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The rise in sea levels, driven by global climate change, poses a significant threat to cultural heritage in coastal regions. Traditional risk assessment methods, focusing on direct inundation, often fail to consider the crucial impact of socio-economic factors, which are significantly vulnerable to sea level rise. To bridge this gap, this study introduces an innovative Sea Level Rise Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment Model (SLR-CHIA Model), a novel approach that integrates both land inundation and socio-economic aspects. This comprehensive model evaluates potential risks to various types of cultural heritage in coastal China, including intangible cultural heritage, relics, and traditional villages. The study's findings are striking: (1) About 7.79% of coastal villages, 53.94% of relics, and 2.53% of intangible cultural heritage are potentially at high risk in a 100-year sea level rise event; (2) Relics in the Eastern coast and villages in the Southern coast are most vulnerable; (3) Different types of cultural heritage rely on diverse principal factors for protection, resulting in varied risk levels under sea level rise conditions. The SLR-CHIA Model provides a vital methodological framework for evaluating cultural heritage risks in other global regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant variations in climate exist between the northern and southern regions of China, resulting in varying degrees of decay observed in wooden relics unearthed from different areas. The preservation of wooden cultural artifacts in humid environments is influenced by numerous factors including regional environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity, and biological mold), and site structural characteristics, among others, making the conservation efforts more specialized and intricate. This study utilizes the example of the unearthed wet outer coffin wooden cultural relics from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng to demonstrate a method involving the use of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) composite material for the reinforcement and protection of such artifacts. Through a comprehensive analysis of various analytical techniques including scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), density increase rate, wood compression strength along the grain, hydrophobic property, and other micro and macro properties, it was determined that: The combination of PVAc and shellac as a reinforcement agent has been shown to enhance the mechanical properties of wooden cultural relics while also maintaining minimal color variation, increased biocompatibility, and durability. This method is particularly well-suited for fortifying and preserving damp wooden cultural relics that exhibit varying degrees of decay. The findings offer significant insights and potential avenues for further research on the preservation methods for large wooden cultural artifacts discovered in the middle and lower regions of the Yangtze River dating back to the Warring States Period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic groundwater arsenic (As) pollution is common in many aquifers in Southwest China. It is concerned that long-term random disposal of As smelting slag could induce the transport of high-As groundwater into previously uncontaminated aquifers. Here, we used HELP-MODFLOW-MT3DMS model simulations to integrate the percolation, groundwater flow, and solute transport processes at an aquifer at site scale, constrained by weather, hydrogeology, and monitoring data. Our simulations provide a new method framework of the simulated percolation by HELP model and have induced As spatiotemporal distribution in the aquifer. According to the HELP model simulation results, percolation volume accounts for 24% of rainfall over 18 years. This work determined that the As discharge trend was fitted by double-constants kinetics based on the leaching experiment. And this work calculates total mass distribution of As in the aquifer over 18 years. We have found that the sustained As pollution relies on the rainfall that acts as the primary contributor of elevated As concentrations. Model simulation results suggest that 51.70% of the total As mass (1.96 × 104 kg) was fixed in low permeability solid media. The total As mass discharged into groundwater reached 9.3 × 103 kg, accounting for 24.68%. The accumulative outflow mass of arsenic was 8.0 × 103 kg, accounting for 21.62%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since China's inheritance, the history of the long river has left a brilliant cultural treasure. As a witness of history, they reflect the process of human activities. With today's rapid development, the protection of cultural relics is gradually deepening. Stone coated cultural relics are the most inheritance. However, the body material of stone carut articles is extremely fragile under the influence of time and environment. It is necessary to make it easy to continue to keep; it is necessary taking the necessary protection measures. But currently used protective materials have certain defects more or less. This paper is based on this, with the purpose of extending the life of the cultural relics; it proposed the use of nanomaterial Ti02 modified common protection materials WD-10. It performed comparison by adding different concentrations of Ti02, and the microsurrant rock obtained by the ground is used as a sample to detect its protection effect. And it has achieved appropriate ratios to enhance protection performance. The experimental results of this paper showed that the concentration of Ti02 was a modification result of