China: Liulihe Excavation (IFR)

Location: liulihe, china

Session Dates: June 9 – July 6, 2025

Application Deadline: February 1, 2025

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/china-liulihe/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Institute for Field Research (IFR), Beijing Institute of Archaeology

Project Director:
Guo Jingning and affiliated staff and researchers

Project Description:

Step into the past and ignite your sense of adventure as you unravel the mysteries of ancient China at the Liulihe archaeological site in Beijing. Dating back 2,800-3,000 years, this Bronze Age city offers a glimpse into the early urban planning and cultural exchange of the Western Zhou period. Explore remnants of rammed-earth walls, ceremonial relics, and tombs, providing invaluable insights into the social dynamics and architectural achievements of the time. Through real fieldwork and excavation operations, you’ll actively contribute to ongoing research on urban planning, architectural forms, and burial practices, enhancing your understanding of ancient civilizations while honing your archaeological skills.

Field school highlights:

• Gain hands-on experience in archaeological survey and exploration as well as the excavation, drawing, sampling, and recording of tombs.
• Engage with seasoned archaeologists who are committed to cultivating your skills and development as a researcher.
• Visit the World Heritage Site of Zhoukoudian Homo erectus and participate in Great Wall conservation efforts.

Period(s) of Occupation: Bronze Age

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Students are expected to stay the full length of the program.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
Our workstation is located in Dongjialin Village, Liulihe, Fangshan District, next to the Beijing Archaeological Site Museum (Liulihe Site). The workstation is divided into a living area and a working area, and the working area has working rooms and a temporary warehouse. Students will live within walking distance of the work area. The dormitory in the living area contains double rooms with each person having their own desk and lamp, and there is wireless internet and air conditioning in the room. There are two separate shower rooms in the workstation for all genders, and male and female bathrooms. Washing machines with drying function are available. Students are free to organize when and in what order they use the lavatory facilities and showers, and the directors will be flexible in allocating rooms. We have canteens in our workstations, buffet style, serving three meals a day a variety of Chinese cuisine. Students can choose their own food, but special dietary needs are not catered for, e.g. no halal food is available. The canteen is shared with the staff of the Museum of Archaeological Sites. The living area also has a small kitchen to cook your own meals, which has a microwave and an induction cooker. Water is available in the canteen and working rooms.

Academic Credit:
7 semester (10 quarter)