The Shenhai Yongshi, or Deep Sea Warrior, is one of the most advanced submersibles in the world. Its operational depth is up to 4,500 meters. It was used to carry out an archaeological project on two ancient shipwrecks in the South China Sea, as it can provide the photos required to create high-definition maps, an essential step for the extraction of the relics.
In the "Silk Road Sunken Treasures", a CGTN documentary, Feng Wanli, Chief Assistant from Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), described how her job -- creating high-definition maps, was facilitated by the Deep Sea Warrior.
To retrieve items from the seabed, the first step was to set up a complete database, including the orthophoto maps of the shipwrecks.
Photographic stitching can capture the fine details of the textures and patterns of each cultural relic. "The original materials for photographic stitching need large numbers of photos. We need to make a plan for an area, and the submersible will follow the survey line. We must make sure each photo overlaps by more than 60 percent. We use an ultra-HD camera, so the photos are virtually identical to the actual relics down below. They are just like replicas, one by one, of each relic. We can pinpoint the locations of different types of porcelain items by directly following the positions indicated on the map. It will save a lot of time. Every day I wake up immersed in archaeological work. When I close my eyes, I still think about the artifacts. I will keep looking at the pictures. Sometimes when I sleep, I might dream that I am a fish, and I can directly get a closer look at that particular artifact," said Feng.
With the recovery of the relics, long-lost skills and artistry are once again revealed.
"Silk Road Sunken Treasures" is a CGTN documentary on China's latest breakthroughs in deep-sea archaeology. It reveals a hidden part of history, bringing to light the splendor of the Maritime Silk Road. "Silk Road Sunken Treasures" is an unprecedented look at the South China Sea through the enduring legacy of intercultural dialogue.
CGTN documentary depicts sunken treasures retrieved by manned submersible
CGTN documentary depicts sunken treasures retrieved by manned submersible
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