the modification of the concentration, and the performance was most excellent. The value in the detection of the moist angle is 80% or more and excellent ultraviolet aging properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many important cultural relics in China, including many paper relics. Therefore, it is particularly important to find methods of protecting the handwriting in paper relics. This study focuses on the effects acrylic polyurethane materials have on preserving handwriting in paper relics by examining the color change and diffusion of handwriting before and after reinforcement treatments on handwriting materials, including ink, carbon ink, blue-black ink, pure blue ink, red ink, and pencil. The acrylic polyurethane materials have a certain degree of stability and enhance the handwriting of paper relics. We analyzed the acrylic polyurethane reinforcement material in terms of acid resistance, alkali resistance, oxidation resistance, dry heat aging resistance, and durability. The experimental results show that the optimal reinforcement concentration is within 15% for ink, 10% for carbon ink, 20% for blue-black ink, 15% to 20% for pure blue ink, and 3% for red ink and pencil. Finally, the surface of the reinforced paper and handwriting were observed through laser microscopy, SEM, EDS, and infrared spectroscopy and the protective effect of acrylic polyurethane reinforcement material on handwriting was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With epidemics blocking offline interactions, it is difficult to organise events such as tours of major heritage sites and outbound exhibitions of cultural relics, and new paths need to be expanded for the presentation of cultural heritage and intercultural education efforts. With the booming development of digital technology, the integration of online virtual presentation and interactive technology and the innovative design of 3D scenes provide new solutions for the intercultural communication of these precious and immovable cultural relics (e.g. archaeological sites), etc. This project is based on the Sino-Greek cooperation around the online presentation of heritage items such as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of China and the precious collection of the National Archaeological Museum of Greece, in order to present and On the basis of communicating the value of heritage and the connection between Chinese and Greek civilisations, the project explores the development of a virtual space that integrates the Terracotta Warriors and Horses pits, the interactive virtual display of cultural relics, and the display of the achievements of scientific and technological conservation of cultural relics, so as to realise the cross-cultural exchange between China and Greece and fulfil the educational function of heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Architectural Journal / Jian Zhu Xue Bao is the property of Architectural Journal Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A silkworm deity was a Trade God worshipped by the court and the folk, and was also a spiritual symbol of sericulturists in medieval China. Images of the silkworm deity in ancient Chinese art are important relics of material heritage for studying culture and ritual activities in medieval China. This paper investigates images of silkworm worship from the Han Dynasty to the Yuan Dynasty to distinguish between their use by the court and the folk. This paper explores the gradual personification of the silkworm deity in medieval China, as well as the differences in the identity of the silkworm deity connected to the varying status of worshipers and the functions of the silkworm deity. It is proposed that silkworm deity worship is evidence of a tendency toward polytheism, and has a variety of identities and unified functions under the trend of continuous integration of three major religions and folk religion. The worship of the silkworm deity has the characteristics of hybridity, integrated and patriarchal, as well as the social edification and practical functionality caused by the different mentality of official and folk silkworm deity worship in medieval China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional laser scanning technology can be used to quickly, efficiently, and accurately obtain spatial three-dimensional information of cultural relics without contacting the target during the scanning process. The results of this study showed that the extraction of human bones from the Shenna ruins via the auxiliary application of three-dimensional scanning technology reduced human intervention and destruction on the site compared with the traditional archaeological human bone packaging and extraction work method. When combined with the application of three-dimensional scanning technology, the original data information extracted on the spot were more comprehensive and accurate. Additionally, the technology provided us with important scientific data which can be used to discuss the phylogenetic composition of the ancient Qiang people in the settlement village, as well as a new applications of ideas for three-dimensional laser scanning technology usage in the field extraction of cultural relics. However, a follow-up study is needed to improve the comparisons of its applications, providing a conventional auxiliary means for cultural relic extraction and a technical means for cultural relic protection evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Key Cultural Relics Protection Sites in China (CKCRPS) are part of China's tangible cultural heritage with the highest level of protection. These sites constitute an important witness and remnant of Chinese civilization. Little