In the picturesque city of Qionghai, located in South China’s Hainan Province, a renowned international forum was convened. Attracting over 140 specialists from various corners of the globe, the forum centered around the intricate cultural legacies of the Maritime Silk Road and contemporary methods to preserve and promote them.
A major topic that garnered considerable attention was the “achievements in excavation and research.” Many in the academic community have drawn connections between this topic and China’s impressive strides in underwater archaeological explorations over recent years.
A particularly noteworthy focal point was the Nanhai No.1, an ancient shipwreck from the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Unearthed in 1987, this relic serves as a tangible testament to China’s vibrant cultural and trade interactions along the Maritime Silk Road approximately eight centuries ago.
Ye Daoyang, a prominent figure from the Maritime Silk Road Museum of Guangdong, where the historical shipwreck is currently displayed, elaborated on its significance. He described the Nanhai No.1 as an invaluable material testament that underscores China’s pivotal role in shaping the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Highlighting China’s dynamic legacy, Ye added, “China pioneered the East-West exchange of cultural treasures like porcelain and myriad other commodities.”
Deng Qijiang, an expert in underwater archaeology, shared a fascinating fact at the forum: the South China Sea is home to a staggering 138 submerged cultural artifacts, including the illustrious Nanhai No.1 shipwreck.
Chi Lilu, another underwater archaeologist, praised China’s innovative approaches in exploring these submerged wonders. The country has made remarkable headway with avant-garde technologies such as advanced manned underwater vehicles and groundbreaking salvaging techniques. Chi noted that these innovations have propelled Chinese researchers to delve deeper into the cultural implications of the Maritime Silk Road’s legacies.
Xin Lixue, the esteemed director of China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea, illustrated how the institution has curated 37 unique exhibitions over the years. These showcases aim to enhance public awareness about the rich history of the Maritime Silk Road.
Highlighting the broader vision, Tang Wei, the leader of China’s National Centre for Archaeology, emphasized the importance of global collaboration. “China and its Southeast Asian counterparts are intensifying their joint efforts in the domain of underwater archaeology,” he stated.
In the context of the recent establishment of the Hainan Free Trade Port, discussions also encompassed contemporary adaptations of the Maritime Silk Road’s cultural heritages. Tang elucidated the immense potential of international partnerships in areas like relic restoration and the conception of innovative cultural products.
Ye Daoyang echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the legacy of the Maritime Silk Road can beautifully intertwine with sectors like tourism and education.
Furthermore, in tandem with the forum, an educational and social activity was introduced to engage younger audiences. This included a vibrant market showcasing toys and stationary, all inspired by the captivating culture of the Maritime Silk Road.
The event, named the 4th Forum on the Protection of Cultural Heritage of the Maritime Silk Road, was a collaborative effort between the State Administration of Cultural Heritage and the People’s Government of Hainan Province.
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