On August 2, 2023, the 2023 Joint Workshop on Cultural Heritage Conservation—a summer program at Peking University—successfully concluded in Chongqing. The workshop was jointly organized by the School of Archaeology and Museology at Peking University; World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region Under the Auspices of UNESCO (Beijing), hereinafter referred to as WHITR-AP Beijing; and the Center for Public Archaeology and Art at Peking University. This workshop received strong support from the Chongqing Association for the Protection of Historic Sites and the Chongqing Hechuan District Diaoyucheng Scenic Area Management Center. Over the course of ten days, participants explored every corner of Diaoyucheng and, under the guidance of the workshop instructors, produced research reports totaling over 10,000 words, richly illustrated with text and images. Amid the rainy season in Chongqing, participants walked along damp stone paths, touching every inch of Diaoyucheng’s history. Through intensive field surveys, interviews, discussions, and reflection, they documented the site’s past and present, opening new perspectives on its conservation, presentation, and utilization from four distinct dimensions: spatial, community, archaeological, and interpretive. (Click here to review the research documentation)
Photo | 2023 Joint Workshop on Cultural Heritage Conservation
·Recap·
During the introductory lecture phase, the lead instructors and guest lecturers delivered sessions to the participants. After a week of literature collection and research, the participants presented the rich results of their preliminary work on July 24. (Click here to review the opening ceremony)
During the field research phase, five instructors delivered lectures on two major themes—the Diaoyucheng site and heritage interpretation—interspersed throughout the intensive research schedule.
Yuan Dongshan, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and President of the Chongqing Association for the Protection of Historic Sites, delivered a keynote lecture titled “Archaeological Discoveries and Research on Diaoyucheng.” Using the historical context of the mountain city’s construction as a starting point, Yuan emphasized its exemplary role in large-scale human spatial transformation and utilization. As a vital component of the Song and Yuan dynasty mountain city system in Sichuan and Chongqing, research on Diaoyucheng must be grounded in solid archaeological work and approached from a spatial perspective. Drawing on years of research and practical experience, Yuan Dongshan offered a comprehensive summary of the fundamental methods for Diaoyucheng archaeology: combining the approaches of urban archaeology and landscape archaeology, centering on the key concept of “spatio-temporal heritage sites,” and using regional survey methods to understand and reconstruct the spatial layout of Song and Yuan dynasty mountain cities.
Photo｜Yuan Dongshan ’s Lecture
Wang Yifei, a postdoctoral researcher at Fudan University, delivered a lecture titled “The World Heritage Value of the Diaoyucheng Site.” Wang Yifei first outlined the specific context in which the concept of value was introduced into heritage conservation and the process of establishing the value system, introducing the nature and procedures of World Heritage List-based protection. He then addressed existing issues in the research on the World Heritage value of Diaoyucheng, re-examining the topic from three dimensions—military perspective, comparative analysis, and interdisciplinary theoretical methods—to distill an analytical framework centered on military strategy as the core value, with construction techniques, history, socio-cultural aspects, and spiritual and emotional dimensions serving as foundational values. Finally, based on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of World Heritage, Wang Yifei analyzed the alignment of the Yuyang City Ruins with Criteria (III), (IV), and (VI), offering recommendations for potential directions in the World Heritage nomination process.
Photo | Wang Yifei’s Lecture
Sun Jing, Associate Professor at the Quanzhou Cultural Heritage Research Institute of Quanzhou Normal University, delivered a lecture titled “The ‘Community’ of Heritage and the ‘Heritage’ of Community,” exploring heritage-related issues from an anthropological perspective. Sun Jing first examined the connotations and mechanisms of the concept of “community” within the Chinese context, tracing three distinct research paradigms in historical anthropology—the relationship between local communities and broader society, the interplay between clan systems and markets, and the “state-society” framework—from the perspective of academic history. Using the “Jubao Chengnan” survey in Quanzhou as an example, Sun Jing introduced a mode of thinking rooted in historical humanistic geographies, emphasizing the need to understand history within the broader humanistic relationships between humans and nature, humans and humans, and humans and the divine, thereby rediscovering the obscured boundaries of “community.”
