A feature on the ongoing excavation of the Nanhai No. 1, a shipwreck discovered off the coast of Guangdong province in China.
Feature: Ancient shipwreck unlocks secrets of Maritime Silk Road
Xinhua, 02 Feb 2016
The Maritime Silk Road, like the ancient Silk Road, was not only a route of trade, but of communication among civilizations.
“Coastal Guangdong holds the DNA of China’s external exchanges and trade,” says Long Jiayou, director with the Guangdong Provincial Cultural Heritage Bureau.
Guangdong had the longest history and most external associations of the Chinese regions on the route.
“Guangdong is also on the route of China’s Belt and Road initiative with its long history and massive overseas trade volume,” says Long.
The Belt and Road Initiative aims to boost connectivity and common development along the ancient land and maritime Silk Roads.
The excavation of the Nanhai No. 1 adds historic significance.
“It has brought China new concepts, innovative methods and technologies in underwater archeology. Moreover, it is a crucial model for the protection of relics along the Maritime Silk Road,” says Long.
Full story here.
