Life during the Northern Dynasties (386 AD-581 AD) is portrayed in a wall painting in North China's Shanxi province.

 

A noted archeological forum on the theme of "New Findings in Archeology in 2014" was held on Jan 9 in Beijing. More than 200 scholars and experts from research institutes, institutions of higher learning, museums and publishing presses attended this seminar. It was sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), and organized by the academy's Institute of Archaeology and Chinese Archaeology magazine.

 

Six key archeological findings made up the major part on the forum, including relics, tombs and graves from Gansu province, Guizhou province and Tibet province in West China to North China's Shanxi province.

 

A comprehensive summary of these findings reflects new features in archaeology. First of all, border areas have boasted remarkable achievements in the past year. China is known for its tribal culture over the long course of its history and many royal families once lived in these areas, which leaves broad room for later generations to explore. In comparison with other areas, archaeologists have easier access to valuable antiques here.

The remains of a workshop are seen at the archaeology dig.

 

Secondly, archaeological excavation work keeps pace with the preservation of valuable antiques. A case in point are the wall paintings from the Northern Dynasties (386 AD-581 AD) in Shanxi province. Many wall paintings are damaged by thieves, therefore, preservation of these painting becomes the priority in the current work, said Zhang Qingjie, a researcher in the Institute of Archaeology in Shanxi province.

 

Thirdly, a widespread application of high technology has become a common trend. Liu Guoqiang, director of the excavation team in Gangga grave relics in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, said that nowadays they would bring many antiques to the labs in case some vital information was missing in the field work. Besides, they could use hi-techs to do in-depth research on these valuables, which is a new technique for them to try.

 

Founded in 2002, this noted archeological forum has won a reputation as the "Oriental Oscar in Archaeology". As a prominent platform for archaeology, it has played a significant role in promoting Chinese archaeology and its culture.

A relics for jade ore exploration in China.
 

A wall painting in North China's Shanxi province portrays the lives of people living during the Northern Dynasties (386 AD-581 AD).