Core Insights - The discovery of the sunken shipwrecks in the Northwest Slope of the South China Sea marks a significant advancement in underwater archaeology, transitioning from shallow to deep-sea exploration [1][2][7] Group 1: Archaeological Discoveries - The "Deep Sea Warrior" manned submersible successfully located two ancient shipwrecks at a depth of approximately 1500 meters, which is unprecedented for Chinese underwater archaeology [2][3] - The first shipwreck was filled with porcelain from Jingdezhen, while the second contained imported wood, illustrating the dual trade routes of the ancient Maritime Silk Road [4][7] Group 2: Technological Advancements - The "Deep Sea Warrior" submersible, developed with over 95% domestic technology, has a working depth capability of 4500 meters, enabling exploration of previously unreachable underwater sites [3][4] - The project utilized advanced technologies such as high-resolution imaging and 3D scanning to document and analyze the shipwrecks [5][6] Group 3: Conservation and Exhibition - The artifacts retrieved from the deep sea are undergoing a meticulous conservation process to prevent deterioration due to environmental changes after being brought to the surface [6][7] - The "Deep Blue Treasure" exhibition showcases the archaeological findings and the conservation efforts, allowing the public to witness the preservation of these cultural treasures [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant archaeological discoveries from the underwater excavation of two ancient shipwrecks in the Northwest Slope of the South China Sea, marking a historic breakthrough in China's underwater archaeology, transitioning from shallow to deep-sea exploration [8][10]. Group 1: Archaeological Discoveries - The "Deep Blue Treasure" exhibition at the China (Hainan) South China Sea Museum has seen a nearly 50% increase in daily visitor numbers during the summer, showcasing artifacts from the underwater excavation [6]. - The excavation revealed a large number of artifacts, including a stunning cloisonné peacock and peony-patterned jar, previously lying at a depth of approximately 1,500 meters [6][12]. - The discovery of two shipwrecks, one filled with porcelain from Jingdezhen and the other with imported hardwood, illustrates the prosperous two-way trade along the ancient Maritime Silk Road [11][15]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The "Deep Sea Warrior" manned submersible, which has a working depth capability of 4,500 meters, played a crucial role in these discoveries, having undergone over a decade of technological development [10]. - The successful operation of the submersible in extreme conditions demonstrates the advancements in underwater archaeology technology, allowing for exploration in previously inaccessible deep-sea areas [9][10]. Group 3: Conservation Efforts - The exhibition employs a dynamic model of "archaeology, protection, and exhibition," allowing the public to witness the conservation processes of newly recovered artifacts [14]. - Newly recovered artifacts undergo a complex conservation process to prevent deterioration due to environmental changes after being brought to the surface [14][15]. - The conservation team at the museum is dedicated to preserving and restoring these artifacts, ensuring their longevity and historical significance [14][15].

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant advancements in underwater archaeology in China, showcasing the integration of technology in exploring and retrieving historical artifacts from the deep sea [1] - It emphasizes the challenges faced in underwater archaeology, such as complex environments and the preservation of artifacts, which necessitate higher technological standards [1] Summary by Sections Development of Underwater Archaeology - Underwater archaeology in China began in 1987 and has evolved from non-existence to a robust field capable of exploring depths of up to 1,500 meters [1] - The development of marine detection technology and interdisciplinary archaeological capabilities has provided a solid foundation for underwater explorations [1] Technological Innovations - The use of innovative salvage techniques allows for millimeter-level precision in retrieving artifacts, exemplified by the recovery of the ancient Southern Song Dynasty ship "Nanhai No. 1" [1] - Molecular-level biological research techniques have been employed to verify the age of artifacts, such as rice husks found in retrieved porcelain bottles [1] - The deployment of manned submersibles and other advanced technologies facilitates systematic scientific exploration of ancient shipwreck sites [1] Future Prospects - There remain numerous valuable historical relics waiting to be uncovered, indicating ongoing opportunities for archaeological research [1] - The article expresses hope for further technological innovations to enhance the understanding of China's rich and profound civilization [1]

