China-Kyrgyzstan Joint Archaeology Makes New Progress at the Honghe Site

The joint ChineseKyrgyz archaeological team has recently made an important discovery at the Honghe Site in Kyrgyzstan. Archaeological work shows that the urban spatial layout of this medieval site has been clarified more clearly for the first time, and several artifacts dating to around the 10th century AD have also been unearthed, providing tangible evidence for the study of cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. According to the report, the Honghe Site is located in Chuy Province, Kyrgyzstan, with a total area of about 20 square kilometers. Since Chinese archaeological work began there in 2018, the two sides have combined settlement archaeology, remotesensing surveying and mapping, digital modeling, and other methods to conduct systematic excavations in key areas such as the Buddhist temple and city walls, gradually resolving longstanding issues regarding the site’s layout and chronological phases. Archaeologists said the next step will be to expand the scope of research to the entire Chuy Valley and continue systematic surveys as well as conservation and restoration work on cultural relics. The project has not only advanced academic research, but also promoted cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan in archaeological technology, talent training, and cultural heritage protection.