文脉华章｜25年前，一处旧石器时代洞穴遗址保护的故事

Core Points - The article discusses the successful preservation of the Wanshouyan site in Fujian, which dates back to 185,000 years ago, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage protection in China [4][9][10] Group 1: Historical Significance - Wanshouyan site is the earliest cave-type Paleolithic site discovered in East China, pushing back the timeline of human activity in Fujian by 185,000 years [4] - The site consists of multiple caves, including Lingfeng Cave and Chuanfan Cave, which are crucial for understanding ancient human life [4] Group 2: Threats and Preservation Efforts - The site faced destruction risks due to mining activities by the Sanming Steel Plant, which had acquired mining rights in the 1970s [4][6] - Local villagers raised concerns about the potential loss of the site, leading to a call for its protection [5][6] - In 1999, archaeologist Chen Ziwen led a rescue excavation, which revealed significant findings, including artifacts and remains of extinct species [7][8] Group 3: Government Intervention - In January 2000, a directive from then-acting governor Xi Jinping mandated the cessation of mining activities to protect the site, emphasizing the balance between cultural preservation and economic development [9] - The government allocated 500,000 yuan for archaeological excavation and protection efforts [9] Group 4: Cultural Heritage and National Identity - The article emphasizes Xi Jinping's commitment to cultural heritage protection, linking it to national identity and pride [10][12] - The successful preservation of Wanshouyan has transformed it into a theme park that integrates heritage display, education, research, and eco-tourism [9] Group 5: Cultural Confidence - The narrative reflects the broader theme of cultural confidence in China, as articulated by Xi Jinping, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage for national identity [10][12][13]