"China treats it as a secret for decades" for decades. "

American Geographic magazine website on June 14th, original title: China regards this shipwreck 800 years ago as a secret conservative for decades

The audience visited the "South China Sea I" exhibition.

In 1987, when the British maritime adventure and rescue company found a 18 -century shipwreck in the South China Sea East India company in the South China Sea, they accidentally discovered a complete merchant ship from the 12th century.

In 1125, the Song Dynasty lost control of northern China. As the Land Silk Road leading to Central Asia and Europe was blocked, the Southern Song Dynasty turned to the shipbuilding industry and obtained wealth through the sea road. At the end of the 12th century, a cargo -loaded Song Dynasty merchant ship sank into the sea shortly after leaving Hong Kong. Because the ship was found in the first type of the same type found in the South China Sea, it was named "South China Sea I".

Due to the lack of funds and technology at the time, the "South China Sea I" continued to sink on the bottom of the sea for 20 years. In December 2007, the "South China Sea I" and its precious cultural relics (total weight of 15,600 tons) were transferred to the Guangdong Maritime Silk Road Museum on Hailing Island. There, the "South China Sea I" was placed in a customized saline tank, and most of the goods have not been taken out of the cabin so far. Archaeologists are still continuing to study this shipwreck. These maritime routes that the Southern Song Dynasty relied on were called "Maritime Silk Road" by historians.

The "South China Sea I" was placed in the Guangdong Maritime Silk Road Museum. The picture intercept Yangjiang from the live broadcast

In addition to important historical significance, the "South China Sea I" also helps China to show its glorious history as a maritime power country. When the ship was discovered in 1987, it coincided with the end of the Cold War, and China began to play a new role on the world stage. When it was salvaged in 2007, China's importance in the global economy is beyond doubt. In 2013, China proposed to build a "Belt and Road" initiative, which is a grand plan for infrastructure investment in many countries, and a conscious update of the Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road. For many Chinese people, the "South China Sea I" reflects both the glorious business history of China, but also shows the country's ambition to focus on the future.

Global Times Cui Xiaodong Translation

- END -