Illustrated Gazetteer of the Maritime Kingdoms, Volume 3

original: Haiguo Tuzhi (海國圖志). This seminal work was compiled by the scholar Wei Yuan and first published in 1842. It represents a pivotal moment in Chinese history where intellectuals began to systematically study Western geography, technology, and politics following the First Opium War. The title reflects the author's intent to map and describe the "maritime" nations—primarily those of Europe and the Americas—to better prepare the Qing Dynasty for international diplomacy and defense.