research attention has been devoted to heritage conservation and tourism use of CKCRPS, however. Therefore, this article aims to promote the conservation planning and tourism revitalization utilization of CKCRPS by studying its spatial and temporal differentiation characteristics. This article uses geospatial analysis to explore the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of the 5,053 CKCRPS and their impact on tourism development in various provinces of mainland China. The results show that CKCRPS is mainly concentrated in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, the sites have experienced the evolution process of concentration–dispersion–reconcentration–redispersion, and the program has a significant positive impact on tourism development, but the influence is smaller in central provinces and greater in peripheral provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concomitant with the promotion of industrial transformation, sustainable development strategies, and accelerated urbanization, there has been an increase in the number of industrial relic restoration projects. However, there are many disputes over the value and development of such industrial relic restoration projects. In this work, we identified three evaluation indicators based on a study of 106 industrial relic restoration projects in China. A value assessment model composed of five parts combining the Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process was established. The results show that an effective assessment of the value of industrial relic restoration projects can enable the effective use of green technology, reduce construction costs, protect industrial heritage, and inherit historical culture. In addition, there are many uncertain factors in developing these projects, such as brownfield pollution and dilapidated buildings, and appropriate renewal strategies can reduce safety risks as well as maximize the heritage value. As there is limited research assessing the value of industrial relic restoration projects in China, our study can serve as a reference for the value assessment of existing building restoration projects including historical blocks and livable villages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the background of the reconstruction project from Changqing Chenzhuang-Pingyin section of G220 east-deep line in China, a special tunnel structure and construction plan was carried out according to the construction measures of the shallow-buried small spacing tunnel passing underneath cultural relic buildings, and a comprehensive deformation control scheme of "CRD construction method single-arm excavation + surface grouting prereinforcement + advanced large pipe shed presupport" was put forward. The results of numerical simulation and on-site construction monitoring showed that the overall deformation of aqueduct foundation generally increases first, then decreases and increases again, and finally tends to be stable. The effects of surface grouting prereinforcement and advance large pipe shed presupport are obvious. The comprehensive deformation control scheme can ensure the safety of the existing construction and meet the safety prevention and control requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay examines how modern Chinese scholars came to terms with "scientific" Buddhology as a European knowledge system in the early twentieth century. Unlike Japan, where some leading Buddhists who were educated in Europe attempted to transform Buddhism into a modern religion and even a unique national spirit to accommodate the needs of Japanese modernization, in modern China, Buddhism in crisis was considered less of an intellectual and spiritual resource for reviving the national spirit. By focusing on Chen Yinke, a pivotal scholar of modern Buddhology, the essay looks into the intermingling of Orientalism and cultural nationalism among Chinese intellectuals who faced the challenge of modern European humanistic knowledge as compared to Chinese traditional knowledge on Buddhism and India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the accuracy of historical cropland data, we reconstructed cropland cover in the northern China's farming–pastoral zone during the Liao dynasty using historical literature and settlement relics. We first reconstructed the total cropland area using historical household data based on the cropland area per household. Next, we allocated the cropland area into 5′ grid cells weighted by settlement density to generate a cropland data. Our main findings were as follows: (1) Data on settlement relics enabled not only the identification of ancient farming areas but also the allocation of cropland cover within high resolution grids in the study area. (2) In the flourishing period of the Liao dynasty, the total cropland area was 0.39 × 104 km2. The cropland grids comprised 28.30% of the total grids, with average and maximum values of cropland fractions of 6.61% and 31.18%, respectively. (3) Compared with our result, we found that the PJ overestimate the cropland area of the study area in 1100 AD, whereas the HYDE 3.2 underestimate it. The area of anthropogenic land use in KK 10 was larger than the cropland area in this study too. None of the three global datasets revealed the mosaic spatial distribution pattern of cropland cover in this study area. (4) The orders of land suitability for cultivation during the Liao dynasty and the present period were almost the identical, even in the farming–pastoral zone of northern China, which has fragile ecological environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lushanmao site is a large-scale settlement site from the late Miaodigou