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Chen Cheng

1365 – 1457

Ming Dynasty diplomat

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About Chen Cheng

Lived 1365 – 1457 (aged 91–92). Chen Cheng was a Chinese explorer, diplomat, writer and ambassador.

Chen's approximate land route (green, based on the list of destinations in ), Zheng He's maritime route (black) and Yishiha's riverine route (blue).

Chen Cheng (; 1365–1457), courtesy name Zilu (子鲁), art name Zhushan (竹山), was a Chinese diplomat of the Ming dynasty, known for his overland journeys into Central Asia. His travels were contemporaneous to the treasure voyages of the admiral Zheng He.

Life Chen was born in 1365 in Linchuan County, Jiangxi province. He obtained the positions of juren (举人) and jinshi (進士) in 1393 and 1394 respectively after taking the imperial examination.

In 1396, Chen was sent on a diplomatic mission to the western region of Qaidam to establish border defence. In 1397, he was sent by the Hongwu Emperor as an envoy to Vietnam. From 1406 to 1411, he served in the Wenyuange (文渊阁), the imperial library in the Forbidden City, as an editor of the Yongle Encyclopedia.

Buddhist idols and temples in Turfan were described in 1414 by Chen Cheng.

In 1414, 1416 and 1420, Chen Cheng led a Ming mission to the court of the Timurid dynasty at Samarkand.

Works by Chen Cheng Travel in the Western Region Xi yu fan guo zhi, "A Record of the Barbarian Countries in the Western Region."

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Important facts

Born
1365
Birth century
Died
1457
Nationality

People in Chen Cheng's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Chen Cheng's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Chen Cheng?

Ming Dynasty diplomat

When was Chen Cheng born?

Chen Cheng was born in 1365.

When did Chen Cheng die?

Chen Cheng died in 1457.

What was Chen Cheng's occupation?

Chen Cheng was an explorer, diplomat, writer and ambassador.

What nationality was Chen Cheng?

Chen Cheng was Chinese.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Chen Cheng

· Wikidata: Q603609

· DBpedia: Chen Cheng (Ming dynasty)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Chen Cheng. https://biography.guide/chen-cheng-explorer/

MLA: "Chen Cheng." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/chen-cheng-explorer/.

Chicago: "Chen Cheng." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/chen-cheng-explorer/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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