Zhou Daguan

In this Chinese name, the family name is Zhou.

Zhou Daguan
Traditional Chinese周達觀
Simplified Chinese周达观
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinZhōu Dáguān
Wade–GilesChou1 Ta2-kuan1
IPA[ʈʂóʊ tǎ.kwán]
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationJāu Daaht-Gūn
JyutpingZau1 Daat6-Gun1
IPA[tsɐw˥ tat̚˨.kun˥]

Zhou Daguan (Wade–Giles: Chou Ta-kuan; French: Tcheou Ta-Kouan; c. 1270–?) was a Chinese diplomat of the Yuan dynasty of China, serving under Temür Khan (Emperor Chengzong of Yuan). He is most well known for his accounts of the customs of Cambodia and the Angkor temple complexes during his visit there.[1][2] He arrived at Angkor in August 1296,[3] and remained at the court of King Indravarman III until July 1297.[4][5] He was neither the first nor the last Chinese representative to visit the Khmer Empire. However, his stay is notable because he later wrote a detailed report on life in Angkor, The Customs of Cambodia (Chinese: 真臘風土記; pinyin: Zhenlafengtu Ji) . His portrayal is today one of the most important sources of understanding of historical Angkor and the Khmer Empire. Alongside descriptions of several great Buddhist temples, such as the Bayon, the Baphuon, Angkor Wat, and others, the text also offers valuable information on the everyday life and the habits of the inhabitants of Angkor.

  1. ^ Morris Rossabi (28 November 2014). From Yuan to Modern China and Mongolia: The Writings of Morris Rossabi. BRILL. p. 670. ISBN 978-90-04-28529-3.
  2. ^ Coedès, George (1968). Walter F. Vella (ed.). The Indianized States of Southeast Asia. trans.Susan Brown Cowing. University of Hawaii Press. pp. 176, 213–217. ISBN 978-0-8248-0368-1.
  3. ^ Maspero, G. (2002). The Champa Kingdom. Bangkok: White Lotus Co., Ltd. p. 90. ISBN 9747534991.
  4. ^ Higham, C. (2001). The Civilization of Angkor. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson. pp. 134–138. ISBN 9781842125847.
  5. ^ Higham, C. (2014). Early Mainland Southeast Asia. Bangkok: River Books Co., Ltd. pp. 390–391. ISBN 9786167339443.