The recent completion ceremony of the Zheng He Monument in Dhofar—hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Oman—marked the 45th anniversary of Oman-China diplomatic relations. This tribute honors a shared maritime heritage spanning over twelve centuries.
Oman’s strategic position along the ancient Maritime Silk Road fostered early cultural exchange. Historical records show that in 750 AD, Omani navigator Abu Obeid made the first documented Arab voyage to China, sailing from Sohar’s ancient port to Guangzhou in a wooden dhow. This pioneering journey laid the foundation for enduring Oman-China friendship.
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During the Ming Dynasty, the legendary Chinese navigator Zheng He made seven historic voyages across the North Indian Ocean between 1405 and 1433. His massive treasure fleet frequently visited Dhofar, then a thriving trade hub along the maritime silk road. Records show Zheng He’s expeditions called at this Omani port four times, significantly strengthening economic and cultural ties.
This rich history of exchange laid the foundation for modern relations, culminating in the formal establishment of China-Oman diplomatic relations on May 25, 1978. Today, this ancient friendship continues to flourish through growing economic partnerships and cultural cooperation.
In November 1980, a historic voyage revived ancient ties: Sultan Qaboos commissioned the replica wooden dhow Sohar to retrace Omani navigator Abu Obeid’s legendary 8th-century journey to China. After 231 days at sea, the vessel arrived triumphantly in Guangzhou to cheering crowds—rekindling the maritime bond between nations. Today, this symbol of friendship stands proudly before Muscat’s Al Bustan Palace, permanently displayed near Majlis Oman as a testament to our enduring China-Oman connection.
In December 1995, Oman completed construction of the “Sohar” monument in Guangzhou, China. To further strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two nations and promote cooperation across various fields, China and Oman later agreed to a reciprocal gesture. As part of this initiative, China established the Zheng He Monument in Salalah—the second-largest city in Oman, located in the Dhofar Governorate—to commemorate the historic ties and cultural exchanges between the two countries, and to symbolize a shared vision for continued collaboration. The monument was built using advanced 3D printing technology by China Communications Construction Company (Oman), the project’s official contractor.
Sail Through History with Us – Retrace the Legendary Voyages of China’s Greatest Explorer Along Oman’s Ancient Maritime Silk Road
In March 2021, during an official visit to Oman, then-Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, together with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, jointly unveiled the model of the Zheng He Monument. Later, on May 30, 2023, the Chinese Embassy in Oman held a ceremony in Salalah to mark the monument’s completion. The inauguration of the Zheng He Monument also commemorates the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Oman—a milestone celebrating the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Zheng He Oman Monument
This landmark monument, rich in symbolic meaning, stands as a new emblem of the enduring and evolving friendship between China and Oman in the modern era. It reflects the deepening cooperation and mutual trust across various fields, as both nations work toward building a community of shared future, focused on mutual benefit and common development. This spirit of collaboration continues to bring meaningful benefits to the peoples of both countries. Discover our unique cultural and educational experiences—and connect with our experts to craft a customized journey just for you.
