Jorge Álvares
Jorge Álvares | |
|---|---|
Jorge Álvares statue in Macau | |
| Born | Late 15th century |
| Died | 8 July 1521 |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Occupation | Explorer |
| Known for | First European explorer to reach China by sea during the Age of Discovery |
Jorge Álvares (died 8 July 1521) was a Portuguese explorer. He is credited as the first European to have reached China by sea during the Age of Discovery. His starting of settlements on an island in what is now Hong Kong is still considered a significant achievement, "for establishing commercial agreements with the Chinese [and for] maintaining the peace".