The Frontier Ethnicities and Religious Archaeology Division was established in 2001 by expanding the Frontier Archaeology Research Center, founded in 1999. The division currently oversees 6 fieldwork teams. Its primary mission is to conduct archaeological research in frontier ethnic regions. By examining the material remains left by ancient peoples active in these border areas, the division seeks to reconstruct the historical and cultural features of different ethnic groups, investigate cultural exchange and interaction between the Central Plains and frontier regions, explore the processes through which various regional cultures became integrated into Chinese civilization, and study how central authorities administered, managed and governed frontier areas. Through archaeological evidence, the division aims to provide empirical support for understanding the historical development of the sense of community for the Chinese nation and the formation and evolution of the pluralistic and integrated structure of Chinese civilization.