Over 900 pieces of relics retrieved from shipwrecks in South China Sea

This undated file photo shows the manned submersible Shenhai Yongshi (Deep Sea Warrior) conducting a dive for deep-sea archaeological investigation. More than 900 pieces of cultural relics have been retrieved from two ancient shipwrecks discovered in the South China Sea, the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) said Thursday. (NCHA/Handout via Xinhua)

More than 900 pieces of cultural relics have been retrieved from two ancient shipwrecks discovered in the South China Sea, the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) said Thursday.

The excavation, conducted from 2023 to 2024, was a joint effort by research institutes and a local museum, according to a press briefing held in south China's Hainan Province.

A total of 890 pieces of relics were excavated from the No. 1 shipwreck, including porcelain and pottery items, as well as copper coins. From the No. 2 shipwreck, 38 ancient artifacts were retrieved, including lumber, porcelain and pottery products, turban shells, and deer antlers.

In October 2022, the two ancient shipwrecks from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) were discovered at a depth of about 1,500 meters near the northwest continental slope of the South China Sea.

The discovery provides evidence that Chinese ancestors developed, utilized and traveled to and from the South China Sea, with the two shipwrecks serving as important witnesses to trade and cultural exchanges along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, said Guan Qiang, deputy head of the NCHA.

This deep-sea archaeological investigation, integrating China's deep-sea science and technology, and underwater archaeology, marks the country's achievement of a world-class level in deep-sea archaeology, according to Guan.

This undated file photo shows professionals retrieving relics with deep-sea diving equipment in the South China Sea. More than 900 pieces of cultural relics have been retrieved from two ancient shipwrecks discovered in the South China Sea, the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) said Thursday. (NCHA/Handout via Xinhua)

This undated combo photo shows pieces of cultural relics retrieved from two ancient shipwrecks discovered in the South China Sea. More than 900 pieces of cultural relics have been retrieved from two ancient shipwrecks discovered in the South China Sea, the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) said Thursday. (NCHA/Handout via Xinhua)

This undated file photo shows the manned submersible Shenhai Yongshi (Deep Sea Warrior) conducting a dive for deep-sea archaeological investigation. More than 900 pieces of cultural relics have been retrieved from two ancient shipwrecks discovered in the South China Sea, the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) said Thursday. (NCHA/Handout via Xinhua)

This undated combo photo shows pieces of cultural relics retrieved from two ancient shipwrecks discovered in the South China Sea. More than 900 pieces of cultural relics have been retrieved from two ancient shipwrecks discovered in the South China Sea, the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) said Thursday. (NCHA/Handout via Xinhua)