Phase II culture to the late Longshan age located in Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province. The core zone of the settlement is on a hill ridge, on the top of which four large-sized rammed-earth platform foundations are distributed, each of which had large-sized rammed-earth architecture sites on top. On the top of the excavated Da Yingpan Liang (Large Garrison Ridge), one large courtyard and two smaller courtyards were distributed. Of them, the large courtyard was facing south, which would be the earliest palace complex in an axial symmetrical plan known to date in China, and the two smaller ones would be its guardhouses. In the large courtyard, a set of roof tiles, which would be the earliest ones known to date in China, were unearthed; and jades were also found in the rammed-earth foundation or walls. These discoveries are significantly valuable for the studies on the early capital city planning, origins, and evolutions of palaces and the developments of the early ritual systems and architectural materials of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to define the diversity and composition of the microbial communities colonizing of the soil microbiome of the Jinsha earthen relic, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to identify and characterize the microbiota in 22 samples collected from the Jinsha earthen relic in China during 2017 and 2018. We compared the taxonomy of the microbial communities from samples taken at different times and different sites. Our results showed that the identity of the dominant bacterial phyla differed among the samples. Proteobacteria (23–86.2%) were the predominant bacterial phylum in all samples taken from site A in both 2017 and 2018. However, Actinobacteria (21–92.3%) were the most popular bacterial phylum in samples from sites B and C in 2017 and 2018. Ascomycota were identified as the only fungal phyla in samples in 2017. However, the group varied drastically in relative abundance between 2017 and 2018. Functional analysis of the soil bacterial community suggested that abundant members of the microbiota may be associated with metabolism and the specific environment. This report was the first high-throughput sequencing study of the soil of the Jinsha earthen relic microbiome. Since soil microbiota can damage soil and archeological structures, comprehensive analyses of the microbiomes at archeological sites may contribute to the understand of the influence of microorganisms on the degradation of soil, as well as to the identification of potentially beneficial or undesirable members of these microbial communities in archeological sites. The study will be helpful to provide effective data and guidance for the prevention and control of microbial corrosion of the Jinsha earthen relic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binding material is a key component of painted cultural relics, and research on binding agents ("binders") is of great significance for the study of the history and preservation of cultural artefacts. In this work, our team collected 129 painted samples from 28 ancient cultural relics located in 9 provinces of China. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as well as immunofluorescence microscopy (IFM) to identify proteinous binders in these samples. Our results show that 51 painted samples were found to contain animal glue, 13 samples were found to contain egg ovalbumin, and 2 samples were found to contain casein. Two mural painting samples prepared in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (14–20 century AD) from the Jiazaerjia Mountain Grottoes in Sichuan province were found to contain casein, and this is the first time that casein binders were found in Chinese painted cultural relics. On top of our detection results, this paper also reports statistics on the chronology, geographical distribution, and artwork types in which organic binders are found, and provides evidence of the use of proteinous binders in Chinese painted cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lot of cultural heritages in the world made up of or supported by stones are damaged seriously because of long-term weathering. It is necessary to assess the weathered degrees and stabilities of these heritages. In this paper, a procedure to assess the weathered degrees and stabilities of stone relics was put forward on the base of ultrasonic CT techniques. The procedure was applied to an ancient stone bridge in eastern China, Guyue Bridge constructed about 820 years ago. Firstly, P-wave velocity distribution profiles of stone ashlars of the bridge were obtained with ultrasonic CT techniques. Secondly, according to velocity ratio of the in situ P-wave velocities of the stone ashlars to the P-wave velocity of the fresh rock specimens of the same lithology with those of the stone ashlars, the weathered degrees of the stone ashlars were determined. Finally, the same rock specimens with different weathered degree, which were collected from a quarry near the historic bridge, were tested to get their P-wave velocities, UCS and elastic moduli, and the relations between the P-wave velocity and these mechanical properties were put forward. On the base of these relations, the mechanical property distributions of the detected stones could be obtained. In this study, two vertical sections of an ashlar in the historic stone bridge were detected by the assessment procedure. According to the assessment results, the two cross sections have different weathered degrees because of different stress states: higher weathered degree and lower compressive strength present to the section near the joint connecting two stone ashlars, where pressive stress is much stronger than that of the section far away from the joint. Correspondingly, the higher weathered section had worse physical and mechanical properties, which would be the key location for the stability of the old bridge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial biodeterioration causes a considerable loss of authenticity and aesthetic value of historical relics worldwide. However, we know very little about the ecology of the environmental microbiomes of these fragile ecosystems, impeding their long-term conservation. Towards an essential understanding, we explored the highly interactive triangle among community assembly process, composition and biodeterioration functional potentials of dominant epilithic bacteria community in a 1060-year stone relics-the Two Mausoleums of the Southern Tang Dynasty in China. Microbial assembly processes were evaluated using statistical null models and then associated with taxonomic and biodeterioration functional diversities along successional chronosequences. Results showed that stochasticity was a persistent force structuring the assembly of the epilithic bacterial community, creating a succession characterized with diverse heterotrophic colonizers but with reduced prevalence of Cyanobacteria. Along with the succession, potential functional diversity significantly increased, which may in turn induce severe biodeterioration to historical relics. To benefit reservation management, we speculate that it is critical for a scheme to interfere with the ongoing stochasticity. In total, a systematic perspective linking community assembly, taxonomic and functional compositions is key to understanding ecological mechanisms underlying microbial biodeterioration of cultural relics and supporting preventive conservation for future generations. [Display omitted] • Lights-induced epilithic microbiomes are widespread on walls of two historical mausoleums exposed to lights. • Assembly processes along successions of epilithic bacteria community were evaluated using ecological null models. • Stochasticity governs temporal patterns of epilithic bacteria community. • Increased stochasticity leads to diverse taxonomic and functional potentials. • Ecological understanding of biodeterioration is key for cultural relics' long-term conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on China's fourth national survey of cultural relics, emphasizing the need to prioritize the cultural connotations and historical context of these artifacts over their material condition. Topics discussed include the importance of recording cultural values, utilizing advanced technologies for detailed digitization, and creating a nationally managed virtual platform for public interaction with ancient cultural relics.

The Tonglushan ancient copper mine relics in Daye of Hubei province is the ancient copper mine relics in China with the most complete preservation, the earliest excavation time, the highest smelting level and of the largest scale. However, deformation and cracking recently occurred in the copper mineral relics. According to the engineering geological conditions and surrounding environment of ancient mine relics, the main factors of slope deformation as well as the deformation were analyzed. In view of the deformation characteristics of ancient copper mines, the deep sliding force monitoring system was adopted to continuously monitor the slope stability of relics. According to the monitoring curve, the sliding force of No. 6-2 monitoring point presented a sudden drop on 13th February through field survey; the reason was that the local collapse of goad occurred around the No. 6-2 monitoring anchor cable, leading to the reduction of shearing force supplied by unstable body on the cable. Through drilling and geophysical exploration, the distribution of goafs around the relics were probed, revealing that the old goafs beneath the relics constituted the basic inducing mechanism of relics deformation, while the method of filling and grouting were proposed to control the goafs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A chronological framework for limnic relics was established with methods of OSL and K-feldspar pIRIR. • Limnic relics were identified in MIS 5 and MIS 1. • Humid conditions occurred at early to middle Holocene. • Frequent climate fluctuations have played a pivotal role in the formation of the unique landform assemblages. The Badain Jaran Desert in northern China is well known for the highest mega-dunes on Earth and unique alternating megadune–lake landform, and various formation mechanisms have been proposed. Although the relics of interdune lakes are generally considered as good palaeoenvironmental records, their evolutions and relevance to paleoenvironment change are poorly understood due to limited age control. In this study, quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and K-feldspar post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIRIR) were used to establish a chronological framework for limnic relics in order to reconstruct the evolution of interdune lakes. Our results indicate that limnic relics were deposited in MIS 5 and MIS 1, due to a lake level transgression and humid environmental condition. During the Holocene, humid conditions occurred at early to middle Holocene, immediately preceded and followed by aridity. The last 600 years have been characterized by high rates of aeolian activity. Based on field observation and luminescence ages, we propose that climate fluctuations since the Late Pleistocene have played a pivotal role in the formation of the unique landform assemblages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most important buildings in the Forbidden City of Beijing, the Qin-An palace was initially built in 1535 of the Ming dynasty. The palace is mainly constructed with large wooden frame structure (L-22.25 m × W-19.68 m × H-16.67 m) with asymmetric double eaves and thick masonry infill wall in the north face. To better understand the seismic performance of the palace itself and related non-structural components and provide useful suggestions for relic protection from earthquake damages, a scaled 1:5 architectural model of the prototype structure and a kind of typical sample relics inside the room is designed and constructed for the earthquake simulation test on the 5 × 5 meter shaking table. The overall responses and the damage mechanism of the model structure as well as the seismic behavior and the local effects of the key elements such as the bucket arch system between the roof and the frame, the masonry infill walls, and the comparative sample relics with and without base-isolation measurements are observed and analyzed deliberately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sanxingdui Ruins site, situated in Sichuan Province, China, constitutes a significant component of the ancient Shu culture. Confronted with the challenge of excavating and analyzing cultural relics, this study introduces hyperspectral methods for the first time, utilizing the cultural relics unearthed from sacrificial pits. It proposes a novel algorithm for the extraction and analysis of Sanxingdui cultural relics, while also establishing a comprehensive data acquisition and analysis system. The specific innovations of this research are as follows: 1) Acquiring spectral curves of representative materials such as ivory, jade, bronze, and stone pillars, and constructing a spectral database. 2) Introducing the Dual-encoder UNet (D-Unet) model from a spatial perspective to achieve preliminary extraction of cultural relics. 3) Proposing an unsupervised Fuzzy C-means (FCM) algorithm from a spectral perspective to analyze the material properties of cultural relics. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm successfully achieves the extraction and analysis of Sanxingdui cultural relics. Ablation experiments further reveal that the algorithm yields excellent results in scenarios involving exposed cultural relics, semi-exposed cultural relics on the ground, and typical cultural relics. Moreover, the algorithm can be extended to other aspects of archeological excavation and analysis. During the experiment, it was observed that: 1) The cultural relics' surfaces contain distinctive substances, tentatively identified as proteins, suggesting the presence of textile capabilities in the ancient Shu civilization. 2) An unearthed bronze mask exhibits structural asymmetry, contrasting with other highly refined artifacts. Through intelligent synthesis technology analysis, a totem-like target was discovered at the center of the eyebrow, potentially associated with the veneration of eyes in Sanxingdui cultural relics, thereby providing additional validation of the algorithms effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2013 and 2014, Guizhou Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and other institutions conducted large-scale excavation to the tusi (hereditary headmen system in the minority area, and also the title of the headmen) cemetery of the Yang Family in Xinpu New District, Zunyi City, which recovered three tombs of the tusi of the Yang Family. Among these three tombs, Yang Jie's tomb was a large-sized earthen pit tomb furnished with wooden coffin chamber, which was a special structure in this cemetery; it was well preserved and yielded large amount of elaborate gold and silver wares and other exquisite grave goods. The entire cemetery had clear and tidy arrangements, diversified burial types, exact tomb occupant identities, large time span and rich grave goods yielded, all of which enriched the knowledge on the funeral system, genealogy and cultural characteristics of the Yang Family, the tusi clan of Bozhou Prefecture, made it possible to comprehensively explore the social history of the ancient Bozhou Prefecture and propelled the archaeological researches on the remains of the tusi system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2012 and 2013, The First South China Archaeological Team of the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Guizhou Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology conducted cooperative excavation to the Caves A and B of the Niupodong Site in Pingba County. The excavation recovered four burials, the dates of which were all early Neolithic Age. The artifacts unearthed at this site were mainly chopped microliths and related tools and products, such as stone blanks, fragments, cores, flakes and refuses, and some finished microliths, such as scrapers, choppers, points, etc. In addition, large amounts of typical microcores and microblades were also found. Pebble tools were also discovered in large amount, most of which had concaves on both sides. Very few whetstones were found. Polished stone implements were also found in small quantity, most of which were stone axes. Pottery wares were also found in small quantity and type, and badly fragmentary. These discoveries provided important materials for the researches on the characteristics and connotations of the prehistoric archaeological cultures in Guizhou, and are also significantly meaningful for the relevant researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Engineering Geology / Gongcheng Dizhi Xuebao is the property of Journal of Engineering Geology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

