A Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) ancient ship excavated in Penglai, Yantai. [Photo/VCG]

Nestled in the coastal city of Yantai, East China's Shandong province, the Penglai Ancient Ship Museum offers visitors a professional and immersive journey into the history of the ancient Dengzhou Port and the ships that once sailed from it.

As a specialized archaeological site museum, its core collection includes four remarkably well-preserved Chinese and foreign merchant ships dating back to the Yuan (1271-1368) and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties, excavated right in Penglai.

Daily items used by residents of the ancient Dengzhou Port. [Photo/VCG]

These historic vessels are displayed alongside other precious artifacts, including a red sandalwood rudder, yellow rosewood used in shipbuilding, and ancient wooden anchors. The exhibition also features exquisite porcelain, such as a white-glazed jar with cloud-and-dragon patterns and a celadon-glazed Song Dynasty (960-1127) wine pot with carved peony designs, alongside early cannons known as "bowl-mouthed guns".

Together, these rare objects provide invaluable physical evidence for researchers studying China's ancient naval ports, traditional shipbuilding techniques, and the historic Maritime Silk Road.