Ten years after the South China Sea arbitration, a new documentary from CGTN sheds light on a little-known chapter of maritime history: the Genglubu, a handwritten navigation manual that guided generations of Hainan fishermen long before GPS and satellite technology. The documentary, Genglubu: Charting the South China Sea, explores how these manuals recorded routes, compass bearings, and sailing distances, enabling fishermen to navigate the challenging waters of the South China Sea and beyond.
The Genglubu, which translates to ‘sailing manual,’ is a testament to the skill and resilience of fishermen from Tanmen, Hainan Province. A single line of fourteen Chinese characters could encode an entire sea route, including departure point, direction, destination, distance, and estimated sailing time. These manuals were passed down through generations, preserving knowledge that allowed fishermen to traverse reefs, islands, and open seas safely.
The documentary features veteran fishing boat captains like Wang Shitao, who first went to sea at age nine and survived two typhoons that killed his crewmates. Reflecting on his decades at sea, Wang said, ‘I love the South China Sea. I hate it. I miss it.’ Another captain, Wang Shubao, noted the sacrifices demanded by the sea, advising, ‘Children and brothers should never sail on the same boat.’
Contrary to common assumptions, the Genglubu was not limited to the South China Sea. Research on the Liang Family Genglubu reveals routes extending to Singapore, Malacca, and Indonesia, indicating that Hainan fishermen played a role in regional maritime trade. ‘Hainan fishermen also took part in overseas trade,’ said Zhao Jueqi of the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea. Some manuscripts even include mountain-and-water charts with sketches of coastlines, compass bearings, water depth, and sea conditions, helping sailors identify islands and reefs.
International law scholar Anthony Carty noted that American and British navigational records also identify Chinese fishermen as being heavily engaged in fishing on these islands and other economic activities. The documentary traces a maritime tradition shaped by ordinary people, highlighting navigation, memory, and resilience as part of Asia’s shared maritime heritage. Today, while satellites and weather stations have transformed navigation, the purpose remains the same: helping sailors travel safely and return home.
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