Taicang is a coastal city in east China's Jiangsu Province. Located along the Yangtze River, Taicang was the place where Zheng He began his great voyages. Taicang became an important port early during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280), and its economy flourished in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The city reached its peak in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), being the "No. 1 Port in the World". The fine harbor, abundant storage of various materials as well as advanced shipbuilding also guaranteed Zheng He's voyages.

(ChinaCulture.org June 22, 2005)