Beijing, September 25, 2024 – The State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) has announced the launch of a comprehensive research project focused on the Xia-Shang civilizations, marking a significant step forward in the exploration and understanding of ancient Chinese history.
During a press conference held as part of the Promoting High-Quality Development series, SACH Deputy Director, Guan Qiang, outlined the objectives of the new initiative. The project aims to tackle major historical issues and establish a National Xia-Shang Civilization Archaeological Research Center to facilitate further studies.
Guan emphasized the recent advancements made by the SACH in promoting archaeology with Chinese characteristics, style, and prestige. He highlighted the achievements of the Origin of Chinese Civilization project, which has proposed a Chinese solution to defining and identifying civilizations, contributing original insights to the study of world civilization origins.
The Deputy Director also mentioned the progress of the Archaeology China major projects, with over 990 proactive archaeological projects implemented during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Notable archaeological discoveries, such as the sites of Yunxian Man, Pi Lo, Liangzhu, Erlitou, and Sanxingdui, have provided empirical evidence of China’s million-year human history, ten-thousand-year cultural history, and five-thousand-year civilization history.
The archaeological achievements have been incorporated into middle school history textbooks, and China has actively engaged in joint archaeological projects with Arab and African countries, expanding its archaeological influence globally. Significant breakthroughs in underwater archaeology, such as the excavation and preservation of over 180,000 precious artifacts from the Nanhai No.1 shipwreck and the complete recovery of the ancient ship Changjiangkou No.2, have elevated China’s underwater archaeological technology and equipment to an international level.
Additionally, the implementation of the Archaeology First policy in 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities has effectively safeguarded the protection and development of major national construction projects, such as the Xiong’an New Area and the Beijing Urban Area, achieving a balance between conservation and development.
Currently, 55 national archaeological site parks have been established, with 80 more in the pipeline. Museums at sites such as Sanxingdui, Shizhuang, Yin Xu, and Qiliuhe Fosi have been built and opened, serving as important platforms for cultural transmission and civilization heritage.
Looking ahead, Guan Qiang stated that the SACH will further promote institutional reforms in the archaeology sector. The administration will facilitate the integration of multidisciplinary, cross-regional professional forces, enhance the application of scientific and technological support, and deepen the research on Chinese civilization history. The plan includes the construction of world-class archaeological institutions, the implementation of a national archaeological talent revitalization plan, and comprehensive advancement in academic research, international cooperation, management innovation, and team building. This will help to systematically elevate the professionalism, scientificity, internationalization, and modernization of Chinese archaeology.
Furthermore, the SACH will continue to promote the social sharing of archaeological achievements, advance the protection and utilization of major archaeological sites, and construct vibrant archaeological site parks and museums. The administration aims to provide the public with richer archaeological experiences, fully leveraging archaeology’s role in educating and cultivating cultural heritage.
The announcement of the Xia-Shang Civilization Research Project has generated excitement and anticipation among historians and archaeologists, who are eager to uncover new insights into ancient Chinese history. The project represents a significant step forward in China’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage.
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