As the lex specialis on Underwater Culture Heritage (UCH) protection in China, the Regulation on Protection and Administration of Underwater Cultural Relics of PRC 1989 (Regulation 1989) was revised again in 2022 (Revision 2022). Comparatively, the Revision 2022 makes obvious amendments to its original version and is closer to the international convention in this field, regarding the essence and contents. This paper outlines the revision history of Regulation 1989 and the highlights of Revision 2022. By refining the rules directing underwater activities, encouraging public participation in UCH protection, restricting commercial salvage and treasure hunting and proposing the regime of UCH protection zones, the Revision 2022 bridges Chinese law and the international convention to a certain extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the aspects on the laws relating to the protection of cultural relics in China and the justification of the country's continued interest over cultural relics and their return. Topics discussed include a background on the loss of Chinese cultural relics from 1840-1949, the legal protection related to the relics during the Ming and Qing dynasties and its implication to the China's modern cultural heritage law, and how China protect the properties during armed conflicts.

Earthquake relic is a unique geoheritage. At present, the research on earthquake relic geoparks or national parks is less domestic and overseas, while the protection, development and exploration are in its infancy. This paper, taking ‘Qingchuan Earthquake Relic Geopark’ (QERG) as an example, analyses the characteristics of the geopark, and explores the development model, in order to provide reference for the earthquake relic geopark and national park development domestic and overseas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a finger bone belonging to the Śākyamuni Buddha, an Eastern religious figure, at the Famensi temple and art and Chinese esoteric Buddhism. The significance of relics to the Buddhist religion is noted. Of particular interest are the Esoteric Buddhist motifs on some containers at Famensi and the author's theory about the aesthetic and doctrinal importance. Other topics include Tantra and Vajrayāna Buddhism, Buddhist rituals, iconography, material culture, and the fact that none of the relics that were found in Famensi were actual finger bones.

Due to the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, the salvage archaeological excavations were conducted in Xuecun, Xingyang city, Henan Province, China, by the Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology of Henan Province in 2005 and 2006. Ample evidence for a paleoearthquake was found during the excavation in the Xuecun archaeological site. The evidence includes faults, two small grabens and a series of ground fissures. These geological structures are considered to be generated by the earthquake. Based on the relationship between the paleoseismic relics and the cultural layers excavated in the site, we inferred that the earthquake took place in the early Shang Dynasty (the Erligang period). The AMS 14C dates of charcoal from ash pits in the site indicate that the earthquake occurred between 1260 BC and 1520 BC. The paleoearthquake during this period was first discovered in the Central Plain of China. This discovery not only extents the scope of paleoseismic investigation, but also provides valuable information for safety evaluation of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an examination into the history and social ideology surrounding the relics of the 20th-century Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong. Details are given describing the history of a set of mangoes given to the leader in 1968 as a gift, their bestowal upon factory workers, and their subsequent religious veneration by the Chinese as relics of their leader. Analysis is then given questioning why the mangoes became such significant religious and cultural objects, including discussion of the symbolic meaning of their golden color, the exoticism of the fruit, and the role of Mao's propaganda team in promoting the objects.

The 2002 Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics ("2002 Law") has done little to safeguard cultural property in China. While the statute provides general procedures for relic collection, protection, and cataloging, and sets punishments for individuals and entities that violate the law, it does not furnish funding for the implementation of these measures. Amendments in 2007 failed to address the major problems of the 2002 Law-notably, the lack of incentives to return stolen or looted property and insufficient funding of the law. Due to these problems, the 2002 Law should again be amended to create a fund for the protection of historical sites and establish a grant process through which individuals and entities seeking to protect cultural relics would be compensated adequately for the costs of their efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the Law for the Protection of Cultural Relics of the People's Republic of China (PRC). It notes that China has the greatest and historical culture in the world, but due to the pace of development which implies huge amounts of digging for construction work and conduced to the discovery of cultural objects, many sites had been rapidly destroyed, and many protected works leave the country and promotes illegal digging. As a result, the first Law for the Protection of Cultural Relics (LPCR) was legislated in 1982, and was amended several time during the 1990s, 2002, and 2007. The LPCR is contains 80 articles in eight chapters with subjects that include General provisions, Archeaeological projects, and Legal responsibility.

