On July 24, 2023, the 2023 Joint Workshop on Cultural Heritage Conservation – Peking University Summer Course officially opened at Diaoyu City in Hechuan District, Chongqing. From July 25–27, the workshop participants were divided into four groups—Spatial Foundations, Archaeology, Community, and Tourism Management—to conduct field investigations, mapping, interviews, and other on-site research activities. This article documents the fieldwork process of each group.
Spatial Foundations Group
Diaoyu City in Hechuan possesses distinct natural geography and landscape characteristics. The main task of the Spatial Foundations Group was to examine the natural environment and landscape features of Diaoyu City from multiple perspectives, clarify the geomorphology and formation of Diaoyu Mountain, and organize the important scenic spots within Diaoyu City. Through this process, the group aimed to identify consistencies in the site selection of facilities from different historical periods and with different functions, ultimately outlining the dual characteristics of Diaoyu City’s landscape as both “famous scenery” and “strategic terrain.”
Spatial Foundations Group at the Fanjiayan Site
On July 25, this group conducted a joint investigation with the Archaeology Group. In the morning, under the guidance of Professors Zhang Jianwei, Wu Honglin, and Wang Yifei, the group traveled by bus to Qisheng Gate and walked past the Diaoyu City Government Office ruins before arriving at the “Diaoyu City Major Archaeological Site Research and Conservation Station,” where they met Hu Limin, the head of the Diaoyu City archaeological team. Professor Hu led the group through a detailed three-hour field investigation of the Fanjiayan site, carefully explaining excavation details and interpretive issues, including the structure of Song dynasty tombs, hypotheses regarding excavation methods, later stratigraphic overlays, and unresolved questions.
During the investigation, Professor Zhang Jianwei guided participants through five interpretive themes:
1.Macro historical background
2.Mountain administrative complexes and drainage systems
3.Functions, institutional systems, axes, and inferred research findings
4.How archaeologists identified and understood these places
5.How contemporary residents perceive the Fanjiayan site
In the afternoon, group members surveyed landmarks including Wang Jian’s commemorative stele and inscriptions, Sansheng Rock, Jindai Pavilion, Thousand Buddha Cliff, cliff inscriptions, and the suspended reclining Buddha. These surveys provided ideas and firsthand material for later mapping work.
Hu Limin explaining archaeological findings at the Fanjiayan site
Wu Honglin introducing the geology, geomorphology, and rock distribution within Diaoyu City
Group members discussing Wang Jian’s commemorative stele and the Thousand-Hand Guanyin cliff carvings with Professor Zhang Jianwei
Caption | Joint discussion between the Spatial Foundations Group and the Archaeology Group
On the afternoon of July 26, group members revisited the Jiukouguo site, Huguo Temple, and Zhongyi Shrine under the guidance of Professor Li Dihua. Drawing on ecological landscape and cultural heritage perspectives, Professor Li provided entirely new approaches and insights.
Caption | Professor Li Dihua leading the investigation
Caption | Professor Li Dihua discussing with students in front of the Jiukouguo site
Caption | Students consulting Professor Li Dihua about challenges in later-stage work
Through two days of field investigation, the group gained a preliminary understanding of Diaoyu City’s natural environment and terrain. Combining the distribution of surviving remains with historical development, they began analyzing the site from a temporal-geographical perspective. The next phase will involve producing maps based on the midterm investigation results and conducting deeper analysis of Diaoyu City’s combined characteristics of “famous scenery” and “strategic terrain.”
Archaeology Group
During the Song-Mongol Wars, Diaoyu City’s integrated “mountain-water-city” defense system not only blocked the Mongol cavalry’s southward advance, but also indirectly influenced the Mongol Empire’s global campaigns. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the Chongqing Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology has conducted sustained archaeological work at Diaoyu City, yielding significant findings and gradually unveiling the site’s historical mysteries.
Based on this foundation, the Archaeology Group aimed to comprehensively organize existing archaeological materials, extract the multiple values embodied by Diaoyu City, and construct a value assessment system for the site.
Archaeology Group group photo
On the morning of July 25, under the guidance of Professors Zhang Jianwei and Wang Yifei, the Archaeology Group conducted field research at the Fanjiayan archaeological site. The night before, students had already developed a preliminary understanding through careful reading of excavation reports. After on-site visits and explanations from excavation director Hu Limin, participants gained a deeper understanding of the site’s location, architectural layout, drainage systems, and roads.
In the afternoon, the Archaeology Group and Spatial Foundations Group jointly surveyed sites including Baodaoling in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution of archaeological remains throughout Diaoyu City.
Archaeology Group conducting research at the Fanjiayan site
Experiencing the magnificent natural scenery of Diaoyu City atop Baodaoling
On the afternoon of July 26, the Archaeology Group and Spatial Foundations Group jointly surveyed Huguo Temple, Zhongyi Shrine, and the Jiukouguo site. Students carefully examined visual materials and written descriptions related to the Song-Mongol Wars, tracing Diaoyu City’s historical trajectory through the rise and decline of the fortress and broader ethnic interactions. Amid the solemn atmosphere beneath massive banyan trees, participants learned about important historical figures and their deeds, laying important foundations for subsequent value studies.
