Zhengzhou–AlUla Archaeology Seminar 2025 - October 21 – 23 - Henan, China

Expressions of Identity in the Kingdoms and Dynasties of AlUla and Henan: Faith, Trade Routes, Urban Centers, and the Development of Writing from the Second Millennium BCE to the Second Century CE

Zhengzhou-AlUla Archaeology Seminar 2025

The Zhengzhou-AlUla Archaeology Seminar 2025 in Henan marks the third regional edition of AlUla World Archaeology Summit (AWAS). Co-hosted by the Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Capital Site Museum and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), this invitation-only gathering of leading experts in Arabian and Asian cultural heritage explores how identity was expressed through faith, trade, urban life, and writing in the ancient kingdoms of AlUla and Henan—from the second millennium BCE to the second century CE.

A Dialogue Across Ancient Civilisations

The seminar fosters dialogue between two significant early cultural landscapes. Both Alula and Henan Province flourished as centres of innovation, governance, and belief. From urban planning and early script in the Shang Dynasty to the inscriptions and caravan networks of Arabia’s Dadanite, Lihyanite, and Nabataean kingdoms, participants will examine how distant societies developed distinct yet interconnected identities.

Speakers

Sun Yingmin | Director, Archaeological Heritage Committee, Chinese Archaeological
Society, President, Henan Provincial Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Association
Dr Rebecca Foote | Director of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Research, RCU
Lu Peng | Party Committee Secretary & Director, Institute of Geographical Sciences, Henan Academy of Sciences
Hou Weidong | Research Fellow, Institute for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor, Research Center for Yellow River Civilization and Sustainable Development, Henan University
Wang Zhenzhong | Member of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, President, Chinese Yin-Shang Culture Society
Dr Romolo Loreto | Associate Professor, University of Naples “L’Orientale”
Dr Fokelien Kootstra | Guest Professor of Arabian Epigraphy and Historical Linguistics, Ghent University
Yuan Guangkuo |Professor, School of History, Capital Normal University
Liu Haiwang | Party Committee ecretary & Senior Research Fellow (Level II), Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology
Liu Qingzhu | Member of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Lifetime Honorary Professor, Zhengzhou University
Dr Jérôme Rohmer | Researcher, CNRS – UMR 8167 Orient & Méditerranée
Waleed Zainalabdeen | Exploration Senior Specialist, Heritage Commission
Guo Lei | Party Committee Secretary & Director, Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Capital Site Museum
Zhou Ligang | Research Fellow, Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, Deputy Director, Anyang Municipal Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology
Prof. Daifallah Al-Talhi | Professor Emeritus, Ha’il University
He Nu | Professor, School of History, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Venue

Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Capital Site Museum, Henan

FAQ

Why is the AlUla World Archaeology Summit (AWAS) collaborating with China this year?

This year’s Regional Seminar fosters a dialogue drawing parallels across two ancient kingdoms in AlUla and Henan. It provides a platform to explore how cultural identities have evolved since ancient times and introduces a new audience to Saudi Arabia’s vibrant cultural and historical landscape.

What is the expected outcome of this year’s seminar in China?

Drawing parallels between two ancient civilisations, the seminar provides a bridge for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Attendees will encounter how different landscapes forge creativity and identity through interdisciplinary discussions and a multi-sensory exhibition.

How can I engage with AWAS?

While the seminar is invite-only, the public can visit the exhibition to encounter rare artefacts from AlUla and China that reflect shared themes of artistry, trade, and ritual life. For updates on upcoming AWAS events, please register your interest for AlUla World Archaeology Summit at registerawas@rcu.gov.sa

The Glimpses of the Ancient North Arabian Kingdoms Exhibition

The Glimpses of the Ancient North Arabian Kingdoms exhibition showcases the heritage of North Arabia’s early kingdoms—Dadan, Lihyan, and Nabataea—and their connections with ancient China. More than 30 rare artefacts from AlUla are displayed alongside Chinese objects that reflect shared themes of artistry, trade, and ritual life.
Presented by the RCU and the Shang Dynasty Capital Site Museum as part of the Saudi–Chinese Cultural Year, and RCU’s partnership with Henan Province Culture Administration, the exhibition runs until 5 January 2025.