Harbin City- Review of 1,653 immovable cultural relics registered in the -Three Censuses- and investigation of 22 newly discovered cultural relics
On October 24, reporters learned from the Harbin City Fourth National Cultural Relics Census Office that the city has recently conducted a comprehensive review of 2,014 immovable cultural relics that have already been identified and registered as part of the national census. To date, 1,653 of these relics have been reviewed, representing 82% of Harbin’s total cultural heritage, with 22 new cultural relics discovered during the process.
According to officials, from the spring and summer through to the crisp autumn days, the Four Surveys work teams have been traversing dense forests and remote areas. Faced with challenges such as tight timelines, extensive tasks, scattered relic sites, difficulties in pinpointing locations, unclear status assessments, and a shortage of professional personnel, the census teams have persevered. They’ve effectively utilized artificial intelligence tools and local villagers’ guidance to verify the basic information of the relics. The teams anticipate completing the on-site review of these immovable relics by the end of October.
From archival research to on-site investigations, the aim has been to enrich historical records, maintain cultural continuity, and enhance the cultural heritage protection system. This effort allows for a comprehensive understanding of the distribution and characteristics of relic resources. During this census, Harbin has not only efficiently advanced the review of cultural relics but has also actively engaged in the investigation and certification of newly discovered relics.
As of October 2024, preliminary identification of 22 new sites has been made in areas including Nangang District, Acheng District, Shuangcheng District, Yilan County, Bin County, and Mulan County. Evidence is currently being gathered and experts are being invited for authentication.
Notably, Mulan County has revealed a substantial number of cultural relics, including the site where General Xu Hengzhi of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army fell. Since late July 2024, the Mulan Cultural Heritage Center has been collaborating with the Heilongjiang Provincial Archaeological Institute on a national-level archaeological project—excavating the Northeast Anti-Japanese Allied forces at Jicuan Mountain. This endeavor has uncovered a range of significant relic sites, including the Mongolian Mountain burial sites from the Han and Wei dynasties. During the review of ancient city sites, precious artifacts such as bronze ornaments, iron spearheads, and daggers were discovered. In Acheng District, a new archaeological site containing 47 pit dwellings was identified at the top of the Hongshi site. Meanwhile, during the review of the Zhang Xueliang anti-bandit memorial at Shicheng Mountain in Yanshou County, the survey team successfully discovered a trench used by anti-bandit forces. Historical records and consultations with provincial experts on revolutionary heritage have tentatively classified this as a newly identified immovable cultural relic.