Ming Dynasty (1368A.D. TO 1644A.D.)

Seafaring developed; Zheng He's South Sea Navigation throughout Southeast Asia expanded China's political influence and promoted intercontinental relationships. Li Shi Zhen, regarded as the Father of Herbal Medicine wrote his famous "Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica)" which became an Herbal Encyclopedia of Chinese traditional medicine. Ming's "Shan Guo Yan Yi" (Romance of the Three Kingdoms)", "Xi You Ji (Story of a Journey to the West)", "Shui Hu Zhuan (Heroes of the Marshes)" and Qing's "Hong Lou Meng (The Dream of Red Mansion)" together are the Four Most Popular Novels of Ancient China.