Photo from www.economist.com of a 1763 Chinese map of the world, claiming to be a reproduction of a 1418 map made from Zheng He's voyages. Lui Gang stated he discovered it in 2005 but it is disputed as a possible forgery. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
By Kevin James Jeffery 4:53 pm PST
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Prepare to have your history books rewritten! While Christopher Columbus is widely celebrated for discovering the New World in 1492, a mind-boggling theory based on an ancient Chinese text has rocked the boat. According to this mind-blowing claim, the Ancient Chinese might have beaten Columbus to America by a whopping 3,750 years! Buckle up as we dive deep into the intriguing details of this incredible ancient text and explore the evidence that challenges everything we thought we knew about global exploration.

Before we explore these historical truths, we must understand that ancient China was a vastly different place from today’s China, which is currently under Chinese Communist Party rule and censorship.  Ancient China was guided by numerous benevolent and disciplined teachings passed down by enlightened scholars, saints and emperors. They lived according to the social traditions and enjoyed prosperous dynasties throughout its 5,000 years of civilization.

Clues to an Ancient Chinese Voyage

Our journey begins with the discovery of a jaw-dropping translation of an ancient Chinese manuscript known as the “Shan Hai Jing” or “Classic of Mountains and Seas.” This remarkable text, believed to be over 2,000 years old, recounts tales of mythical creatures, far-off lands, and exotic geography. But hidden within its pages lies a passage that has sent shockwaves through the academic world. It appears to describe an ancient voyage to a place called “Fusang,” which some daring researchers now suggest could very well be America.

A Bold Hypothesis: Chinese Exploration of America

In her work entitled Pale Ink, Henriette Mertz proposed that two accounts of Chinese travels to Fusang – one found in the Shan Hai Jing, which she dates to 2250 BC, and the other by Buddhist missionary Hui Shen in 499 AD – describe visits to the American continent. She pointed to the Milk River inscriptions as supporting evidence, interpreting them as Chinese glyphs made by one of the exploration parties. Mertz also speculated that Fusang might mean “fir trees” in Chinese, and considered the possibility that they could refer to the fir trees of British Columbia.

This hypothesis had been advocated earlier by Charles Godfrey Leland in 1875, but Mertz seemed to be unaware of this fact. Academic sinologists had long rejected this theory, and sinologist Joseph Needham writes in a footnote that, “the proposed identities in general require a heroic suspension of disbelief.”

Additional Evidence and Controversial Maps

Despite the skepticism from the academic community, supporters of this groundbreaking theory don’t stop at the Shan Hai Jing. They present a wealth of additional evidence to back their claims. Ancient Chinese maps, such as the contentious “Gavin Menzies Map,” depict the Americas long before Columbus’ celebrated expedition. And that’s not all. Alleged parallels between specific Chinese and Native American cultural practices, ancient scripts, and rituals further ignite curiosity, suggesting a connection between the two civilizations long before Columbus set sail.

Tracing Ancient Chinese Footprints

The connection between ancient Chinese exploration and the Grand Canyon is a subject that has sparked significant interest and debate among historians and archaeologists. Recent archaeological research in the Grand Canyon region has uncovered compelling evidence suggesting the presence of ancient Chinese visitors. Excavations in the area have revealed intriguing artifacts and inscriptions that bear striking similarities to ancient Chinese scripts. These enigmatic symbols, etched into rocks and cave walls, have left experts wondering if they could be remnants of early Chinese expeditions to this awe-inspiring natural wonder. The discovery has reignited the discussion surrounding the possibility of ancient Chinese explorers venturing into the heart of America.

Epigraph researcher John Ruskamp claims that these symbols shown in the enhanced image above, found etched into the rock at the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, New Mexico, are evidence that ancient Chinese explorers discovered America long before Christopher Columbus stumbled upon the continent in 1492. Evidence has also been found in ancient Chinese writing engraved on rocks in Nevada and Arizona. (Photo: John Ruskamp/dailymail.co.uk)

Implications and Ongoing Research

If the ancient Chinese did indeed visit the Grand Canyon, it would further challenge our understanding of pre-Columbian exploration and shed new light on the global interconnectedness of ancient civilizations. The ongoing research and investigation into this fascinating topic continue to captivate our imaginations and push the boundaries of historical knowledge. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of the past, the story of Chinese exploration in America takes on even more awe-inspiring dimensions, leaving us eager to uncover the truth hidden within the depths of history.