Underwater archaeology workstation at Taihu Lake officially unveiled and became operational in Wuxi, Jiangsu province. The opening ceremony was held in Helv Ruins Museum on Sept 7.

In January this year, Jiangsu Administration of Cultural Heritage had emphasized the importance of underwater archaeology. And after half year of preparation, the workstation finally settled down. The station at Taihu is a trial one and success of it can lead several such stations in the near future. Knowing its importance, several officials from the State Administration of Cultural Heritage have attended the opening ceremony.

The underwater archaeology workstation aims to explore cultural heritage including cultural relics, ruins and shipwrecks under water. It contributes to the research of ancient shipbuilding, navigation, marine traffic and commerce.

The underwater archaeology has great significance in learning the course of human civilization, said an official, on the occasion.

While experts believe that being home of fish and rice since ancient time, Jiangsu province has great advantage in underwater resources including the archaeology resource. And Taihu was selected as a pilot project because of its important position in marine traffic and being a developed fishing industry during ancient times.

And most importantly, Wuxi could be a perfect place for underwater archaeology as it is a transportation hub for the lake.