China & Kerala, a 600 year connection

The connection between China and Kerala spans over 600 years, centered on maritime trade across the Indian Ocean. During the Ming Dynasty, Chinese merchants and naval fleets sailed to Kerala’s Malabar Coast, trading silk, porcelain, and coins for spices—especially pepper. This relationship is most famously marked by the voyages of Zheng He, whose fleets visited Kerala ports in the 15th century and established diplomatic and commercial ties. Evidence of this connection survives in Chinese records, artifacts, and local traditions, highlighting Kerala’s role as a key hub in early global maritime networks.