Over 50,000 Relics Discovered at Old Summer Palace
Archaeologists working on a large-scale excavation at the Old Summer Palace have now unearthed more than 50,000 relics offering a unique glimpse into the site’s elaborate past.
The
excavation project began in 2013 and is expected to be completed in
2020. The dig site currently measures 7,000 square meters, making it the
largest excavation to be conducted at Beijing’s Old Summer Palace, also
known as Yuanmingyuan Park.
So far, archaeologists have
discovered an array of artifacts, including numerous bronze and jade
pieces. The most prized item that has been unearthed is a gilded
elephant head.
Yuanmingyuan Park was once the site of the
royal gardens during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The area was famous
for its exquisite grounds, unique architecture and vast art collection.
However, the area was destroyed by British and French forces during the
Second Opium War (1856-60).
"The park's glorious past cannot
be restored any more, but these relics will let the public know more
about the park and its history," a statement released by the park reads.
By
unearthing these relics, archaeologists not only aim to educate
visitors about the park’s history but they hope to protect palace
remains.
"A few sections of the palace survived the fire and
destruction of the 1860s… that's why we want to unearth the remains that
are buried underneath, so the visitors can see that the Yuanmingyuan
Park is iconic," said Chen Hui, chief of the park's archaeological
department.
The newly-discovered relics will be on display for the public until October.