Major underwater archaeological projects

1. Nanhai One shipwreck in Guangdong province, Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279)

Discovered in 1987 off the coast of Yangjiang, Guangdong province, it is the first major shipwreck ever found in the South China Sea (Nanhai) under China-initiated programs. Systematic research centering on this ship carrying cargo began in 2000. It was salvaged in 2007 in a pool-type container. From 2014 to 2019, archaeologists "unearthed" the shipwreck from its sand covering.

Over 180,000 cultural relics, proof of the prosperous Maritime Silk Road, have been recovered from the shipwreck, which is 22.9 meters long and 9.8 meters wide with a 2.7-meter-deep hull, making it among the biggest underwater archaeological discoveries in China. About 170,000 well-preserved porcelain objects below deck provide crucial references for studying Chinese exported ceramics in particular. Related follow-up lab research is expected to last well into the future.