Core Viewpoint - The ongoing archaeological efforts at the Qaidam Basin's Zhaling Lake area focus on the protection and study of ancient inscriptions, with a multidisciplinary approach being emphasized to uncover historical contexts and ensure preservation [1][3][4]. Group 1: Archaeological Findings and Techniques - The inscriptions at Zhaling Lake were first discovered in 2020, initially thought to be from the Ming and Qing dynasties, but further analysis has revealed more complex historical significance [1]. - High-precision information enhancement technology is being utilized to digitally capture the inscriptions without damaging the artifacts, improving clarity by 40% to 90% [2]. Group 2: Multidisciplinary Collaboration - There is a call for interdisciplinary research involving history, paleography, geology, and rock art studies to address unresolved questions regarding the inscriptions [3]. - Future archaeological work will include systematic surveys around Zhaling Lake and Erlin Lake to better understand the distribution and preservation of archaeological remains [3]. Group 3: Protection Measures - The National Cultural Heritage Administration emphasizes original site protection as the primary principle, guiding local authorities to identify risks and develop comprehensive protection plans [4]. - The site is located in a non-open area due to its high altitude and harsh weather conditions, necessitating careful scientific protection and management [3][4].

Core Viewpoint - The Liuli River site in Beijing's Fangshan District is the largest known Western Zhou period site in the Yanshan southern foothills, recognized for its extensive archaeological significance and rich cultural artifacts, including bronze, lacquer, jade, and pottery items. It has been selected as one of the top ten archaeological discoveries in China for 2024 [1][10]. Archaeological Discoveries - The site has undergone extensive excavations since its discovery in 1945, revealing a wealth of artifacts, including the renowned Jin Ding and Bo Ju Li from the Capital Museum [1]. - Recent excavations have confirmed the existence of an outer city wall and moat, expanding the site from less than 600,000 square meters to approximately 1,000,000 square meters, with 12-16 layers of deposits indicating the city's construction and abandonment timeline [2][5]. Historical Significance - The Liuli River site is pivotal in understanding Beijing's 3,000-year history of urban development, marking it as the earliest known urban civilization in the region [10]. - The discovery of inscriptions on bronze vessels has confirmed the site as the capital of the Yan state during the Western Zhou period, further solidifying its historical importance [4]. Multidisciplinary Collaboration - The recent archaeological efforts have involved collaboration among various institutions, employing advanced techniques such as carbon-14 dating, isotopic analysis, and organic residue analysis to enhance understanding of the site's historical context [5][6]. - The establishment of an archaeological geographic information system has allowed for detailed mapping and modeling of the site, showcasing the complexity of urban planning during the Western Zhou period [6]. Educational Initiatives - The Liuli River site has become a focal point for educational activities, including international field schools that engage students from various countries in archaeological practices, promoting cross-cultural understanding of archaeological methodologies [8]. - Public engagement initiatives have allowed families to experience archaeology firsthand, fostering a deeper appreciation for the site's historical and cultural significance [7]. Future Developments - Plans are underway to create an archaeological park at the Liuli River site, aimed at showcasing China's archaeological heritage and providing a space for public interaction with history [9].