the History and Contribution of the Maritime Silk Road