The International Symposium on Settlements and Society Celebrating 30 years of the Sino-American Southeast Coastal Shandong Joint Archaeology Project convened at Shandong University's Qingdao campus from July 17 to 20.

Shandong University President Li Shucai highlighted the project as a pioneering and enduring example of international collaboration that has set a benchmark for settlement archaeology and joint archaeological endeavors. He expressed hope that participants would consolidate the project's experiences and explore future directions for the study of ancient settlements and societies.He added thatShandong University hopes to work hand in hand with all partners to excavate more precious relics, achieve more groundbreaking results, and make greater contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Sun Bo, Deputy Director ofthe Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism,encouraged Shandong archaeology to take on greater responsibilities in exploring Chinese civilization, advancing technological archaeology, and fostering cultural tourism and global partnerships.

Professor Anne Underhill of Yale University, a recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award, thanked China for its unwavering support. Reflecting on the 30-year partnership and the formation of the joint team, she advocated for strengthened collaboration and deepened academic exchange to propel human civilization forward.

Since 1995, a Sino-US archaeological research team led by Shandong University and Yale University has conducted a decadelong regional archaeological survey and excavation in Rizhao, a coastal city in Shandong province. They found a Neolithic site - the Liangchengzhen site, believed to date back to 2,600 BC.

This collaborative endeavor, now spanning three decades, serves as a powerful example of how sustained international cooperation can illuminate our shared human past and pave the way for future breakthroughs in archaeological research.

Attendees of the symposium pose for a group photo. [Photo/Shandong University]