Interior displays of Zhongyi Shrine
Surveying the Jiukouguo site
After several days of investigation, the Archaeology Group became highly familiar with Diaoyu City’s archaeological materials and conditions. The next stage will deepen research into Diaoyu City’s values and clarify the value elements carried by each archaeological site, thereby supporting future conservation, interpretation, and exhibition efforts. The group will also continue collaborating closely with the other groups and providing necessary research support.
Community Group
This group’s research focused on the people closely connected to Diaoyu City, conducting field investigations into villagers’ transportation, livelihoods, religious life, and community transformations. By situating local lives within specific spatial and temporal contexts, the group sought to depict the lived experiences of communities associated with Diaoyu City. On this basis, the group also attempted to incorporate villagers’ memories into Diaoyu City’s heritage interpretation system.
Additionally, through interviews, the group explored villagers’ opinions regarding the current state of Diaoyu City and investigated possible pathways for community participation in heritage conservation, utilization, and management.
Community Group at the entrance of the Diaoyu City scenic area
July 25–26 constituted the Community Group’s concentrated fieldwork phase. Their work focused mainly on two tasks: establishing the spatial-temporal coordinates of Diaoyu City and surrounding villages, and conducting interviews with residents of Yucheng Village and Fo’er Village.
On the morning of July 25, Professors Wang Siyu and Sun Jing led the group to the Fanjiayan archaeological work station. With the assistance of Hu Limin, students interviewed six Yucheng Village residents working at the archaeological site. In the afternoon, the teachers and students visited the Yucheng Village Committee to interview Secretary Xie, Grandpa Shuai Zhaoquan, and Grandpa Yang Changming. Afterward, assisted by village committee staff, the group visited places frequently mentioned by residents, including Shizishan and Naodingping.
Community Group with interviewed villagers at the Yucheng Village Committee
Visiting Yucheng Village
On the morning of July 26, the group visited the Diaoyu City Community Committee to interview former residents relocated from inside the city walls. In the afternoon, the group visited neighboring Fo’er Village and interviewed local residents. After the interviews, under the guidance of Secretary Yang of Fo’er Village, the group surveyed heritage locations including Dongdu Old Street and the Octagonal Pavilion.
Walking along the bluestone-paved streets of Dongdu Old Street, Grandpa Guo Zhian and Grandpa Wu Cunhai described the lively historical scene of the street leading to Dongdu Ferry. At Ganquan Cave within Ganquan Daoist Temple, participants caught glimpses of the ethereal beauty once celebrated as one of Hechuan’s Eight Scenic Views.
After two days of intensive fieldwork, group members developed a much clearer understanding of the social landscape surrounding Diaoyu City.
Visiting the Diaoyu City community
Interviewing residents of Fo’er Village
On July 28, despite the rain, the Community Group split into two teams. Professor Wang Siyu led two students alongside Grandpa Liu Daoyou (former leader of the Second Team of the Seventh Brigade of Dongdu Commune) on a survey of heritage sites within the Diaoyu City scenic area, following a route from Fanjiayan through Zhenxi Gate, Huguo Temple, Zhongyi Shrine, Jiukouguo, Wang Jian’s commemorative stele, inscriptions, the reclining Buddha, Diaoyutai, Huguo Gate, and Shiguan Gate.
The second team, led by Professor Sun Jing, visited heritage locations elsewhere on the Dongdu Peninsula, including Xiaobaita Pagoda, Xiaohégou Ancient Bridge, Longdongwan Ancient Well, and the stone mill at the Ai Family Courtyard in Qukou Village. They later visited the sugar factory and dock at Ganjiaba, gaining a direct understanding of the positional relationship between Dongdu Peninsula and Dongjintuo along the Jialing River.
Students gained a more complete understanding of transportation, production, daily life, and village relationships among the settlements surrounding Diaoyu City.
Thousand-Hand Guanyin within the Diaoyu City scenic area
Investigation at Longdongwan Ancient Well
Tourism Management Group
Hechuan Diaoyu City is both a National 4A Tourist Attraction and a National Archaeological Site Park. The site possesses rich natural and cultural resources and demonstrates strong tourism development potential.
From the perspective of heritage conservation and sustainable utilization, the Tourism Management Group sought to identify problems in Diaoyu City’s tourism development, reorganize interpretation methods and exhibition systems, clarify institutional functions, and provide recommendations for the site’s future application for 5A scenic status and World Heritage inscription.
Tourism Management Group group photo
On the morning of July 25, under the guidance of Professors Li Guanghan and Park Lina, the entire group conducted field investigations at the Diaoyu City site. After interviewing staff at the visitor center, souvenir shop, and ticket office at the foot of the mountain, students walked uphill along the recommended tourist route from the brochure, experiencing the scenic area from a visitor’s perspective.
During the tour, members carefully recorded where visitors stopped and how long they lingered, while also mapping facilities such as restrooms and rest areas. The morning investigation covered nearly all exhibition points within the scenic area. At each location, teachers and students evaluated and documented exhibition effectiveness and existing issues.
