In the Chinese technological tradition, no sector, apart from that of agriculture, is as rich in original ideas as naval architecture. Over the past three millennia, hundreds of different types of craft have been developed for use on China's shallow lakes, on its fast flowing rivers and along its often stormy coastal waters. Each type was developed for specific use as a means of transportation, and would seem to represent the ultimate answer to the challenges posed by local conditions. Ultimate answer, that is, within the limitations of the traditional building materials with which these boats were constructed and fitted out. Nor was ingenuity confined to construction techniques.