On December 21, the China Quanzhou Cultural Heritage Research Institute was inaugurated in Quanzhou, Fujian. (Photo by Chen Xupeng)

　　On December 21, the signing ceremony and unveiling of the China Quanzhou Cultural Heritage Research Institute was held at Quanzhou Normal University. The institute, a collaborative effort between Peking University's School of Archaeology and Museology, Quanzhou Normal University, and the Quanzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, will focus on the study of "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China," aiming to become a leading research hub for cultural heritage with distinctive features, an international outlook, and national prominence.

　　The research institute's creation will contribute significantly to the "World Heritage" bid for Quanzhou's maritime heritage. The "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" project, which was China's sole candidate for world heritage status in 2020, includes 22 heritage sites across the city.

　　Professor Sun Hua, Chair of the Academic Committee of Peking University's School of Archaeology and Museology (left), was appointed as the Director of the China Quanzhou Cultural Heritage Research Institute. (Photo by Chen Xupeng)

　　According to Professor Sun Hua, Chair of the Academic Committee of Peking University's School of Archaeology and Museology and the newly appointed director of the institute, the research institute will adopt interdisciplinary approaches, encompassing archaeology, history, anthropology, sociology, and other fields. It will integrate academic research, talent development, archaeological excavations, cultural heritage exhibitions, and think-tank services into a comprehensive platform for the innovative protection and utilization of cultural heritage.

　　Professor Sun emphasized the importance of Quanzhou as a rare outward-facing city in ancient China and a starting point for the Maritime Silk Road, making it a valuable subject of study. He noted that researching Quanzhou's rich history of ancient Chinese and international exchanges and its cultural heritage would lay an academic foundation for supporting the "Belt and Road" initiative. Additionally, it would provide essential academic backing for the ongoing efforts to secure world cultural heritage status for the "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" project.

　　The ceremony also saw Quanzhou Normal University President Qu Guangqing presenting a letter of appointment to Professor Sun Hua, officially appointing him as the director of the China Quanzhou Cultural Heritage Research Institute.

　　Vice Mayor of Quanzhou, Zhou Zhenping, highlighted that the establishment of the research institute will leverage the city's rich historical and cultural resources, as well as the academic expertise and talent from Peking University's School of Archaeology and Museology. This collaboration will support the excavation, protection, and dissemination of Quanzhou's outstanding cultural heritage, promote the preservation of Minnan culture, and enhance Quanzhou's international profile and the global influence of its cultural heritage.