Introduction

Co-organized by Shandong University and Lanzhou University, two top universities in China, this summer program is a cultural and intellectual feast focusing on archaeology and Chinese culture, aiming to provide participants an opportunity to fully experience the regional differences between eastern and western China, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of the richness of Chinese culture.

The session at Shandong University covers a wide range of topics including underwater archaeology, environmental and social archaeology, cultural transition from a bioanthropological perspective, human adaptation and resilience on the Tibetan Plateau, early Chinese civilization and social complexity, funerary arts of ancient China, and the spread of wheat into China. Additionally, the program includes visits to Qingdao Beer Museum, Qingdao Museum, three Confucian sites in Qufu or Mount Tai in Tai’an, as well as the Archaeological Forum for Chinese and International Postgraduates at Shandong University, offering participants rich cultural exchange opportunities.

The session at Lanzhou University focuses on the theme of Sustainability & the Ancient Silk Road, covering topics such as the archaeological significance of the Hexi Corridor, intangible cultural heritage like Lanzhou Beef Noodles making, and grotto art from the Dunhuang Academy. Highlights include lectures by renowned scholars, visits to the Mogao Grottoes, Jiayuguan Pass, and the Colorful Danxia landform, as well as immersive activities such as volunteer projects, desert camping, and cultural workshops. This session offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the cultural and historical richness of western China.

Program Sessions:

Shandong Session: July 7-July 12

Gansu Session: July 13-July 25

*You can choose to participate in one session only, or both sessions.

Program Highlights

1. Experience of both Qilu Culture and Gansu Culture

Participants of this program can experience the different cultures in Shandong and Gansu within one trip. Shandong was known as Qilu in ancient times. It was the home of the Qi and Lu states during the spring and autumn (770-476 BC) as well as the Warring States between 475-221 BC. The province is the birthplace of Confucius and Mencius as well as one of the roots of Chinese traditional civilizations. Gansu is a meeting point of agricultural and nomadic civilizations as well as Central Plains and Western cultures, with unique Long cuisine, rich local customs, and historic cultural cities contributing to the comprehensive cultural identity of Gansu.

2. Emphasis on Professionalism and Cutting-Edge Research

The summer school program specifically invites top archaeologists from Shandong University, who not only possess deep academic expertise in their research fields but also stay abreast of international academic frontiers. The course content covers both classic theories and methods of archaeology as well as hot topics currently being discussed in the archaeological community.

3. Combination of Practice and Theory

The program not only focuses on the transmission of theoretical knowledge but also emphasizes the importance of practical operation. Through visits to laboratories, museums, and field trips, participants can experience hands-on processes such as archaeological excavation, artifact restoration, thereby deepening their understanding of theoretical knowledge and enhancing practical skills.

4. Cross-Cultural Exchange Platform

The Archaeological Forum for Chinese and International Postgraduates at Shandong University, and Silk Road Sustainable Development at Lanzhou University are two major highlights of the program, providing a platform for participants to showcase their research results, exchange academic ideas, and establish cooperative relationships. Through this forum, participants can meet peers from different countries and cultural backgrounds, broaden their international horizons, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship.

Agenda

Application Requirements:

1. Open to all international applicants who are interested in archeology and Chinese culture. Participants from history, archaeology, anthropology, and other humanities or social science related field are invited to apply.

2. Fluent in English

Program Fees:

3000 CNY for two sessions, 1500 CNY for each.

Students from partner universities of Shandong University or Lanzhou University are eligible to apply for the scholarships. If granted, students will be exempted from the program fees, i.e. enjoying free tuition, accommodation and local transportation during the program.

Application Instruction:

If you choose the two sessions, please complete the online application at http://www.apply.sdu.edu.cn/en/index before March 15^th, 2025.

(Please select “2025 SDU-LZU ISP” in the “Summer School” type of education.)

Organizers:

Shandong University:

SDU- under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education- is listed in the Double First-class University Initiative with strong support from the Chinese government. With its main body Shandong Imperial College established in 1901, SDU is one of the initiative universities of modern Chinese higher education. At present, SDU is one of the most comprehensive universities in China in terms of subject categories, covering liberal arts, social sciences, science, engineering, and medicine. As for its archaeology discipline, SDU boasts an esteemed legacy in archaeology education, tracing back to the 1920s, culminating in the formal inception of the discipline in 1972. The School of Archaeology concentrates research on Human Evolution and Paleolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric and Historic Archaeology, Archaeological Sciences, and Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies. It also has laboratory facilities for archaeological research.

Lanzhou University:

Lanzhou University (LZU) situates in Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu as well as the geometric center of Chinese territory. Established in 1909, LZU is under the direct administration of Chinese Central Government, spanning 583 acres across two campuses and three affiliated hospitals. Covering a wide range of disciplines with distinctive advantages and features, LZU has a total of 12 disciplines and hosts a vibrant academic community, comprising 20,504 undergraduates, 14,557 postgraduates, and 4,688 doctoral candidates and a faculty of 3,781 members.

Contacts

Shandong University:

T: 86-531 883 65335

Email: ChineseArchaeology@outlook.com

Lanzhou University:

Tel: +86-931-8912076

Fax: +86-931-8615330

E-mail: scamp@lzu.edu.cn