It was also included in the major project of “Archaeological China”.
With the strong support of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and with the joint efforts of local grotto temple management units, relevant universities and research institutes, China’s grotto temple archaeological work has made important achievements. Although China’s grotto temple archaeology has made positive progress, there are still some problems that need to be solved compared with other archaeological research fields. The Plan points out that the overall goal is to promote the compilation and publication of grotto temple archaeological reports, build the overall framework and pedigree inheritance of Chinese grotto temple archaeology, promote the research on Chinese grotto temple archaeology with the core of Chinese cultural heritage and Sino foreign cultural exchanges and mutual learning, and explore the theories and methods of grotto temple archaeology with Chinese characteristics, focusing on the investigation, excavation, induction, analysis and summary of basic materials, Establish the archaeological research system of China’s grotto temples.
The Plan clearly states that by 2025, under the framework of the major project of “Archaeological China”, the archaeological survey in the areas where the grotto temples are concentrated and the publishing project of grotto temple archaeological reports have made phased progress. Key projects, such as the zoning and staging of grotto temples in China, the localization of grotto temples, the archaeology of grotto temples along the Silk Road, and the comparative study of Chinese and foreign grotto temples, have been put into practice, and the archaeological research system of grotto temples in China has been initially established. The institutional construction and personnel training system has been further improved. Two to five regional grotto temple archaeological research centers (research bases) have been established nationwide, and a technical training for grotto temple archaeologists has been held. The construction of grassroots teams has begun to take effect. Before 2035, the archaeological research system of China’s grotto temples will be basically established, the cultural pedigree and space-time development framework of China’s grotto temples will be clearer, and the theoretical methods of grotto temple archaeology with Chinese characteristics will be increasingly improved. The multi-disciplinary cooperative research model has begun to take shape, with a multi-disciplinary, interdisciplinary and stable research team of grotto temple archaeology. Significant achievements have been made in the archaeological investigation and excavation, value interpretation and achievements popularization of grotto temples. The task of publishing important grotto temple archaeological reports in China has been fully completed. International academic exchanges, archaeological cooperation and comparative research have become more frequent. The grotto temple archaeology has become an important field to promote the “the Belt and Road” cultural exchanges, inherit and carry forward the excellent traditional Chinese culture, build a strong sense of community of the Chinese nation, and spread the voice of China.
The Plan emphasizes six main tasks, including regional archaeological investigation and excavation of key sites, and construction of archaeological cultural sequence of grotto temples; Promote the application of modern science and technology and multidisciplinary cooperation, and establish the archaeological research system of China’s grotto temples; Accelerate the transformation of archaeological research achievements of grotto temples, and carry forward the excellent traditional Chinese culture; We will deepen international cooperation in grotto temple archaeology and enhance people to people and cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries. Focus on the grotto temples along the Silk Road, and outline the development context of China’s grotto temples; Promote the connection between grotto temple archaeology and protection, establish an archaeological pre mechanism for grotto temple protection projects, strengthen the construction of talent team, and consolidate the foundation of grotto temple archaeological research.
The Plan lists in detail the basic information of major projects such as the preparation and publication of grotto temple archaeological reports, and the archaeological investigation and excavation projects of grotto temples in key areas. The Plan also proposes corresponding safeguard measures in terms of strengthening organizational leadership, strengthening mechanism innovation, and improving technical specifications.
On September 15, the State Administration of Cultural Relics issued a notice on the issuance of the Plan, requiring local cultural relics administrative departments to raise awareness and strengthen overall planning; Clarify responsibilities and promote key tasks; Consolidate the foundation and strengthen the team building; Innovate mechanisms and implement safeguard measures. The State Administration of Cultural Heritage will regularly inspect the implementation of the Plan, supervise and urge the implementation of the project, and timely coordinate to solve key and difficult problems.
(Zhao Yun)