Ordos seminar attracts experts and scholars to discuss Shuofang culture

The Historical and Cultural Seminar on Shuofang is held in Hanggin Banner of Ordos city on Dec 16-17. [Photo/Nuan News]

From Dec 16 to 17, the Historical and Cultural Seminar on Shuofang was held in Hanggin Banner of Ordos city.

More than 30 experts and scholars from the Central University for Nationalities, Inner Mongolia University, Renmin University of China, Inner Mongolia Normal University, and the Inner Mongolia Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology gathered to share the latest achievements in Shuofang's historical and cultural research.

During the seminar, six experts and scholars, namely Wei Jian, Zhang Jiuhe, Hao Zhicheng, Song Yangyang, Chen Yongzhi, and Kang Jianguo, gave keynote speeches.

They explored the historical origins of Shuofang Prefecture and Hanggin Banner during the Qin and Han dynasties (221BC-AD 24), analyzed the millennium-old cultural heritage from Shuofang Ancient Prefecture to the picturesque Hanggin Banner, and discussed the development of Shuofang culture, contributing their wisdom to the protection and restoration of Shuofang Ancient City and Huoluochaideng Ancient City.

They also conducted investigations and research at the Huoluochaideng archaeological site and the Hanggin Banner Comprehensive Museum, deepening their understanding and research of Shuofang's historical and cultural significance.

A nameplate-unveiling ceremony for the Hanggin Banner Workstation of the Beijiang Cultural Research Center of Inner Mongolia Academy of Social Sciences is held during the Historical and Cultural Seminar on Shuofang. [Photo/Nuan News]

After two days of in-depth discussions and field investigations, the experts and scholars reached four agreements.

It is believed that during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), Shuofang Prefecture was established in the northwest of Hetao, with its jurisdiction and early county seat located within the current territory of Hanggin Banner.

It played a significant role in maintaining border stability and promoting ethnic interaction and integration, serving as important empirical evidence for the study of how the diverse yet integrated pattern of the Chinese nation was formed.

Two research bases were also established during the seminar, namely the "Archaeological Research Base of Inner Mongolia Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology in Hanggin Banner" and the "Hanggin Banner Workstation of Beijiang Cultural Research Center of Inner Mongolia Academy of Social Sciences."