Heihe University, located in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, has proudly inaugurated a cutting-edge research center dedicated to delving deep into the rich tapestry of the history of the Northeast Asian stretch of the ancient Silk Road. This initiative reflects a growing interest in understanding this influential route’s impact on culture, trade, and international relationships.
The newly-established center is set to cast its analytical gaze on a variety of specialized subjects. From the intricacies of art archaeology and rock painting studies to the melodic threads of ancient ethnic music and the fascinating world of cultural relics, this institution aspires to be at the forefront of academic exploration.
Historian Fang Gang elaborates on the enduring legacy of the Northeast Asian Silk Road culture, which traces its roots back over 2,000 years and spans several prominent dynastic eras in China, such as the Han, Wei, Jin, and Yuan periods. Throughout its existence, the route bore witness to numerous ethnic communities in China’s northern regions, who actively sought interactions and exchanges with the Central Plains.
An illuminating instance of this cultural cross-pollination is seen in the ancient Bohai Kingdom’s relationship with the Central Plains empire during the Tang Dynasty. The Bohai Kingdom, a distinct ethnic regime of yore, repeatedly presented tributes to the Central Plains empire, over 120 times, to be precise. In a grand gesture of mutual esteem, the Central Plains reciprocated by bestowing the Bohai Kingdom with exquisite silk and brocade treasures.
The theme of ethnic cultural diversity is undeniably crucial in the studies of the Northeast Asian Silk Road, as noted by Fang. But it’s not just the local ethnicities that draw attention. The research center places immense importance on the broader “East and West cultural exchanges” that flourished along this historic trade route.
Ma Lüwei, an esteemed archaeologist with expertise in ancient geography and military history, highlights the unifying thread of the Northeast Asian Silk Road culture. It seamlessly weaves together nations such as China, Russia, Mongolia, South Korea, and Japan. Ma opines that delving into its history can unveil myriad subjects ripe for collaboration among these nations, emphasizing that academic endeavors offer a pivotal avenue to deepen the understanding of diverse cultures.
Before this center’s conceptualization, Heihe University joined forces with Russia’s Amur State University in 2016 to establish a research base. Their focus was on the ancient civilizations that sprung up along the Heilongjiang River, referred to as the Amur River in Russia. This majestic river meanders through Russia, China, and Mongolia and ranks third in size in China, surpassed only by the iconic Yangtze and Yellow rivers.
The collaborative efforts of the China-Russia archaeological ensemble have already borne fruit. The team unearthed ancient relic sites harking back to the Neolithic Age and tomb ruins attributed to the bygone Mohe regime.
To mark the inauguration of the center, a symposium was convened, with scholars delving into diverse topics. Among the subjects explored was the intricate tapestry of cultural exchanges between China and Russia during the mid-19th century, underscoring the deep-rooted ties and shared histories between the two nations.
READ MORE: