The Emperor had many reasons for sending Zheng on voyages, but the main reason was to discover new land and show the world his greatness. On the first voyage there were 255 ships with about 27,000 crew members. Each ship was 400 feet long and he traveled about 11,600 miles to Calicut on his first voyage which was really an incredible feat compared to Columbus mileage of 2,000 miles.
Emperor Yongle wanted China to create many allies and powerful friendships. He wanted to avoid military conflict like wars. So, the emperor sent Zheng He on another voyage. This voyage was the fifth voyage. He was told to deliver tributes back to Foreign Envoys that have sent tributes. This stopped many conflicts which makes Zheng He’s voyages much more important. But after the Emperor and Zheng He died Chinese officials destroyed any records of the voyages Zheng He has made. They decided that Zheng He’s voyages were a mistake and that it should have never happened.
So, after many years of Zheng He’s work he should be celebrated even though Chinese officials did not agree. They weren’t able to see how much Zheng He really did for China. Zheng He set incredible standards for the ships that were created and the distance traveled. Not only that but he also stopped many conflicts and helped China receive more commissioners. So, yes, Zheng He’s voyages should be