The Fu ship is built using watertight-bulkhead technology. [Photo/fujian-szwhg.chaoxing.com]

The watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks is centered around the Quangang district of Quanzhou city, Fujian province, and later spread to the surrounding coastal regions. This technology has been recognized as a representative project in the traditional craftsmanship category in the fourth batch of national-level intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and was included on the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding by UNESCO in 2010.

The manufacturing technology of Fu ship originated in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Huang family, renowned for shipbuilding, constructed 62 large ships for Zheng He's voyages, and then migrated to Fengwei town of Quangang district, where they introduced and preserved this technology.

The manufacturing technology of the Fu ship encompasses basic elements such as design, material selection, and construction techniques. The bottom structure of the Fu ship features unique water-bulkhead compartment devices, iron nails, tung oil, and Chinese zodiac sign markings.

The preservation of this technology holds great value for conducting comparative studies on the four major Chinese ship types and the Nanhai One, an ancient shipwreck in the South China Sea. It will help strengthen research on Chinese shipbuilding history and maritime transportation history.

Craftsmen are making the Fu ship. [Photo/fujian-szwhg.chaoxing.com]