Core Insights - The article discusses significant advancements in scientific archaeology and cultural heritage preservation, highlighting the collaboration between various institutions in China to restore ancient artifacts and improve archaeological methodologies [5][17]. Group 1: Restoration of Artifacts - A crown from the Tubo period, discovered in Qinghai Province, was found in a severely deteriorated state, with a metal body thickness of only 200 micrometers, equivalent to three sheets of A4 paper [8][9]. - The restoration team utilized non-destructive techniques such as X-ray imaging and CT scans to analyze and accurately reposition 2,582 decorative beads on the crown, marking it as the most complex ancient ceremonial bead arrangement restored to date [9]. - The restoration involved over 10,000 precision welds, successfully reviving the crown's intricate design and showcasing the cultural exchange characteristics of the "Highland Silk Road" [9]. Group 2: Archaeological Discoveries - Two Tang Dynasty ceramic dragon heads were unearthed from the Hebei Xiong'an ancient city site, with their restoration presenting a significant challenge due to their fragmented state upon discovery [10][11]. - The restoration process included advanced techniques such as 3D imaging, ultrasonic cleaning, and virtual assembly, ultimately restoring the dragon heads to their original architectural form [11][12]. - The findings contribute to the understanding of dragon imagery in ancient Chinese culture and provide new materials for studying the evolution of dragon motifs [12]. Group 3: Collaborative Archaeological Efforts - The article highlights the establishment of a mobile protection laboratory for archaeological work in Uzbekistan, demonstrating a collaborative approach to archaeological preservation [13][14]. - The team successfully identified and preserved various artifacts, including a coin with clear inscriptions, which serves as evidence of ancient East-West cultural exchanges [14]. - The preservation of textiles and other materials from the site provides valuable insights into the development of textile technology along the Silk Road [14]. Group 4: Early Glass Bead Research - Research on early glass beads in China indicates that they originated from the Levant region and were likely transmitted through Xinjiang into Central China, supporting the existence of pre-Silk Road cultural exchanges [15][16]. - The study utilized compositional analysis and micro-CT technology to trace the source and transmission routes of these glass beads, reinforcing the narrative of early Eurasian civilization interactions [16].

Group 1 - The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences announced seven major achievements in "Scientific Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Protection" [1] - Three of the achievements focus on the protection and restoration of important cultural relics [1] Group 2 - The restoration of a complex-shaped crown from the Tubo period, discovered in 2019, has been completed after nearly two years of work, utilizing both traditional techniques and modern technology [2][9] - The crown, which is over 1,000 years old, was found in a well-preserved state due to its burial conditions, and its restoration involved advanced methods including X-ray and neutron imaging [9] Group 3 - Two Tang dynasty dragon heads from the Xiong'an ancient state site have also been restored, contributing new insights into Chinese dragon culture [15] - The restoration revealed a unique dragon design, enhancing the understanding of dragon imagery in Chinese history [15] Group 4 - The excavation at the Monzaitepe site by a Sino-Uzbek archaeological team uncovered a "Wuzhu" inscribed copper coin and a Han-style copper mirror, providing new materials for studying cultural exchanges along the Silk Road during the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties [20] - The findings include evidence of textile techniques that could push back the history of certain weaving practices by a century [20] Group 5 - Research on grape seed remains from various archaeological sites indicates that China has a history of grape resource utilization spanning thousands of years, predating the introduction of Eurasian grape varieties [34][39] - The study involved analyzing grape seeds from sites dated between 800 years to over 10,000 years old, demonstrating the coexistence of native and introduced grape species [39] Group 6 - The discovery of "dragonfly eye" glass beads from early Iron Age sites in Xinjiang provides evidence for the existence of a "pre-Silk Road" trade route, linking Mediterranean glass production to Central China [46] - This research offers new insights into early interactions between Asian and European civilizations [46] Group 7 - The re-examination of bronze artifacts from the Erlitou site has confirmed the material sources and management capabilities of early East Asian states, highlighting the complexity of ancient trade and resource management [49]