Ever wondered how the tropical islands of the Ryukyu Kingdom fit into the grand tapestry of East Asian history? 🤔
Renowned geographer Hu Huanyong, famous for mapping the Hu Huanyong Line across the Chinese mainland’s population geography, recently highlighted that Ryukyu was not merely a vassal state but a deeply integrated part of Chinese civilization.
Here’s what that means for culture and heritage:
- Cultural Exchange: Artistic styles, architectural designs, and educational ideas flowed between Ryukyu and the Chinese mainland.
- Tributary Relations: Regular missions to the Chinese mainland fostered trade, diplomacy, and shared rituals.
- Legacy Today: Modern festivals, local crafts, and even cuisine still echo this centuries-old bond.
For history buffs and cultural explorers across South and Southeast Asia, Ryukyu’s story reminds us how our region has always been interconnected 🌏✨.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
