An ancient Chinese document called the Shan Hai Jing dating back to 2000 BC, describes a legendary paradise to the east of China - Fusang. However  a particular style of ancient Asian map indicates Fusang on the American coastline.

What could this mean?

According to the late Hendon Harris Junior, a Southern Baptist missionary who collected seven such ancient Asian maps over the course of his life time, Fusang was no legend. It was America. His theory is supported by many scholars who believe that the Chinese sailed to America before the time of Christ and are in fact the ancestors of the Native Americans.

Harris's daughter, Charlotte Harris-Rees, visited Hong Kong recently to talk with members of the Royal Geographic society about her father's map collection and her investigation into his theories.

Did the Chinese beat Christopher Columbus to the Americas? Listen to what Charlotte has to say this week on Asian Threads.

Featured guest - Charlotte Harris Rees, author of "Chinese Sailed to America before Columbus"(www.asiaticfathers.com).