China, France to collaborate on relics, ruins protection

This year marks the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties. In a joint statement issued by both countries in April 2023, they pledged to enhance bilateral cooperation in the protection, restoration, and development of cultural heritage.

Recently, China's Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum and France's Foundation for Cultural Heritage Sciences have reached a cooperation agreement on the scientific research and protection of wooden relics and earthen ruins.

The research on wooden relics will involve joint efforts to preserve and restore burnt wood materials from the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum, as well as research on their historical significance.

Research on earthen ruins will involve studies on the durability, stability, production techniques, and damage mechanisms of the earthen ruins in Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum and the use of soil materials as building elements in France.

Wooden remains from the No. 1 Pit of Terracotta Army.  Photo/Xi'an Daily

Current situation of wood remains of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

The Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum and the Notre Dame Cathedral are globally renowned cultural heritage sites that have used significant amounts of wooden materials and have experienced fire damage in the past.

Research cooperation in cultural heritage preservation has always been one of the most dynamic highlights in Chinese-French cultural relations, with cultural institutions in Shaanxi playing a significant role. In recent years, cultural institutions in Shaanxi have carried out cooperative projects with France, as well as conducted joint conservation training.

In 2017, Shaanxi Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage signed a cooperation project with France's Foundation for Cultural Heritage Sciences to carry out the "Gongshu Hall painted wooden architecture conservation research". In 2019, the "Sino-French Gongshu Hall oil-decorated color painting conservation and restoration training class", a collaboration between Shaanxi Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage and French National Institute of Cultural Heritage, was held in Xi'an, cultivating many cultural heritage conservation talents for both China and France.

Both China and France will develop detailed research plans within the framework established by the cooperation agreement.