Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council have attached great importance to the work of cultural relics and archaeology.
In the past decade, China’s archaeological cause has developed by leaps and bounds, entering a new stage of vigorous development. Now, Chinese archaeologists are showing the spirit of a new era, and this ancient land is also showing the charm of a new era.
Over the past ten years, we have explored the origin, pondered over civilization and archaeology to understand China, focused on major archaeological discoveries and academic research, and demonstrated the development of Chinese civilization.
Since 2012, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage has organized and implemented more than 1900 active archaeological excavation projects. The rich and detailed archaeological discoveries and research results have demonstrated the continuous, diversified and inclusive development of Chinese civilization, and forged the awareness of the Chinese nation community.
The fourth phase of the Chinese Civilization Exploration Project was completed in 2016, and the fifth phase was started in 2020. Through successive efforts of several generations of scholars, the research achievements of major projects such as the Project of Exploring the Origin of Chinese Civilization have demonstrated China’s “human history of millions of years, cultural history of 10000 years, and civilization history of more than 5000 years”. Over the years, the Chinese Civilization Exploration Project team has focused on many sites such as Liangzhu, Taosi, Shimao, Erlitou, Sanxingdui, whether it is the ancient city of Liangzhu and the surrounding water conservancy system, the site of Taosi Palace, or Shimao Imperial City Platform, as well as the latest discoveries of Erlitou and Sanxingdui. These archaeological discoveries and studies not only demonstrate the 5000 year old civilization of the land of China, but also further indicate that there are multiple geographical units within the land of China, The prehistoric cultural exchange and integration in various regions formed a common cultural gene.
During the 13th Five Year Plan period, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage launched a major project of “Archaeological China”. Focusing on the key areas such as the origin of human beings, the origin of agriculture, the origin of civilization, the formation and development of a unified multi-ethnic country, and the important position of Chinese civilization in the history of world civilization, we continued to carry out the “Xia Culture Study”, “Hetao Area Settlement and Social Study”, “Middle Yangtze River Area Civilization Process Study”, “Central Plains Civilization Process Study”, “Haidai Area Civilization Process Study”, and border archaeology Special projects such as grotto temple archaeology. From the Baishiya Karst Cave Site on the Xiahe River in Gansu Province, which opened a new chapter in the study of human evolution in East Asia, to the Jijiao City Site in Lixian County, Hunan Province, which revealed the rare and complete wooden building foundation during the Qujialing culture period, from the “Wen” city in Gangshang to the “Xia” granary village in Tianxia, from the Tuyuhun royal family tombs on the Qilian Mountain to the Huangsha beacon along the Peacock River, archaeological discoveries emerge endlessly, which not only establishes a historical time and space framework, but also enriches the context and branches of history, It is of great significance in exploring the origin and development of Chinese civilization.
It is worth mentioning that in the past ten years, remarkable achievements have been made in the archaeological work in the border areas. Archaeological work, such as the Shichengzi Site in Xinjiang, the Beiting Old City Site, the Xizang Chere Site, the Maya Site, the Gebuseru Site, and the Dangxiong Cemetery, has been building a regional archaeological and cultural chronological framework to promote the origin of human beings, the origin of agriculture, the migration of ancient people, the development of prehistoric culture and environmental changes, the military and political establishment system of the Han and Tang Dynasties In terms of research on important topics such as the Plateau Silk Road and South Asia Corridor, all of them have witnessed the spirit and character of Chinese culture of “embracing all directions” and “inclusiveness and inclusiveness”, the cultural foundation of people of all ethnic groups as one family, and the spiritual blood of cultural diversity and integration of all ethnic groups.
Over the past ten years, we have served the overall situation, promoted the orderly development of archaeological and cultural relics protection of major national construction projects, and achieved development in protection and protection in development.
According to statistics, since 2012, more than 6700 infrastructure archaeological excavation projects have been carried out nationwide. A number of important sites, such as the tomb of Emperor Suiyang in Yangzhou, Jiangsu, the site of the old drum tower government office in Chongqing, the tomb of King Jin Fan of the Ming Dynasty in Dongshan, Taiyuan, Shanxi, the site of the Yuan Dynasty in Fancunjing, Taicang, Jiangsu, the site of Shuanghuai tree in Gongyi, Henan, and the Tang tomb in Tianzhucha Mountain, Gansu, have been found and properly protected. They have been preserved through the construction of archaeological heritage parks, heritage museums, and other means, becoming the name card of local urban culture.
