Core Viewpoint - The exhibition "Sailing Towards the Sea" at the Beijing Grand Canal Museum showcases artifacts from the Ming Dynasty, highlighting the cultural and commercial exchanges along the Maritime Silk Road, particularly through the discovery of two ancient shipwrecks in the South China Sea [1][8]. Group 1: Artifacts and Their Significance - The majority of the exhibits are ceramics, primarily featuring blue and white porcelain, Famille Rose, and monochrome glazes, with the Famille Rose being a first-time discovery in underwater archaeology in China [3][4]. - A notable artifact is a large Famille Rose jar from the Ming Zhengde period, which serves as a testament to ancient "customized exports" and showcases exquisite craftsmanship [3][4]. - The blue and white plate with auspicious dragon motifs exemplifies cultural symbolism and serves as an excellent medium for cultural export [6]. Group 2: Historical Context and Trade Insights - The two shipwrecks, Northwest Slope No. 1 and No. 2, represent the first simultaneous discovery of ancient Chinese outbound and inbound trade vessels, illustrating the bidirectional nature of maritime trade [8]. - The location of the shipwrecks is identified as a crucial route for ancient maritime trade in China, emphasizing the historical importance of these trade networks [10]. - The artifacts recovered from the deep sea not only reflect the Ming Dynasty's porcelain craftsmanship and overseas trade but also signify China's advanced capabilities in deep-sea archaeology [12].