Students interviewing staff at the visitor center
Visiting Feilai Temple
Tourism Management Group conducting collective field investigation
In the afternoon, group members hiked to the Fanjiayan site for further investigation. Since Fanjiayan lies far from Diaoyu City’s main exhibition area and lacks direct shuttle access, transportation is inconvenient. After archaeological work concluded, the site was reburied for protection, with gravel laid over the surface and interpretive signage installed.
Teachers and students discussed issues including conservation measures, exhibition quality, visitor experience, and tourist appeal. They acknowledged Fanjiayan’s solid foundational work in site conservation and tourism display while noting the significant gap between the site and more mature tourism destinations.
Zhou Zijie discussing the Fanjiayan site with Professor Li Guanghan
On the morning of July 26, Zhou Zijie, Jin Qiu, and Li Chaoying conducted literature reviews and current-condition studies concerning other regional tourism resources, Diaoyu City tourism routes, and exhibition systems. Meanwhile, Zhang Wending and Fu Yuxin, accompanied by Professors Li Guanghan and Park Lina, interviewed Fu Zhaonan, Director of the Diaoyu City World Heritage Application Office, and Zhou Fuxue, Deputy Director of the Hechuan District Culture and Tourism Development Committee.
Students asked questions regarding institutional functions, specific responsibilities, and operational challenges, gaining a relatively comprehensive understanding of Diaoyu City’s tourism management structure.
In the afternoon, Zhou Zijie, Jin Qiu, and Li Chaoying conducted supplementary surveys along the eastern city wall, focusing on Song-Mongol War defensive remains including Huangdong, artillery platforms, and Dongxin Gate. Although these areas possess significant military-historical and natural landscape value, they receive relatively few visitors because they lie far from the main tourist zone. Students suggested that future tourism routes could be developed there.
At the same time, Professors Li Guanghan and Park Lina, together with Zhang Wending and Fu Yuxin, interviewed Yang Jianchun, Director of the Diaoyu City Scenic Area Affairs Center. Director Yang responded to students’ observations regarding exhibitions and interpretation and provided detailed explanations regarding scenic area operations and daily management.
Basic conditions of Dongxin Gate
Surveying areas along the city walls
Interviewing Professor Yuan Dongshan
On July 27, Zhang Wending and Fu Yuxin, again under the guidance of Professors Li Guanghan and Park Lina, interviewed Zhang Manxue, Deputy General Manager of Chongqing Shengdi Diaoyu City Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd. After the interview, the group’s field investigation phase temporarily concluded.
In the next stage, the group will continue exploring Diaoyu City’s conservation, development, and sustainable utilization through studies of current conditions, policy recommendations, thematic interpretation, and tourism route design.
On the afternoon of July 27, all groups delivered midterm presentations. Professor Li Guanghan chaired the session and summarized and affirmed the participants’ research achievements over the previous several days.
After presentations by each group, Professors Li Dihua, Yuan Dongshan, Wu Honglin, Wang Siyu, Hu Limin, Sun Jing, Wang Yifei, Cao Jiyang, Park Lina, Zhang Jianwei, and Li Guanghan offered additional comments and evaluations.
Professor Li Guanghan hosting the midterm presentation session
Representatives from each group presenting midterm reports
For the Spatial Foundations Group, Professor Li Dihua suggested examining heritage-environment relationships within larger systems such as southwestern ancient road networks and analyzing connections from historical, spatial, and visual perspectives. Professor Wu Honglin further emphasized understanding the concepts of “famous scenery” and “strategic terrain.”
For the Archaeology Group, Professor Li Dihua stressed balancing tradition and innovation by first clarifying existing value evaluation systems before developing new concepts. Professor Wang Siyu emphasized the need for more detailed explanations of the evaluation system and the rationale behind chosen indicators.
For the Community Group, Professor Li Dihua encouraged further exploration of the meaning and boundaries of “community” so that heritage conservation could truly benefit local communities. Professor Hu Limin highlighted the value of focusing on micro-toponyms and suggested developing micro-scale spatial studies of the Diaoyu City site.
For the Tourism Management Group, Professor Wu Honglin emphasized the importance of understanding Diaoyu City’s hierarchy as “archaeological site – national scenic area – tourism development zone.” Professor Sun Jing suggested learning from experiences in other provinces regarding tourism management and top-level planning.
Faculty members providing evaluations
Professor Yuan Dongshan also offered highly specific recommendations, such as revisiting folklore investigations and clarifying distinctions between memory systems and documentary systems. He expressed hope that students could help local governments streamline management structures and provide truly implementable solutions.
Professor Zhang Jianwei summarized the evaluations, emphasizing that conservation and sustainable utilization should serve as guiding themes throughout the entire investigation. Finally, Professor Li Guanghan refined the requirements for “cross-group collaboration,” further facilitating communication and cooperation among participants.
Written by: Members of Each Working Group
Editors: Li Chaoying, Zheng Zhaoqi
Reviewed by: Li Guanghan, Wang Siyu
Final Review: Shen Ruiwen, Zhang Jianwei
