Archaeology fascinates youngsters

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, December 2, 2022
Adjust font size:

Fueled by sensational archaeological and cultural TV programs, documentaries, and popular science events, the mysterious, and thus intriguing archaeology has come into the limelight of more and more teenage fans of China's old past.

In earlier November, a group of 21 children aged 6 to 14 visited the Chongqing cultural relics and archaeology institute in southwest China.

Putting on goggles and gloves, the children used latex, sandpaper, and other tools to splice, glue, and grind damaged pottery bowls, which were simulated to be unearthed cultural relics, to experience the basic steps of cultural relic restoration.

Under the guidance of archaeologists and teachers, the young learned about cultural relics restoration and attended lectures, popular science performances, voluntary explanations, and other activities.

"I like to participate in such activities," said Xu Zihao, an 8-year-old student from Zhonghualu Primary School of Yuzhong District, Chongqing Municipality. "It's interesting to learn about cultural relics and practice them with my own hands."

Then, the children were also led to an exhibition hall of restored and duplicated ancient tombs and relics. By learning about ancient burial customs, systems, and special aesthetics of their ancestors, the little archaeology fans enjoyed the lifelike living scenes and the splendid spiritual culture of ancient China.

The serial activities are not "playing house," but a novel way of inspiring China's youth's interest in its past.

"By participating in archaeology themselves, the students can learn the process of the excavation and restoration of cultural relics, get a clearer picture of the historical origins of the cultural relics, and thus have a deeper understanding of our cultural origins," explained Wang Yuan, a teacher for the "Chongqing teenage archaeologists" during the activities.

Feeling the charm of mysterious archaeological investigation and the sense of self-accomplishment when "discovering" relics can be of great help to cultivate the student's interest in studying history and archaeology, Wang added.

Since March this year, the institute has carried out over 60 activities of archaeological research and learning, attracting more than 1,800 attendees. Most of the participants are teenagers.

"Allowing children to feel the charm of archaeology from an early age and building up their awareness of loving and protecting cultural relics play an important role in cultivating the young's sense of social responsibility and improving the level of social-cultural relics protection," Wang said.

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter