Zheng He (1371–1433) – Ming Dynasty, China

Zheng He was a Chinese mariner, explorer, and diplomat during the Ming Dynasty. Commanding the world's largest wooden fleet, he led seven epic voyages across the Indian Ocean, reaching as far as East Africa. These expeditions demonstrated China's immense naval power and advanced maritime technology, facilitating trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange before the era of European exploration. His journeys remain a testament to China's historical reach and seafaring ambition.