(September 8, 2002) All but a few key archeological projects in China have been halted, so their staff can rescue relics in the path of the south-north water-diversion project.

China is on a war-footing to protect its precious heritage from the desperately needed three south-north water diversion canals that will crush and inundate history. China is deploying archeologists and staff as it would soldiers for the nation’s largest-ever water project. All but a few key archeological projects have been halted, so their staff can rescue relics in the path of the canals. A government survey team has identified 788 cultural sites that need to be protected or excavated. It has initially invested 50 million yuan (US$6.25 million) in 45 major cultural sites and more funds are expected, said Yin Hongwei of the Water Resources Ministry. To rescue cultural relics along the project areas, the State Bureau for Cultural Relics has ordered all archeological institutes nationwide to assist the relics’ salvation. However, archeologists fear that there isn’t much time left for cultural relics preservation with the project beginning early this year in central and east China. “We will do our best to protect cultural relics for the south-to-north water diversion project,” said Du Jinpeng, an archaeologist from the Archeological Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. “All other archeological activities except the Yin Ruins research will have to be suspended because of the rescue mission, ” he said. “About half of our institute’s personnel will be dispatched.” Representatives from 51 archeological agencies nationwide vowed yesterday to rescue a large number of tombs, temples and other cultural sites in the path of the project for the parched north. “We should assume responsibility toward our history and show our determination for cultural relics protection,” Shan Jixiang, director of State Bureau of Cultural Relics, told a mobilization conference held yesterday in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. “We need to assemble as many archeological talents as possible,” he said. The project will begin transferring water from the water-rich south to the arid north in 2007 and 2010 through two different routes in central and eastern China. A western route is planned. Many cultural sites, including historic sites of the Xia and Zhou dynasties dating back to more than 4,000 years, an ancient section of the Great Wall, ancient nobles’ tombs and a canal, have to quench thirst and promote industry.

Shanghai Daily, September 8, 2002