In Tibet, certain categories of Buddhist sacra are ascribed the power to liberate through sensory contact. No less than “buddhahood without meditation” is promised, offering an expedient means to salvation that seemingly obviates the need for a rigorous regime of ethical, contemplative, and intellectual training. This article investigates two such categories of sacra, substances that “liberate through tasting” and images that “liberate through seeing” as found in a mode of revelation particular to Tibet and culturally related areas, in which scriptures and sacred objects are reportedly embedded in the landscape as terma or “treasures” (gter ma). The author argues that charisma invested in these substances and images — through an amalgamation of relics and special means of consecration — provides the grounds for the soteriological benefits claimed as a result of sensory contact with them. The question is whether these benefits suggest a notion of grace in Tibetan Buddhism, and if so how it might contravene without contradicting the law of karma. Exploring this question sheds light on the role of the senses and the nature of Buddhist soteriology as it developed in Tibet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the study of ancient potteries unearthed from the Guangfulin site in Shanghai. From the external features of these potteries, archeologists can classify them into two different cultural types: Liangzhu culture (local culture) and a new culture which might be derived elsewhere, but they can not recognize whether they were produced in the same place. Proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) were used to measure the chemical compositions of the samples and the results were analyzed using multivariate statistics. We found that the two methods can complement each other and their database can be mutually referenced in the study of ancient potteries. Experimental results a how that the compositions of the potteries from the two cultural types are different, which means that the materials for ancient potteriea of new culture originate from elsewhere. This supports the archaeologists' speculation that a group of ancient people migrated to Shanghai from some other places 4000 years ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of the objects found within Tibetan stūpas and images in terms of the Indo-Tibetan concept of relics in China. Association of physical remains and objects associated with holy persons to Buddhist teachings; Variety of blessed substances and blessing bestowing receptacles; Demonstration of hierarchical scale of values.

This article examines the life and career of Hungarian-born British archaeologist Aurel Stein, who discovered numerous cultural relics on scientific expeditions throughout Central Asia during the early 20th century. Here, the focus is on Stein's "discovery" of thousands of valuable Buddhist texts and drawings at Dunhuang, in Gansu Province, China, in 1907. The texts and drawings, made between the 5th and 10th centuries, were in fact discovered by a Taoist monk, Wang Yuanlu, who sold more than nine thousand scrolls and more than five hundred drawings to Stein, who then shipped them to the British Museum and other British archival institutions. The article traces the many archaeological finds made by Stein in China, and the often severe conditions under which he and his staff worked, noting also that Stein was responsible for the removal of a substantial amount of Chinese national treasures. [ABSTRACT FROM CONTRIBUTOR]

Museum cultural relics represent a special material cultural heritage, and modern interpretations of them are needed in current society. Based on the catalogue data of cultural relics published by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, this paper analyzes the continuity and intermittentness of cultural relics in time series by using the method of continuity judgment of cultural relics, analyzes the aggregation and migration of cultural relics in space by using the method of spatial analysis, and then uses cosine similarity to explain the similarity distribution in space and time. The results show that the overall distribution of cultural relics exhibits the characteristics of class aggregation, dynasty aggregation and regional aggregation. From the perspective of a time scale, cultural relics have different "life cycles", displaying continuity, intermittentness, and similarity. From the perspective of a spatial scale, the cultural relic distribution forms a small "cultural communication circle", showing aggregation, migration, and similarity. The temporal and spatial distribution of cultural relics exhibited more similar characteristics among dynasties that were closer together than those that were far away. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]