A Chinese junk, a ship with watertight compartments, that enabled trade over large distances.
Chinese foreign trade and international relations
Chinese sea trade increased greatly during the Song Dynasty, with ports like Quanzhou taking the lead. Trade across the seas helped by a booming shipbuilding industry in Fujian province. It was also encouraged by an economic revolution in Song China and the many willing investors that gave money to lead missions overseas. These were both trade missions, and designed to create contacts with the leaders of other governments in parts of Asia and Africa.
There were several notable diplomatic missions sent to China from foreign countries during the Song Dynasty. This included the embassy of Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah of Fatimid Egypt to the court of Emperor Zhenzong of Song in 1008, as well as the embassy of Kulothunga Chola I of the Indian Chola Dynasty to the court of Emperor Shenzong of Song in 1077.
Although the golden age of Chinese Buddhism ended during the Tang Dynasty, there were still influential Chinese Buddhist monks. This included the Zen Buddhist monk Wuzhun Shifan (1178-1249), who taught Japanese disciples such as Enni Ben'en (1201-1280). After returning to Japan from China, the latter contributed to the spread of Zen teaching in Japan and aided in the establishment of TÅfuku-ji.
A giraffe originally from Africa, sent to the government of the Song, 1414.
Islam during the Song Dynasty
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_during_the_Song_Dynasty
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