Definition of "sampan"

We traveled down the Min River from Nanping in a small sampan, flying the American flag for protection against bandits and soldiers. Those were the days when the Stars and Stripes still afforded some protection.

1953, John C. Caldwell, China Coast Family‎, Chicago: Henry Regnery Company, page 96

Freedom-fighter Lin Chun-hwei reports his escape from the mainland at the Free China Relief Association. Lin escaped by sampan from Putien in Fukien province to one of the islets near Kinmen Oct. 27.

1975 November 16, L. Chen, “Maoist showcase of big troubles”, in Free China Weekly‎, volume XVI, number 45, Taipei, page 3