On the occasion of International Museum Day (May 18th), the doors of the Pingtan Exhibition Hall of China's Underwater Archaeology swung open to the public, marking a significant cultural milestone at the Ocean Technology and Culture Center in Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zon (Pingtan CPZ), China. This new cultural beacon has been a magnet for citizens, drawing them in with its immersive exhibits and state-of-the-art technology that offer a captivating journey through China's extensive underwater cultural legacy.

Visitors are invited on a time-traveling adventure to uncover the tales of ancient shipwrecks and the splendid chronicles of China's underwater archaeological endeavors. The Hall presents an all-encompassing narrative of the discipline's evolution and its most noteworthy milestones over three decades through four principal segments: the progression of underwater archaeology, technological advancements, pivotal discoveries, and the application of research findings.

Stepping into the exhibition hall, one is immediately greeted by an impressive replica of an ancient sunken ship. The hall's design thoughtfully integrates nautical themes, from the vintage ship structure to the undulating wave-like corridors, enveloping visitors in the enigma of the sea and the weight of history. Divided into various thematic zones, each area is equipped with cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) gear and immersive sensory setups for an immersive underwater archaeological experience.

A pivotal advancement in deep-sea archaeology was achieved through the evolution of deep-sea technology and specialized gear. In 2018, the manned submersible "Deep Sea Warrior" pioneered the integration of China's manned deep-sea diving technology with underwater archaeology in the Beijiao Shoal of the Xisha Islands, bridging a gap in China's deep-sea archaeological exploration. The second exhibition hall showcases a model of the "Deep Sea Warrior," which has captivated a multitude of visitors eager to engage with the experience.

Yang Zelin, deputy director of the Fujian Provincial Archaeological Research Institute, elaborated, "The 'Deep Sea Warrior' narrates the saga of China's manned deep-sea diving endeavors. The operational depth for underwater archaeologists was traditionally capped at 100 meters, but with submersibles like the 'Deep Sea Warrior,' we have dramatically expanded our reach, now routinely delving to depths of 1000 to 2000 meters and beyond."

Additionally, the exhibition hall boasts a dedicated educational zone, where visitors can familiarize themselves with the fundamental knowledge and technical methods of underwater archaeology through informative displays and interactive multimedia games. This not only adds an entertaining twist but also enhances the public's comprehension of the underwater archaeological profession.

A local resident, Ms. Liang, remarked, "This exhibition hall is an excellent venue for children to acquire scientific knowledge. For Pingtan, it holds immense significance, enabling a broader audience to appreciate the value of underwater cultural heritage and igniting a fervor for historical exploration."