Treasures from the abyss revealed in Hainan

A special exhibition featuring the archaeological discoveries from the No. 1 and No. 2 shipwrecks on the northwest continental slope of the South China Sea opened on Friday in the city of Qionghai, south China’s Hainan Province.

With a vast number of artifacts spanning a wide variety of categories, the findings hold significant historical, scientific and artistic value. The investigative mission at the shipwreck sites is listed among China’s top 10 new archaeological discoveries of 2023, piecing together details of the maritime trade during the mid-Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The exhibition offers a comprehensive view of archaeological discoveries, excavation processes, technological applications and research outcomes, giving visitors an immersive deep-sea archaeological journey.