Raising history from the depths

More than 150 years ago, a wooden sailing vessel laden with commodities sank off the coast of Hengsha Island, Shanghai. Its story had long since faded into history until 2015, when the wreck was discovered by chance by archaeologists conducting underwater investigations at the mouth of the Yangtze River.

In the following seven years, a variety of experts worked together to successfully salvage the shipwreck from the thick silt, and transfer it to a former dock in Shanghai where the remains — named Changjiangkou 2, or Yangtze River Estuary No 2 — were cleaned, analyzed, and studied.

Now, the maritime culture and trading history of the vessel, as well as the technological innovations and the people who made the salvage operation such a success, will be unveiled in an upcoming documentary produced by China Media Group.

The four-episode production, The Yangtze River Estuary No 2 Shipwreck, each spanning 25 minutes, will be aired on CMG's Documentary Channel, or CCTV-9, from Monday to Thursday, taking the audience through the New Year festivities and into the depths of history, unlocking the mysteries surrounding the boat and its cargo.

Pan Yi, the documentary's chief director, says the show will give people both a historical perspective on maritime trade and an account of the modern-day skills needed to raise the vessel.

"The ocean once connected cultures throughout the world," she says. "The documentary, while telling the story of China's Maritime Silk Road and the history of navigation in the country, will also detail the role of modern technology in the salvage process, demonstrating China's technical know-how.

"It will sail people to the past, and then back to the present."