The Establishment and Working Practices of Chinese Archaeological Institutions from the 1920s to the Present

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2026
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Abstract
Abstract The 1921 excavation at Yangshao, Henan Province, is generally regarded as the starting point of modern Chinese archaeology. Since then, among the humanities and social sciences, archaeology has become one of the fastest-growing disciplines in China. According to official statistics, as of September 2022, China had 91 archaeological units with the remit to excavate, including seven national-level archaeological institutions, 32 provincial-level archaeological institutions, 20 universities, and 52 other institutions such as museums, cultural institutions, and municipal archaeological institutions. This chapter discusses the development of modern Chinese archaeology across four periods: the initial years (1921–1949), the period of establishing the discipline (1949–1976), the period of growth (1976–2000), and the current boom (since 2000). It gives an overview of the main institutions, management models, theoretical foundations, training principles, and regulations, and the context in which they were developed. Earlier in the history of the discipline, most projects were rescue excavations, but by now planned projects and preventative work are common. Excavations at large sites such as Liangzhu, Shimao, Yinxu, and Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an) aiming to establish and refine chronological frameworks and understand developments over time and space have received much attention and funding. The aim has been to develop an archaeological research and heritage management system with Chinese characteristics that fits local particularities.
Reference Key
openalex_W7170033686 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Zhouyong Sun, Anke HEIN
Journal Oxford University Press eBooks
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197800324.013.0017
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197800324.013.0017
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