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant archaeological discoveries made in the South China Sea, particularly the excavation of two ancient shipwrecks at a depth of approximately 1500 meters, marking a historic breakthrough in underwater archaeology for China [2][8]. Group 1: Archaeological Discoveries - The "Deep Sea Warrior" manned submersible discovered a large number of ancient ceramic jars during its 500th dive, located about 150 kilometers southeast of Sanya, in the South China Sea's northwest slope [2][3]. - The excavation of the two shipwrecks, which were found to contain thousands of artifacts, demonstrates the prosperity of ancient maritime trade along the Maritime Silk Road [4][6]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The "Deep Sea Warrior" submersible, developed with over 95% domestic technology, has a working capacity of up to 4500 meters underwater, enabling Chinese archaeologists to explore previously unreachable depths [3][4]. - The successful extraction of artifacts involved advanced technologies such as high-resolution imaging and 3D scanning, which aid in documenting and preserving the archaeological findings [5][6]. Group 3: Exhibition and Preservation - The "Deep Blue Treasures" exhibition at the China (Hainan) Nanhai Museum showcases the archaeological findings and emphasizes the importance of artifact preservation through a dynamic approach of simultaneous excavation and exhibition [7][8]. - The preservation process for artifacts extracted from the deep sea is complex, requiring careful cleaning and desalination to prevent deterioration due to environmental changes [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the historical significance of the South China Sea as a maritime civilization hub, showcasing archaeological findings that reflect China's ancient maritime trade routes and cultural exchanges with the world [1]. Group 1: Archaeological Discoveries - The National Cultural Heritage Administration is conducting deep-sea archaeological investigations on the Northwest Slope of the South China Sea, with over 900 artifacts extracted from two shipwreck sites, marking a significant advancement in underwater archaeology in China [7]. - A total of 103 nationally protected cultural heritage sites have been identified in Sansha, covering various historical periods including Tang, Song, Ming, Qing, and modern times [1][9]. - The discovery of the "Genglu Book," an ancient navigational text, has been pivotal in understanding the maritime navigation practices of ancient Chinese seafarers, with approximately 30 existing copies identified [5]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - The Coral Stone House on Zhao Shu Island, constructed by local fishermen using coral stones, serves as a small museum that preserves the maritime heritage and navigational history of the region [3]. - Ganquan Island, known for its freshwater well, played a crucial role as a supply station for ships during the Tang and Song dynasties, supporting the sustained operation of maritime trade routes in the South China Sea [11]. - The archaeological findings, including pottery and tools from the Tang and Song periods, indicate that Ganquan Island was a vital replenishment point for maritime activities, further emphasizing the island's historical importance [11].

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant advancements in underwater archaeology in China, particularly focusing on the discoveries of ancient shipwrecks in the South China Sea, which provide valuable insights into maritime trade and cultural exchanges along the Maritime Silk Road [2][5][12]. Group 1: Historical Context - The establishment of the underwater archaeology research office in 1987 marked the beginning of China's underwater archaeology history [5]. - The discovery of the Huaguang Reef No. 1 shipwreck in 1996 revealed nearly 10,000 artifacts, showcasing the prosperity of maritime trade during the Southern Song Dynasty [5]. - Subsequent investigations of other shipwrecks have further clarified the historical outline of the ancient Maritime Silk Road [5][15]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The transition from shallow to deep-sea archaeology has been facilitated by advancements in deep-sea equipment and marine exploration technology [5][12]. - The establishment of the "Deep Sea Archaeology Joint Laboratory" in Sanya in January 2018 signaled a new era for underwater archaeology in China [5]. Group 3: Recent Discoveries - In 2022, two ancient shipwrecks were discovered at a depth of approximately 1,500 meters in the South China Sea, marking the first discovery of Ming Dynasty shipwrecks at such depths [8][10]. - The core area of the No. 1 shipwreck is approximately 37 meters long and 11 meters wide, containing over 100,000 artifacts, while the No. 2 shipwreck is about 21 meters long and 8 meters wide, containing a significant amount of foreign wood [10][15]. Group 4: Cultural Significance - The artifacts retrieved from the shipwrecks, including various types of ceramics, illustrate the high level of ceramic manufacturing and maritime trade during the Ming Dynasty [15]. - The findings from the shipwrecks fill historical gaps regarding the return routes of maritime trade, providing compelling evidence of the two-way flow of goods along the Maritime Silk Road [15][17]. Group 5: Future Prospects - Ongoing archaeological investigations are expected to continue for years, with hopes of further uncovering the mysteries of the shipwrecks and enhancing public understanding of the ancient Maritime Silk Road [17].