Photo | Sun Jing’s Lecture
Dr. Li Kuanghan, Assistant Director of WHITR-AP Beijing, delivered a special lecture titled “An Introduction to Heritage Interpretation.” Starting with Tilden’s Interpreting Our Heritage, Li provided a clear and concise explanation of what heritage interpretation entails, covering its origins, the development of industry standards, and the emergence of new trends. He then provided a detailed analysis of the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) interpretation system, sharing insights on its institutional design, audience analysis, and heritage education, as well as a classic case study of the Stars and Stripes National Historic Trail. Finally, using the Archaeological Museum of Córdoba in Spain as an example, Li Kuanghan proposed that the conservation of archaeological sites can be integrated with visual storytelling, transforming conservation interventions into a new interpretive tool.
Photo | Li Kuanghan’s Lecture
Wang Siyu, Assistant Professor at Peking University’s School of Archaeology and Museology and Director of the Center for Public Archaeology and Art at Peking University, delivered a lecture titled “Cultural Heritage Display and Utilization.” Wang Siyu emphasized that the display and utilization of cultural heritage must aim to interpret its value, prioritize serving visitors, and consistently balance this with heritage conservation. Addressing four distinct types of heritage—timber-framed ancient architecture, modern and contemporary historical buildings, settlements, and archaeological sites—he systematically outlined the fundamental issues, concepts, and methodologies involved in their display and utilization. Drawing on case studies such as the Palace Museum, Baoguo Temple, Zhizhu Temple, Tilanqiao, Shangsheng·Xinso, Shijia Hutong, as well as Banpo, Jinsha, and Dabaoen Temple, he provided an accessible yet in-depth explanation of the methods, objectives, and significance of heritage display.
Photo | Wang Siyu’s Lecture
· Closing Ceremony·
On August 2, the closing presentation for the 2023 Joint Workshop on Cultural Heritage Conservation was held at the Hechuan City Investment Building. The event was chaired by Zhang Jianwei, Deputy Dean of the School of Archaeology and Museology at Peking University and Executive Deputy Director of the WHITR-AP Beijing Center. The closing ceremony consisted of three segments: presentations of research findings by each study group, a special report on the Jiukouguo District, and expert commentary and concluding remarks.
Photo | The closing ceremony
Experts attending the presentation included Sun Hua, Professor at the School of Archaeology and Museology, Peking University; Du Xiaofan, Professor in the Department of Cultural Heritage, Fudan University; Yuan Dongshan, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and President of the Chongqing Association for the Protection of Historic Sites; Xie Yu, Director of the Hechuan District Culture and Tourism Development Commission; Yang Jianchun, Director of the Chongqing Hechuan District Diaoyucheng Scenic Area Management Center; Fu Zhaonan, Director of the Hechuan District, Chongqing, Diaoyucheng Site World Cultural Heritage Nomination Affairs Center; Wang Ding, Deputy General Manager of the Hechuan District, Chongqing, Diaoyucheng Tourist Attraction Management Co., Ltd.; and Hu Limin, Curator at the Chongqing Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology.
Prior to the formal presentations, Zhang Jianwei first provided an overview and summary of the joint cultural heritage protection workshop. Based on the fundamental principle of multidisciplinary collaboration and with the aim of serving cultural heritage education and addressing local needs, the workshop saw the in-person participation of 28 faculty members and students from 17 universities worldwide, yielding a wealth of specialized and digital research outcomes.
