|
the liuzi canal site is part of the ancient tongji canal, a segment of the sui-tang dynasties grand canal. archaeological excavations in 1999 and 2012 uncovered significant relics from the tang and song dynasties, including river channels, embankments, stone bridge piers, and roads. the site yielded nine wooden shipwrecks and a large number of important artifacts, such as ceramics, bone and horn tools, stone anchors, and copper coins, filling multiple gaps in canal archaeology. notably, the stone bridge piers were the first of their kind discovered in the grand canal, and the number of shipwrecks found in the canal was unprecedented. the exquisite ceramics from over 20 kilns spanning the sui, tang, and song dynasties are particularly valuable. 
"currently, the total investment in the construction of the permanent protective shed for the liuzi canal site is 135 million yuan, with 80 million yuan allocated for the main structure and 55 million yuan for the internal exhibitions," explained xu zhongqiu, a staff member at the suixi county cultural protection center. the entire project covers an area of over 27,000 square meters, with the shed itself occupying more than 5,500 square meters. the building is divided into upper and lower sections. the first floor above ground is an enclosed structure that protects the excavation pit, while the second floor will house an exhibition museum. the project features a large-span steel structure with an exterior design resembling a ship's mast. the protective shed's load-bearing foundation is placed on non-critical parts of the site to minimize interference and damage to the excavation pit. the main structure is divided into southern and northern sections, with a total span of 75 meters. the shed is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. the interior exhibition design will follow, with the site anticipated to open to the public next year. 
source: anhuinews.com
|
