New progresses have been made in the construction of International Austronesian Archaeological Research Base. Presently, the restoration and renovation of 16 old stone-houses have been completed, along with some infrastructures of roads in the relics park and the scenic village where the Base is located.

For now, another 6 stone-houses, tourist service center and archaeological experience center are still under construction. They will be completed and put into use by the end of this year.

Scenery near the International Austronesian Archaeological Research Base

“The remaining 6 stone-houses will be turned into dormitories and exhibition areas whereas the tourist service center will be connected to the experience center. After the completion of the experience center, visitors and their children will be able to have a more personal experience of archaeological work and a better understanding of ancient human civilization through “archaeological tourism”. They will learn about the protection and restoration of cultural relics, and also get a hands-on experience of a simulated archaeological excavation”, narrated a staff from the Engineering Department of Pingtan Tourism Co., Ltd.

Accommodation area in the archaeological research base for archaeology experts

On top of these, it will also develop cultural products such as Austronesian’s doll, set up an education base for patriotism and public knowledge, making the Austronesian culture more well-publicized and relatable.

Entrance of the International Austronesian Archaeological Research Base

In the process of construction of the international research base, emphasis has been laid on the integration with the original stone-houses and local landscape features, to create a harmonized charm by blending of culture with scenery while  to meet the needs of research by the archaeologists.

In the exhibition hall, a virtual architectural model introduces the overall construction planning of the International Austronesian Archaeological Research Base through vivid imageries. In the prehistoric cultural exhibition hall, artifacts such as ceramics, pottery pieces, snail shells, stone tools and polished stone implements are well displayed. There is also a maritime preferred silk exhibition hall which showcases the ocean culture preferred of Pingtan.

Inside the exhibition hall

Mount Guishan relics site

Pingtan folklore exhibition hall

Fishing culture

Maritime silk legacy exhibition hall

The International Austronesian Archaeological Research Base

Covering an area of about 16,000 square meters, the International Austronesian Archaeological Research Base  is located in Shangpan village, Pingyuan town, about 1 km southwest from the Keqiutou relics site.

Sources reported that the Base is the starting point of the Keqiutou Archaeological Relics Park, which has unique cultural legacies of the Austronesian in Pingtan.

The Keqiutou park’s planning is divided into three stages of short-term, mid-term and long-term (to 2035). It includes core relics display area, cultural exchanges area, public service and archaeological experience area, local cultural display area, reserved park area, and a specific area showcasing Austronesian folk cultural villages.