With the reconstruction of old cities and the expansion of new cities in major cities across the country, the number of large-scale infrastructure projects is growing rapidly, and urban archaeological survey, exploration and excavation are also facing new challenges and tests. “The Millennium Plan, a national event.” The “Xiong’an Archaeology”, which was first opened in 2017, was endowed with extraordinary historical significance. Archaeology takes the lead in the city of thousands of years. It is reported that Xiong’an New Area has completed 2000 square kilometers of archaeological survey, 3.45 million square meters of exploration, and 10400 square meters of excavation, and achieved fruitful results – there are many cultural relics buried underground, especially from the Neolithic Age to the Han Dynasty, involving settlement sites, tombs, kiln sites, etc. Nanyang Site, Chengzi Site, Maozhou City Site and other cultural relics have become more and more alive through archaeology, continuing the cultural context of the future city for thousands of years.
The site of Prince Chongli City in Hebei Province was also awakened by infrastructure archaeology. Since 2017, the Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology of Hebei Province, the Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology of Zhangjiakou City, the Chongli District Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism and other units have formed a joint archaeological team to carry out archaeological excavations on the site of Prince City, and finally determined that this is the imperial palace site of Jin Zhangzong in the Jin Dynasty. The site was rediscovered by the infrastructure project of the Winter Olympic Village in Zhangjiakou competition area for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games and the Winter Paralympic Games. It can be said that the ancient Prince City and the modern Olympic Games have formed an “ice and snow miracle”. The construction of the archaeological site park of Prince City has also become a new model of the combination of venue construction and cultural relics protection in the history of the Olympic Games.
The system design and supporting policies of “archaeology first, then transfer” have been formulated to provide a strong policy guarantee for the smooth development of infrastructure archaeology and cultural relics protection, so as to achieve “archaeology first” to protect cultural relics and urban construction and development. Let “earth moving and archaeology first” become the consensus of the whole society, so that urban construction and cultural relics protection can complement each other.
Over the past ten years, we have focused on scientific and technological means to help improve the archaeological ability and the development of archaeological disciplines, and created a scientific and technological engine to make Chinese archaeology more powerful.
Science and technology are the primary productive forces and also provide inexhaustible power for field archaeology. Today, science and technology continue to infiltrate and integrate into archaeology:
Whether it is applied to archaeological survey and mapping, it greatly improves the scientific and convenient 3D reconstruction technology of multi angle images, low altitude photography technology, and airborne laser scanning remote sensing technology of regional geographic and environmental information collection; It also conducts carbon 14 dating, isotope analysis, trace analysis and ancient DNA analysis for unearthed relics through flotation, sampling and detection; Or the protection and restoration of cultural relics in the later period, all of which show the deep integration of scientific and technological archaeology.
Some scholars vividly said: “Through interdisciplinary and multi platform cooperation, archaeological materials can ‘speak’ through scientific and technological means.” It is true that whether scientific and technological archaeological methods can be more widely and effectively used in archaeological research has become an important yardstick to measure the level of archaeological research in a country in the 21st century. It can be said that each archaeological excavation can not be separated from the support of science and technology.
The new round of excavation of Sanxingdui Ruins has always adhered to the working philosophy of “subject presetting, protection synchronization, multidisciplinary integration and multi team cooperation”. The excavation area is not only covered with large-span steel structure greenhouses, but also equipped with several “excavation shelters” with constant temperature and humidity. In addition to the multi-functional excavation operating system, there are emergency analysis laboratories, micro trace emergency protection laboratories… The excavation of Sanxingdui site, in conjunction with many domestic scientific research institutions, universities and science and technology companies, has organized well-known experts in different fields to serve as academic consultants, forming field archaeology, laboratory archaeology The work mode of deep integration of scientific and technological archaeology and cultural relics protection is broad and subtle, creating a new mode of multidisciplinary and open archaeological work.
In the past ten years, we have braved the wind and waves, encountered the beautiful underwater world, explored the sunken civilization, and expanded the “vast space” of Chinese archaeology.
