Experience History, Explore Jiahu: A Glimpse into 2018 Cultural and Natural Heritage Day Event at Wuyang Jiahu Site

On the morning of June 9, a public archaeology event titled “Experience History, Explore Jiahu” was held at the Jiahu Site in Wuyang County, Henan Province. Nearly a hundred participants, including teachers and students from Beiwudu No.1 Middle School in the county and local residents, took part in the activities.

Teachers and students visit the exhibition of remains at the Jiahu Site in Wuyang County, Henan.

Organized by the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology (HPICHA), the event was part of its 2018 Cultural and Natural Heritage Day campaign that centered on the theme “Dissemination and Inheritance of Cultural Heritage.” Vice President Wei Xingtao, Research Fellows Li Suting and Wang Longzheng, Jiahu Site archaeological team leader Zhao Hong, and Deputy Director Wang Weidong of the Jiahu Site Management Office, along with other leaders and experts, participated in the event.

HPICHA Vice President Wei Xingtao explains history and archaeology.

Research Fellows Li Suting and Wang Longzheng discuss archaeological features with other experts.

Site Team Leader Zhao Hong shares archaeological knowledge with participating teachers and students.

The students and local residents who participated in the event visited the exhibition of remains from the first eight archaeological excavations at the Jiahu Site. They gained insights into the daily life, production activities, and advanced craftsmanship of the Jiahu people who lived there 8,000 years ago. When they learned that the bone flutes featured in the popular TV program National Treasure were unearthed at this site, the students were filled with awe. Afterwards, the teachers and students visited the archaeological site at the location of the Jiahu Site Museum. They listened attentively to experts and site leaders as they explained the history and culture of Jiahu archaeology, the differences between archaeological excavation and grave robbery, and the importance of cultural heritage preservation. They also had the opportunity to experience archaeological surveying and the delineation of ash pits firsthand.