On September 28, the 23rd collective session on new archaeological discoveries in China and their significance was presided over by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. At the meeting, General Secretary Xi Jinping made important instructions.

On September 30, the School of History and Culture organized a colloquium --learning the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi’s important speech “Promote the Development of Archaeology with Chinese Characteristics, Chinese Style and Chinese Manner” and planning the development of archaeology in Henan University during the 14th five-year Plan period. The meeting was held in the conference room on the third floor of the School of History and Culture and the ancient city archaeological site of Wuzhi County in Jiaozuo City at the same time. Yang Junzhong, Secretary of the CPC General Branch, Zhang Ligang, Executive Deputy Dean, Jiang Jie, Deputy Secretary of the CPC General Branch and Li Jingyan, Deputy Dean as well as teachers and students representatives of the Department of Archaeology and Museology were present. The host of the symposium was Secretary Yang Junzhong.

At first, teachers and students watched the video of General Secretary Xi Jinping's speech and then had a heated discussion.

Yang Junzhong said that Xi’s speech set specific requirements for working in archaeology and historical research, calling for all the archaeologists to actively make efforts, protect historical and cultural heritage, and strengthen capacity building and discipline development in archaeology. The college will continue to make the improvement on the Department of Archaeology and Museum and train more excellent people.

Wang Wei, Distinguished Professor of archaeology, President of the Institute of Archaeology of CASS, Member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Chairman of the Academic Committee of Henan University, shared his learning experience through the Internet. He said that the speech delivered by Xi Jinping was the first time that the leader of our country had systematically expounded on the significance, value and requirements of archaeology. The four requirements put forward by the General Secretary Xi are to the point and instructive, pointing the way for navigating the future development of Chinese archaeology. We should implement the instructions of the General Secretary, pass on the proud tradition of being rigorous and pragmatic, work step by step and strive to make achievements.

Professor Yuan Junjie and other teachers enlarged on their understanding. Combining the development of Archaeology and Museology in the college and their own practical work, they discussed the new direction of the profession. The students present also shared their own opinions.

At the excavation site of the ancient city site of Wuzhi County in Jiaozuo City, Qin Zhen organized junior archaeology students (enrolled in 2018) to learn from General Secretary Xi Jinping's speech. It is widely believed that this speech will be the guidance on the future development of archaeology, and archaeological practice is the fulfilling of this kind of spirit.

Zhang Ligang, Executive Deputy Dean, concluded that Xi Jinping's speech was inspiring and reflected the great importance the Party and State attached to archaeology. In accordance with the four requirements on archaeology and historical research, the College will make full preparations for teaching, scientific research and social services, and train qualified professionals.

The conference made the teachers and students of the Department of Archaeology and Museology realize that we should make more efforts to develop Chinese archaeology, live up to the ardent expectations of the General Secretary, build Chinese archaeology with Chinese characteristics, Chinese style and Chinese manner, and make new and unique contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.