In 2022, the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on the Protection and Administration of Underwater Cultural Relics was revised and promulgated, further strengthening the legal protection. Up to now, China has identified 241 underwater cultural relics sites, and 5 underwater cultural relics, including Beijiao shipwreck site, Haitan Strait underwater site, Huaguang Reef shipwreck site, Jinyin Island shipwreck site, and Coral Island shipwreck site, have been announced as key national cultural relics protection sites. Guangdong Province, Fujian Province, and Shandong Province have designated underwater cultural relics protection areas, and regularly carry out cultural relics law enforcement and joint inspection to effectively ensure the safety of underwater cultural relics.
In 2014, the underwater cultural heritage protection center of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage was established, and since then China has had a special and independent national underwater cultural heritage protection research institution; In 2019, China’s first underwater archaeology ship, “China Archaeology 01”, was delivered for use, thus saying goodbye to the era of renting fishing boats.
Someone said, “Underwater archaeology is not only to discover cultural relics, but also to provide basic support for the architecture of complete Chinese history.”
It is reported that the overall salvage and archaeological protection of the “Nanhai I” sunken ship has achieved phased results, and more than 180000 pieces (sets) of various relics have been extracted, providing valuable first-hand information for understanding the commerce and trade on the Maritime Silk Road during the Southern Song Dynasty; The investigation of the shipwreck site in the Sino Japanese War of 1894-1895 has found and confirmed Zhiyuan, Jingyuan and Dingyuan, which not only provides more objective and real materials for historical research, but also provides vivid material materials for patriotism education.
Over the past ten years, we have brought archaeology into the public’s view with a new look, shared archaeological and historical research achievements with the society, and played a better role in educating people through history.
The progress release mechanism of “Archaeological China” major projects has been gradually improved. The latest achievements have been reported to the media through progress workshops, and correct and scientific archaeological knowledge has been popularized to the public. Now the release of “Archaeological China” achievements has been normalized, and more than 50 new archaeological discoveries and achievements have been introduced, with strong social repercussions.
The annual selection of “National Top Ten Archaeological New Discoveries” leads the development direction of the discipline in a certain period of time and shapes the spiritual characteristics of the connotation of the discipline. It is not only a window for archaeological work display and publicity, but also a platform for archaeologists to shape public image and show themselves. Now, the brand influence of the “Top Ten Archaeological New Discoveries in China” has been growing, and we try to create the concept of “cloud archaeology” by introducing online live broadcast, new media platform promotion and other ways, and share the highlights of the “Top Ten Archaeological” final evaluation meeting with archaeologists in a timely manner, so that people can enjoy a feast of archaeological knowledge at home.
From the Chinese Archaeological Conference, which strives to tell good archaeological stories, to the new archaeological discoveries at Sanxingdui Site of the Spring Festival Gala, the popularity of cultural relics and archaeology has been growing. After careful consideration, the essence of “archaeological fever” is actually the embodiment of the public’s love for Chinese culture. Archaeological craze brings archaeology into the public’s view, arousing people’s attention to the stories behind the cultural relics, and further understanding the essence of Chinese traditional culture, and enhancing the recognition of excellent traditional culture.
At the same time, the “archaeological craze” has further stimulated the enthusiasm of archaeologists to tell good archaeological stories. They seek innovation and development, and more actively participate in public archaeological activities. There are more diverse activities such as archaeological site open days, archaeological summer camps, and archaeological research tours. Archaeology is more popular in classrooms and communities. “Cultural self-confidence is the most basic, profound and lasting force in the development of a country and a nation.”
Over the past decade, we have also been soberly aware that there is still a huge talent gap to maintain the sustainable and high-quality development of archaeology, and China’s archaeology is more in urgent need of a large number of talents than ever before.
How can we ensure that the cause of archaeology has successors and talents?
Therefore, the enrollment scale of students at all levels of cultural relics archaeology and related majors in colleges and universities has expanded. Focusing on the field archaeological practice in colleges and universities, we will promote the improvement of the teaching quality of the archaeological specialty in colleges and universities. In 2019 and 2020, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage will hold two consecutive symposiums on the field archaeological work in colleges and universities. In 2021, it will print and distribute the Guidelines for the Preparation of Field Archaeological Practice Programs in Colleges and Universities, providing guidance for the field archaeological practice teaching in colleges and universities. The State Administration of Cultural Heritage, together with the Ministry of Education, implemented the special project of cultivating high-level talents urgently needed by the country in archaeology. The Archaeological Education Committee of the Chinese Archaeological Society came into being at the historic moment, and the cultivation of archaeological talents has received due attention.