Photo | Zhang Jianwei presiding over the closing ceremony
Photo | Workshop Digital Outputs
·Research Reports·
1
Spatial Foundation Group
Presenters: Chen Chen, Lan Shuai, Xiao Shufan, Sun Yangyang
Facilitators: Wu Honglin, Zhang Jianwei
Academic Teaching Assistant: Cao Jiyang
Group Members: Chen Chen, Lan Shuai, Xiao Shufan, Sun Yangyang, Ma Shuang (Observer)
Photo｜Outcomes of the Spatial Foundation Group
Centered on the concepts of “strategic terrain” and “scenic sites,” the Spatial Foundation Group organized the content of the Diaoyucheng cultural landscape heritage. They first introduced the landscape foundation of Diaoyucheng from the perspectives of macro-location, rock strata and lithology, and landform development. They then conducted a detailed analysis of the “mountain-water-city” landscape pattern, the coordinated coexistence of artificial structures with topography and water systems, and the planning and deployment of the military landscape. Finally, following a narrative thread from “scenic beauty” to “strategic advantage” and back to “scenic beauty,” they traced the crucial historical process by which Diaoyucheng transformed from a scenic spot into a military stronghold and integrated its defensive systems into a cultural landscape.
Spatial Foundation Group Presentation
2
Archaeology Group
Presenter: Qin Anli
Faculty Advisors: Zhang Jianwei, Wang Yifei
Academic Assistant: Cao Jiyang
Group Members: Mou Xiaoqi, Qin Anli, Ma Lerong, Ran Longhao, Wan Litan
Photo｜Archaeology Group Findings
Based on archaeological data from Diaoyucheng and field surveys, the Archaeology Group conducted a detailed analysis of the distribution of heritage elements. Building on this foundation and integrating relevant international charters and academic research on heritage value, they established a value system for Diaoyucheng that encompasses historical, scientific, aesthetic, social, and spiritual-emotional values, along with their respective third-level indicators. Using this framework as a standard, they provided scientific assessments and reasonable recommendations regarding the current state of conservation for each heritage element.
Archaeology Group Report
3
Community Group
Presenters: Li Xiangcheng, Yuan Qidake
Facilitators: Sun Jing, Wang Siyu
Academic Assistant: Cao Jiyang
Group Members: Li Xiangcheng, Yuan Qidake, Zhang Jiayi, Liu Yuwei, Ren Fuxin (Observer)
Photo | Community Group Findings
With the goal of integrating community memory into the heritage presentation system of Diaoyucheng, the Community Group presented the results of their surveys and interviews conducted in three villages surrounding Diaoyucheng. They first introduced the community structure and historical development of the Dongdu Peninsula from the perspectives of human geography, transportation systems, and livelihoods and production. They then conducted a detailed analysis of the functional and memory-based connections between heritage elements and the community. Based on the multifaceted impacts of heritage designation on the community, they offered recommendations and ideas for community well-being and sustainable development.
Community Group Report
4
Tourism Management Group
Presenters: Zhang Wending, Zhou Zijie, Li Chaoying, Fu Yuxin, Jin Qiu
Advisors: Li Kuanghan, Park Lina
Academic Assistant: Cao Jiyang
Group Members: Zhang Wending, Zhou Zijie, Li Chaoying, Fu Yuxin, Jin Qiu
Image | Tourism Management Group Outcomes
The Tourism Management Group’s presentation consisted of two parts. The first part primarily examined the current state of the Diaoyucheng Scenic Area from five perspectives: cultural and tourism resources, exhibition systems, tourist routes, visitor research, and operational management. It analyzed the various existing issues and provided targeted recommendations for improvement. In the second part, the group created an interpretive matrix and cultural map of the Diaoyucheng Ruins, organized around the themes of “Miracle,” “Scenic Beauty,” “Spirituality,” “Rural Life,” and “Freedom.” They further presented concepts and planning ideas for related cultural activities.
