Xi'an, Sept 23 (INP): Archaeological discoveries could be one area of Sino-Pak bilateral cooperation, and to learn from Chinese expertise to protect its cultural relics. In 2023, China and Pakistan launched the Guardians of Gandhara project to support Pakistan in site maintenance, the protection of cultural relics, education on indigenous heritage, and archaeological collaboration, said a Pakistani delegate Naveed Hussain. He was along the representatives of several prominent international media outlets who recently visited Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province in Northwest China. Naveed told China Economic Net (CEN) that China's cultural confidence is evident in Xi'an. China and Pakistan are collaborating in numerous ways. I believe archaeological discoveries could be one area of cooperation, and Pakistan can benefit from Chinese expertise." Xi'an is truly a wonder of the world and a fitting tribute to the heroes of ancient China. It stands as a testament to the multi-civilizational exchanges throughout human history," said Naveed Hussain, editor-in-chief of the Express Tribune and a member of the delegation, as he marveled at the Terracotta Warriors.

In 1974, an archaeological team began excavating Pit No. 1 of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, in Xi'an. The excavation revealed a vast underground army of life-size Terracotta Warriors, created to accompany the emperor in the afterlife. Talking about archaeological discoveries, Naveed informed China Economic Net that he learned Chinese archaeologists have applied their expertise in Central, West, and South Asia over the past decade to assist in the protection of these sites. A screen show different figure heads are pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum.  The delegation also visited an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the Terracotta Warriors. Naveed was interested in how to preserve the color and integrity of these artifacts during the excavation process.

"In recent years, Chinese and foreign researchers have been collaborating to uncover how ancient craftsmen composed, layered, and applied color to the artworks, as well as to determine how to protect cultural relics that are highly sensitive to environmental factors, Feng Guo, a senior journalist from the China Economic Information Service who is passionate about Chinese culture. The museum has receivedover 160 million visitors since its establishment 45 years ago, including more than 11 million last year. "I believe it offers a new perspective on the vibrant culture of ancient China. We also possess a rich cultural heritage, geographical diversity, and a deep history, and we hope that more Chinese tourists will come to visit Pakistan in the future, " Feng Guo added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China