On 29th June 1429, the Xuande Emperor gave the order for a final treasure voyage. He appointed Zheng He to lead the fleet. But by this time, the Zheng He was 59 years Old. His health was deteriorating too.
This last voyage took three years. They visited at least 17 different ports. Their last destination was said to be Calicut. Once in Calicut, they found that the local ships were preparing to set out to Mecca.
Seven Chinese men were immediately sent to accompany the ships bound for Mecca.
On 22nd July 1433, they arrived at Beijing. Xuande Emperor bestowed the fleet personnel with ceremonial robes, and paper money.
Admiral Zheng He returned with envoys from 11 countries, including one from Mecca. Many ambassadors visited China, along with the treasure fleet, in order to pay tribute to the Ming dynasty.
During the course of the voyages, Ming China had become the pre-eminent naval power of the time.
These voyages were not celebrated in Chinese history. The scholars deplored the voyages criticizing that they caused financial drain.