Tourism Management Group Presentation
·Specialized Research Report on the Jiukouguo Area·
During the research period, in addition to completing their respective specialized studies, members of the four groups conducted an integrated study of the Jiukouguo area within the Diaoyucheng Ruins. Representatives from each group presented and discussed the conservation, exhibition, and utilization of the Jiukouguo area from various perspectives, including natural context and scenic landscapes along the route, historical memory and community functions, heritage elements and architectural restoration, and creative science fiction writing activities.
Image | Research Findings on the Jiukouguo Area
Specialized Report on the Jiukouguo Area
·Group Review·
Following the presentations, attending experts and scholars reviewed the content presented by each group.
Du Xiaofan, Professor in the Department of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies at Fudan University, first acknowledged the achievements of the groups’ collaborative efforts. He then posed further questions regarding concepts such as scenic beauty, geographical advantages, and aesthetic value mentioned in the presentations. Drawing on his own research experience, Du Xiaofan highlighted the current challenges in heritage value research and encouraged the students to conduct further research and reflection in this area. Building on this, Du Xiaofan commended the workshop’s achievements, noting that they fully embodied multidisciplinary collaboration, and emphasized that the scope of academic research significantly influences scholars. He encouraged the students to cultivate the habit of paying attention to related disciplines and drawing inspiration from other fields while still in school, and to learn the importance of contribution and tolerance through the collaborative process, as these qualities would greatly benefit them in their future development.
Photo | Du Xiaofan’s Remarks
Yang Jianchun, Director of the Diaoyucheng Scenic Area Management Center in Hechuan District, Chongqing, expressed gratitude for the hard work of the faculty and students. Yang Jianchun noted that this research has been immensely helpful in clarifying the relationship between the Diaoyucheng site and the local community, developing tourism routes and products for Diaoyucheng, and preserving and showcasing the “Nine Pots.” He expressed hope for continued exchanges with faculty and students in the future to share research findings.
Photo | Yang Jianchun’s Remarks
Hu Limin, Curator at the Chongqing Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, commended the students’ ability to collect and synthesize data, highly praised the value and creativity of their ideas, and believed that the findings from this research would undoubtedly open new avenues for future work at the Diaoyucheng Site.
Photo | Hu Limin’s Remarks
Fu Zhaonan, Director of the World Cultural Heritage Nomination Affairs Center for the Diaoyucheng Site in Hechuan District, Chongqing, first expressed gratitude for holding this workshop at Diaoyucheng. He noted that he was deeply impressed by the depth of the students’ research, the clarity of their logic, and the practicality of their suggestions. He hoped this trip to Diaoyucheng would inject new vitality into the students’ studies and called on them to continue caring for and supporting research on Diaoyucheng in the future.
Photo | Fu Zhaonan’s Comments
Yuan Dongshan, Vice President of the Chongqing Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and President of the Chongqing Association for the Protection of Historic Sites and Monuments, reiterated the importance of foundational research, noting that many issues in heritage research stem from an insufficient understanding of heritage value. Yuan Dongshan expressed the hope that this presentation would serve not only as a conclusion but also as a new beginning. He emphasized that if the workshop model could be sustained in the future—leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration and drawing on diverse insights—it would undoubtedly make valuable contributions to the World Heritage nomination of the Dujiang City Site.
Photo | Yuan Dongshan’s Comments
Sun Hua, a professor at Peking University’s School of Archaeology and Museology, provided a detailed review of each group’s presentation and offered suggestions for improvement. Sun Hua pointed out that the Spatial Context Group could further analyze the significance of the Jialing River waterway and re-examine the connotations and rationale of the terms “strategic location” and “scenic spot”; the Archaeology Group should distinguish between the intrinsic value of Diaoyucheng itself and the shared value of surrounding areas, while adding a holistic perspective on the interconnections among various heritage elements; the Community Group could consider gradually expanding the scope of their research to include other stakeholders in Hechuan’s urban area, and should pose specific questions for analysis regarding the historical memory of local communities; the Tourism Group should re-examine the relationship between the World Heritage Nomination Office and other management agencies, while adjusting the hierarchy among different tourism themes to align with the central narrative of national cultural promotion.
