The Maritime Silk Road Museum of Guangdong -- based in Yangjiang City of south China's coastal Guangdong Province -- showcases relics and historic documents around the famous Nanhai One shipwreck, which is China's first underwater archaeological discovery.
Nanhai One, a Chinese merchant cargo ship which sank on the Maritime Silk Road during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), serves as an example of the prosperous trade that took place along the maritime route across the South China Sea. As the first submarine archaeology-themed museum in China, the Maritime Silk Road Museum of Guangdong focuses on the excavation, protection, display and research of the relics discovered within the wreck of Nanhai One.
In 2007, after two decades of preparation, the entire ship was raised in one piece using a massive steel cage, and was then brought here to its final home - the Maritime Silk Road Museum of Guangdong.
Guo Hengwen, vice director of the Maritime Silk Road Museum of Guangdong, participated in the project since the beginning.
"This method (museum preservation) to the greatest extent preserves the relevant information of the shipwreck and ruins, with which archaeologists can work in a better environment," Guo said in an interview with China Global Television Network prior to the May 18 International Museum Day.
Over 180,000 artifacts have been found in the ship. Most are porcelain wares totaling more than 170,000 pieces. Some items show foreign styles, such as Arab-inspired ewers, necklace and bangles.
"Many ceramics from Nanhai One feature foreign styles. One example is the ewer, which is obviously of an Arabian style. It is possible that Arab traders brought metal versions as samples, and Chinese craftsmen copied them in making porcelain wares," said Liang Chengzuo, a docent of the museum.
From spices to porcelain wares, these artifacts tell the story of the Maritime Silk Road -- a sea route connecting the East and West.
A 60-meter-long scroll is displayed at the museum, showcasing the dynamic trade, exotic charm, and rich cultural exchanges of the Song Dynasty.
Experts said it not only preserves cultural heritage but also provides convincing evidence of China's longstanding development and utilization of South China Sea routes, reinforcing its historical claims to sovereignty.
"Nanhai One actually bears two very significant features. One is that it is the most important physical evidence of the Maritime Silk Road, and the second is that it is a witness to the development of underwater archaeology in China," Guo said.
Museum displays relics, historic documents about famous Nanhai One shipwreck
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
