Unearthing the uniqueness of underwater heritage : interpretation of ancient Shicheng, China

Abstract

Although studies on the protection of underwear heritage sites have been carried out, there is no adequate study in the field of interpretation of underwater heritage, especially in China. In China, there are underwater shipwrecks with valuable ceramics, and a number of ancient buildings and complete towns submerged under water as a result of infrastructural development. This study aims to provide general guidelines for interpreting underwater heritage assets, particularly ancient buildings in China, through assessment of the case study of the town of Shicheng submerged under Qiandao Lake in Zhijiang, China. This paper focuses on Shicheng, the underwater town at Qiandao Lake, as well as Wenyuan Shicheng, a newly constructed town in Jiangjai Zhen modeled after the ancient town of Shicheng. In addition to site visits to the Qiandao Lake Scenic Area and Wenyuan Shicheng, a questionnaire targeting visitors to the Qiandao Lake Scenic Area and Wenyuan Shicheng facilitated a comprehensive assessment of the interpretation of these sites. The study found that the interpretation of te underwater heritage town of Shicheng with great historical, artistic and scientific value is a gimmick for visitors that is either adequate nor comprehensive. This paper will provide specific recommendations and suggestions for the interpretation of these sites.