China's National Cultural Heritage Administration on Monday briefed the media on the Archaeological Work Plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan Period (2026-2030), highlighting early civilization research and international archaeological cooperation.
The plan specifies that, building on the existing 21 major projects under the "Archaeology China" national initiative, China will continue to focus on issues including the origins of agriculture and early society, models of civilization origin, and the formation of early states.
The sixth phase of the Chinese Civilization Origins Project will further study the civilization processes and histories of interaction and exchange in northwest, southwest, and south China.
The Xia Dynasty (2070-1600 B.C.) -Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 B.C.) Civilization Research Project will continue to focus on key archaeological sites of the eras, including world-renown Erlitou, Yinxu, and Sanxingdui sites.
In addition to domestic efforts, the administration also highlighted international archaeological cooperation, with the Belt and Road countries among the priorities.
China unveils archaeological work plan for 15th Five-Year Plan period
