In an exclusive interview, our reporter Niu Weikun sheds light on groundbreaking archaeological discoveries under the South China Sea.

In 2022, researchers uncovered two shipwreck sites between Hainan Island and the Xisha Islands, submerged 1,500 meters below the surface for over 500 years. These sites have been designated as Shipwreck Site No. 1 and No. 2 on the Northwest Slope of the South China Sea.

In a concerted effort led by the National Cultural Heritage Administration, from 2023 to 2024, the Archaeological Research Center, Cascading Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Nanhai Museum in Hainan will conduct a comprehensive three-phase deep-sea archaeology survey of these shipwrecks. This marks the first systematic and scientific archaeological investigation of ancient shipwreck sites at such depths in China, a significant milestone in underwater archaeology that positions China at the forefront of global deep-sea archaeological efforts.

Deng Qijiang, the director of the Underwater Archaeology Research Institute at the National Cultural Heritage Administration and the deputy leader of the excavation project, stated, “The advancement of deep-sea technologies has expanded the possibilities for underwater archaeology. The growing needs of underwater archaeology, in turn, drive the development of these technologies.” He expressed optimism about the collaborative potential between technological innovation and deep-sea archaeology.

Deng hasn’t had a weekend off for several months as he collaborates with his team to refine their excavation and artifact protection strategies for the two wreck sites. “From 2025 to 2030, we plan to focus on major excavations and protective research on these sites while preserving them in situ.”

His excitement is palpable. The preliminary work over the past two years has consumed his time and energy. In 2022, his team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences located two sunken vessels approximately 150 kilometers southeast of Sanya, Hainan, estimating the wreckage’s scattered area at over 10,000 square meters and predicting more than 100,000 artifacts. Deng described his initial reaction as “thrilling,” emphasizing the rarity of such discoveries in the field.

However, with excitement also comes a host of challenges. “Our previous underwater archaeology mainly focused on shallow waters and inland sites, relying largely on human divers for investigation and excavation,” he noted. Conducting targeted surveys in deep waters poses unique challenges, with the team having limited prior experience at such depths. Compared to other marine exploration efforts, the requirements for underwater archaeology are far more stringent, necessitating precision in localization and documentation of each artifact.

The team was left with no choice but to adapt and innovate.

In August, an exhibition featuring advanced deep-sea technology and the South China Sea shipwreck excavation project opened in Sanya’s Yazhou Bay Technology City. Replicas of beautifully crafted artifacts, such as a celadon vase and a figurative ewer, were displayed alongside models of the exploration vessels “Xuanxun No. 1” and “Xuanxun No. 2,” along with the manned submersible “Deep Sea Warrior.” The integration of deep-sea technology with underwater archaeology was clearly showcased.

“The moment we reached the wreck site and turned on the lights, rows of neatly stacked ceramics spread before us; the shock was indescribable,” shared Zhao Songyuan, an integral part of the archaeological project who led three retrieval dives. The “Deep Sea Warrior,” China’s second 4,500-meter manned submersible, has been operational since it underwent standardized sea trials in October 2017, proving to be a critical asset for this deep-sea archaeological endeavor.

This year also marked the debut of the domestically developed 6,000-meter unmanned remotely operated vehicle “Lionfish,” which participated in three dives to assist with detailed surveying and artifact documentation.

Deng explained that the team has developed a new operational model for deep-sea archaeological investigations, utilizing a combination of deep-towed detection, autonomous underwater vehicle searches, and surveys using both manned and unmanned submersibles. Their continuous day-and-night efforts successfully retrieved numerous valuable artifacts and seabed samples, laying a rich foundation for future research.

In April, the launch of China’s first multifunctional deep-sea scientific research and archaeological vessel, “Xuanxun No. 3,” further bolstered hopes for enhancing deep-sea archaeological capabilities.

Technological advancements are also taking center stage in this field. Zhao remarked on how almost every phase of the process now employs innovative techniques. “Before retrieving artifacts, we create detailed screenshots of the areas we plan to excavate, allowing for clear visibility of each item,” thanks to panoramic photography and 3D laser scanning technologies. Deng recalled the challenges involved, including determining the appropriate height of the submersible from the site, adjusting speed, and navigating under water currents to optimize recovery efforts.

During artifact retrieval, Zhao utilized a new flexible robotic hand, designed with a soft silicone layer to protect the delicate surfaces of the artifacts. Numerous other examples illustrate enhanced capabilities, including various positioning systems to improve accuracy and sophisticated geophysical equipment to map and explore the wreckage’s surroundings.

Deng emphasized the collaborative spirit of the project: “At the worksite, everyone is on the same page, regardless of their institutional affiliations.” This deep-sea archaeology survey exemplifies interdisciplinary cooperation, involving experts from archaeology, oceanography, geology, chemistry, and biology to conduct comprehensive research.

With over 900 artifacts emerging and revealing a rich narrative of maritime trade during the mid-Ming dynasty, this discovery not only fills gaps in historical trade routes but also enriches the cultural tapestry of the Belt and Road Initiative, asserting China’s sovereign rights in the South China Sea.

With technological support, the future promises even more deep-sea treasures poised to reunite with us.