A new archaeological research center dedicated to China's Xia (2070-1600 BC) and Shang (around 1600 -1046 BC) dynasties started construction in Luoyang City, central China's Henan Province on Saturday.
Covering a total area of around 52,000 square meters, the archaeological research center will be built at the visitor center of the Erlitou Archaeological Site Park and the adjacent northern area.
Discovered in 1959 by late Chinese historian Xu Xusheng, Erlitou is of great reference value for studying the origins of Chinese civilization, the rise of kingdoms, the regulation of ancient capitals and other major issues related to the development of Chinese civilization. Tens of thousands of items have been unearthed at the Erlitou site. With a total investment of about 233 million yuan (around 33.04 million U.S. dollars), the research center will mainly include facilities for comprehensive archaeological research, specimen storage, and cultural relics restoration.
The research center is scheduled to be put into use in 2025.
Research center dedicated to China's Xia, Shang dynasties starts construction in Luoyang
Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on Monday.
As solemn music played and the golden doors slowly opened, Xi and Vucic entered the hall together, followed by Xi's wife Peng Liyuan and Vucic's wife Tamara Vucic.
Applauding guests rose to their feet, and paid respect to the two heads of state.
A Guard of Honor escorted the Friendship Medal into the hall, and amid solemn music, Xi formally presented the medal to Vucic.
Xi highlighted Vucic's long-standing commitment to advancing China-Serbia friendship and underscored the significance of the honor.
"President Vucic has long stayed committed to China-Serbia friendship, and he has always given China the firmest and clearest support on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns. He gains the respect from the Chinese people. This medal is not only a high recognition of President Vucic's contributions to bilateral friendship, but also carries the earnest expectations of both peoples for building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era," Xi said.
The Friendship Medal is China's highest state honor for foreigners, reserved for those who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive, promoting exchange and cooperation between China and the world, and safeguarding world peace.
At the invitation of Xi, Vucic is on a state visit to China from Sunday to Thursday, with this marking his first state visit to China and his ninth trip to the country overall.
Xi awards Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic China's friendship medal
