Voyage Through Time: Nanhai One, legendary ship on the Maritime Silk Road

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But first, what is Nanhai One? Where does it come from? Let me give you a tour around the museum.

ZENG CHAOQUN CURATOR, GUANGDONG MARITIME SILK ROAD MUSEUM "Nanhai One opened a new era for China's underwater archeology. Many of China's business in this sector started right here."

Nanhai One was believed to be a trade ship built in China's Song Dynasty, over 800 years ago. The ship was on a journey for trade on the ancient Maritime Silk Road. It sank off the coast near Yangjiang of Guangdong province soon after leaving port. Experts say it could have been heading for South or West Asia.

The remains of the ship are over 22 meters long with a maximum width of almost 10 meters.

Nanhai One was discovered by accident in 1987, when a British maritime exploration company was searching for a Dutch East India Company shipwreck from the 18th century.

But the complicated conditions underwater meant salvage work did not start until 20 years later. Nanhai One was lifted in one piece by a huge steel-structured caisson, and a new home was specially built for it, called the 'Crystal Palace'. The hull is still well preserved even today.

ZENG CHAOQUNCURATOR, GUANGDONG MARITIME SILK ROAD MUSEUM "Nanhai One is the oldest ship we found so far, dating back to the Song Dynasty. It's also the best preserved with most the relics found onboard. It can reflect the history of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, especially that of porcelain, tea and other trade, as well as the cultural communications between east and west."

Over 70-thousand relics have been discovered on the vessel so far. As the salvage operation continues, more surprises can still be expected.