Hongshan National Archaeological Site Park kicks off culture, art week

The Hongshan National Archaeological Site Park Culture and Art Week commenced in Chinese Decorative Stone Park, Wuxi, Jiangsu province, on June 9 to celebrate the 18th China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, which falls on June 10 this year.

A promotional video about Wuxi's ruins protection was screened at the launch ceremony to reproduce the lives of residents in the city during the Shang (c.16th century-11th century BC) and Zhou dynasties (c.11th century-756 BC).

Hongshan Site Museum cooperated with Nanjing Museum to exhibit the digital versions of cultural relics which were unearthed in Hongshan ruins but collected by Nanjing Museum.

Construction of an archaeological experience center at Hongshan National Archaeological Site Park also started that day. The center is expected to include a visitor information center, public archaeological experience center and archaeological work station.

Wuxi is blessed with abundant ruins, including two national ones – Helyu City Ruins and Hongshan Tombs, and in recent years 15 ruins have been discovered.

In 2004, Hongshan ruins were rated as one of China's top 10 archaeological discoveries, with Hongshan National Archaeological Site Park being the first of such parks in China and the only in Jiangsu.

Wuxi is home to 361 intangible cultural heritage items, including Huishan clay figurines, Yixing purple clay and fine embroidery, which are scattered everywhere in the city.

To help visitors better appreciate the city's cultural charms, eight travel routes themed around intangible cultural heritage were unveiled at the ceremony.

During the culture and art week, a dazzling array of activities such as cultural relics exhibitions, a shopping festival and bazaars are available to both local residents and visitors.