Zheng He Celebrations Kick Off at the Marina Promenade in Singapore

For the first time in Singapore, experience Admiral Zheng He’s world as he lived it six centuries ago. See a Ming dynasty imperial silk robe; Hear traditional Iranian melodies; Taste the highly sought-after spices that have flavoured Asian cuisine and move to the hypnotic rhythms of Indian dance, all at the Festive Village at Singapore’s Marina Promenade.

The launch of the Festive Village by Minister for Foreign Affairs BG (NS) George Yeo today will kick off the Singapore Zheng He 600th Anniversary Celebrations. Over 100 overseas delegates including 50 performers from six countries - China, Indonesia, India, Iran, Kenya, and Malaysia - that Zheng He called at on his journeys will join Singapore to showcase their local architecture, cuisine, handicrafts and performances in specially designed pavilions intended to recreate the world of 600 years ago. A Singapore host pavilion will also be featured at the Village. Admission to the Festive Village, which ends on 10 July, is free.

A key event under the umbrella of the Singapore Zheng He 600th Anniversary Celebrations, the Festive Village commemorates the first of Zheng He’s seven epic voyages. Also included are a host of events such as the Admiral’s Odyssey – a brand new musical by the creators of Chang and Eng, 1421 Exhibition, the Zheng He & Maritime Asia Exhibition, Recreation of Longyamen and the Third International Conference of Institutes of Libraries for Chinese Overseas. “Zheng He and the Treasure Fleet”, published by SNP International, will also be launched in conjunction with the celebrations. Zheng He enthusiasts can also look forward to Zheng He memorabilia such as a special stamp issue and a series of exquisite commemorative coins.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is part of a multi-agency Central Coordinating Committee formed to co-ordinate the Celebrations, to commemorate the achievements and discoveries of Zheng He and showcase Singapore as a destination with a rich maritime heritage.

“Admiral Zheng He’s voyages have had immeasurable impact and influence on many lives over many continents. The important trading ports of call he visited 600 years ago are today Singapore’s close partners - all of us are intricately linked economically, socially and culturally. I believe his story will appeal to everyone and it is with this thought that we have planned our exciting line-up of events. There is something for everyone – whether you’re a student or academic, tourist or resident and whether you are looking for entertainment or intellectual stimulation,” said Mr Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman & Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board, who chairs the Central Coordinating Committee for the Zheng He Celebrations.

To market the celebrations in the region, STB is in partnership with National Geographic Channel (Asia) to promote the celebrations, which include screening of 30-second commercials and a Zheng He documentary.

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