This book examines the impact of shipbuilding on the society of the Song Dynasty from multiple perspectives and points out the positive contribution of ancient manufacture industry to social development at that time.

It explores some virgin territories and presents strong originality, such as the inland navigation methods in the Song Dynasty, the system of gods and goddesses in the aquatic world, and the defense system of the Yangtze River and the sea in the Southern Song Dynasty. It includes the markets in the coastal areas, the perception and imagery of the sea, the maritime disasters and rescues, the river courses and sea warfare, and the management of private ships in the Song Dynasty. On top of that, it provides fresh analysis and new perspectives on some issues that have been studied, such as Lisheng, shapes and sizes of ships, and vehicles and ships in the Song Dynasty.