During his expeditions, Ma Huan took notes on the geography, politics, weather conditions, environment, economy, local customs, and even methods of punishment for criminals. Returning home on his first expedition, he began writing a book on his expedition, the first draft of which was ready around 1416. He expanded and modified his draft during later expeditions, the final version was finalized around 1451. The title of his book was Yingya Shenglan (The Overall Survey of the Ocean's Shores).
During the Ming dynasty and Qing dynasty, there were many printed and handcopied editions. The latest authentic text of a printed version was edited and annotated by historian Feng Chengjun [zh]. A newer edition, based on Ming dynasty handcopied editions, was recently published by Ocean Publishing House in China.
An annotated English translation by J.V.G. Mills (1887–1987) was published by the Hakluyt Society in 1970,[3] and reprinted in 1997 by The White Lotus Press in Bangkok. Mills's translation was based on the edition by Feng Cheng jun.
The Yingya Shenglan is considered by sinologists worldwide as a primary source for the history of Ming dynasty naval exploration, history of South East Asia and history of India.
Gordon, Stewart. When Asia was the World: Traveling Merchants, Scholars, Warriors, and Monks who created the "Riches of the East" Da Capo Press, Perseus Books, 2008. ISBN0-306-81556-7.
J. V. G. Mills (tr.) (1970). Ma Huan: Ying-yai sheng-lan 'The overall survey of the ocean's shores' (1433), translated from the Chinese text edited by Feng Ch'eng-chün. Cambridge University Press.
