The Ming Dynasty, which ruled China for 276 years, was depicted as one of the greatest periods of human history for its good governance and social stability. During this period, the thriving handicrafts industry fostered the development of market economy and urbanization. Commodities, including alcohol and silk products, were available on the market in large quantities. At the same time, clocks and tobacco products, among many other foreign goods, were imported. Beijing, Nanjing, Yangzhou and Suzhou emerged as large commercial centers one after another. It was also during the Ming Dynasty that fleets headed by Navigator Zheng He made seven large-scale, adventurous voyages to the Indian Ocean. What is also worth mentioning is that three of the Four Great Classical Novels of China were written during this period.