The in-service personnel training system has been increasingly improved, and a training and education mode with clear themes and strong pertinence has been formed, which combines the pre job training courses for archaeological excavation project leaders, field archaeological practice training courses for practitioners, and special seminars for archaeological excavation project leaders. The seminar of “Xia Cultural Archaeology Research”, the seminar of Buddhist archaeology and grotto temple research, the advanced seminar of Paleolithic archaeology, and the advanced seminar of urban archaeology open construction site meet the needs of archaeologists in all fields and research directions to explore, research, and discuss at the same time, strive to make academic breakthroughs, and actively engage in archaeological work in related fields.
We can see that the “knot” that restricts the development of Chinese archaeology is also gradually opening. The construction of world-class archaeological institutions was included in the “Fourteenth Five Year Plan” for Cultural Relics Protection and Scientific and Technological Innovation. The staffing of archaeological institutions in large provinces and cities with large cultural relics increased significantly, effectively relieving the pressure of insufficient grassroots staff.
According to statistics, from 2012 to 2022, 24 archaeological institutions and universities including Renmin University of China have been awarded the qualification for archaeological excavation. There are 91 qualified units for archaeological excavation nationwide. There are 2194 persons in charge of archaeological excavation projects, and nearly 4000 auxiliary archaeological technicians have been employed outside the establishment. A high-quality and professional archaeological team has been established.
Over the past ten years, we have looked around the world and brought our shovels with us. “China Team” made a collective appearance on the world archaeological stage.
In recent years, Chinese archaeologists have actively gone abroad to carry out international cooperation. According to preliminary statistics, from 2016 to 2019, 32 relevant institutions in China carried out 36 joint archaeological projects abroad, involving 21 countries and regions in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, and established good working relationships with more than 40 foreign archaeological institutions, museums, universities, foundations, etc.
Since 2012, the Archaeological Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Archaeological Research Institute of the Uzbek Academy of Sciences have jointly carried out seven archaeological excavations on the site of Mingtiepei. It reveals the basic pattern of large cities along the Silk Road during the Han and Jin Dynasties, and fully demonstrates the cultural exchange, ethnic migration, ideological integration and civilization interaction along the Silk Road.
Leaving the “Pearl of the Ancient Silk Road”, the archaeologists entered the ancient maritime transportation arteries again. In March 2018, the archaeological work of the Sarin Harbor Site in Saudi Arabia, a joint archaeological project between China and Saudi Arabia, officially began. Archaeologists from the Underwater Cultural Heritage Protection Center of the State Administration of Cultural Relics of China (now renamed the Archaeological Research Center of the State Administration of Cultural Relics) and the Saudi National Archaeological Center braved the intense heat to investigate and excavate. The entire Port of Salin site covers an area of more than 1 million square meters, which is divided into the southern construction area and the northern burial area. The archaeological team found four terraces in the construction site area and cleared up the walls built with coral stones and other relics. Many cultural relics, including celadon and white porcelain and celadon pieces from the Song and Yuan Dynasties, blue and white porcelain pieces from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, as well as bronze weights, Arab pottery and glazed pottery, Persian glazed pottery and glass fragments, were excavated and collected. Located in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula and on the shore of the Red Sea, the site of the Port of Salin is a link between eastern and western civilizations. These discoveries undoubtedly provide valuable material materials for the study of the Maritime Silk Road and the interpretation of the site of the Port of Salin.
Nine thousand li in China, five thousand years in China. An extraordinary decade has witnessed remarkable achievements. Footing on this ancient land, looking for the history of the past is still a memorable experience. The Chinese archaeologists are proud of their “strength”. In the past ten years, there have been changes and changes, feelings and gratitude, persistence and perseverance. The figures of the archaeologists’ perseverance and bravery can be clearly delineated. They draw strength and move forward bravely. The pace of Chinese archaeology will not stop, and the Chinese archaeology entering the golden age will usher in a new atmosphere and new achievements!
(Zhang Chen)