The Transformation of Academic Culture in Mainland Chinese Archaeology

Abstract

Although antiquarianism in China can be traced back at least to the 8th century BC, modern archaeology was introduced from the West into China in the late 19th century, and developed in isolation from 1949 to 1978. However, after China opened her door to the world in 1978, there have been noticeable changes in the academic culture of Chinese archaeology, which can be illustrated in terms of its disciplinary objectives, research agendas, methodologies and theoretical frameworks. These changes reflect a cultural transformation resulting from the economic, social, political and ideological changes taking place in contemporary China.