Photo | Sun Hua’s Comments
· Participant Remarks ·
Zhou Zijie, a graduate student in Architectural Conservation at the National University of Singapore, spoke on behalf of all workshop participants, sharing his reflections from the perspectives of “what to take away” and “what to leave behind.” Zhou Zijie noted that this field research provided him with an on-site experience that cannot be replaced by reading literature and also allowed him to make friends with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds. Due to time constraints, the final output may not be extensive, but the insightful concepts and ideas will certainly inspire future work at Yuyang City.
Photo | Zhou Zijie delivering his remarks
·Summary and Evaluation·
Finally, Sun Hua, a professor at the School of Archaeology and Museology at Peking University, provided an academic summary of the workshop. Sun Hua noted that joint summer workshops among universities are an excellent format, as they not only integrate classroom learning with practical experience but also build a platform for exchange among teachers and students from diverse backgrounds. Held against the backdrop of Yuyang City’s bid for UNESCO World Heritage status, this workshop enabled participants to identify practical issues through field research and propose their own solutions. Although the duration was brief, the outcomes were remarkable. In the future, it may be worthwhile to expand the survey reports into formal academic papers, allowing Yuyang City research to leave a lasting mark on the students’ academic journeys.
Photo | Sun Hua’s Summary and Evaluation
Yuan Dongshan, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and President of the Chongqing Association for the Protection of Historic Sites and Monuments, delivered the closing remarks. Yuan Dongshan noted that this workshop was like a stone thrown into water—it has not only yielded tangible results at this stage but will also have a lasting impact. He expressed hope that the students’ recommendations would be effectively implemented and would influence the protection, utilization, and development of Diaoyucheng.
· Successful Conclusion ·
Amid the humid and rainy weather of the mountain city, the workshop officially drew to a close. Faculty and students from all corners of the country gathered in Hechuan, conducting field surveys under the scorching sun and pressing forward through torrential rain. They not only completed a multidisciplinary collaborative research project but also forged deep bonds of friendship. Here, the organizers would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the faculty leaders, distinguished guests, teaching assistants, as well as the leaders and staff of relevant Hechuan departments, interviewees, and enthusiastic netizens who provided assistance and support for the workshop!
Photo | Group photo of workshop participants, the organizing team, and review panel guests
· Special Thanks ·
Organizations
Graduate School of Peking University
Chongqing Association for the Protection of Historic Sites and Monuments
Hechuan District Culture and Tourism Development Committee, Chongqing
Hechuan District Diaoyucheng Scenic Area Management Center, Chongqing
Hechuan District Diaoyucheng Site World Cultural Heritage Nomination Center, Chongqing
Chongqing Shengdi Diaoyucheng Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd.
Individuals
Hu Limin, Team Leader at the Fanjiayan Archaeological Site
Zhang Xue, Diaoyucheng Volunteer
(Listed in no particular order)
Archaeological Site Worker Tian Guangwan
Archaeological Site Worker Tang Liangqi
Stonemason Shuai Zhaoquan
Stonemason Yang Changming
Driver Brother Chen
Current Party Branch Secretary of Yucheng Village, Xie Jian
Retired Party Branch Secretary of Fo’er Village, Yang Shangqing
Current Party Branch Secretary of Qukou Village, Chen Sanlin
Team Leader of the Second Squad, Seventh Brigade, Yucheng Village, Liu Daoyou
Two female cleaning staff members at the Yucheng Scenic Area
The 90-year-old mother of Ms. Ren Shaolian, an employee of the scenic area
And all interviewees from Yucheng Village, Fo’er Village, Qukou Village, and Yucheng Garden
Editors: Li Chaoying, Park Lina
Reviewers: Li Kuanghan, Wang Siyu
Final Reviewers: Shen Ruiwen, Zhang Jianwei
