This year marks the 50th anniversary of the archaeological excavation of the Mawangdui Han Tomb. On the morning of August 18th, the International Symposium on the 50th Anniversary of the Mawangdui Han Tomb Archaeological Excavation, themed “Mawangdui Han Tomb Artifacts, Han Dynasty Culture, and Contemporary China”, opened in Changsha. Over 300 experts and scholars from across the globe gathered to implement President Xi Jinping’s directives on the protection and preservation of cultural heritage, explore the value of historical artifacts, and showcase China’s cultural confidence, enriching the modern Chinese narrative on the world stage. Mao Weiming, Deputy Secretary of the Hunan Provincial Party Committee and Governor, and Li Qun, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism and Director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Chen Xiang, Executive Vice President of Central South University, Dean of Xiangya School of Medicine, and Director of Furong Laboratory, along with veteran expert Peng Longxiang from Xiangya School of Medicine, were invited to attend the ceremony. On the afternoon of August 17th, Mao Weiming and Li Qun held discussions with symposium guests, with Peng Longxiang participating.

During the opening ceremony, Chen Xiang signed a cooperation agreement with the Hunan Museum on behalf of Furong Laboratory. The two parties will collaborate in an interdisciplinary and cross-institutional partnership, focusing on ancient medicine research and medical archaeology.

Professor Peng Longxiang, who was the lead surgeon in the dissection of the Mawangdui Lady, Xin Zhui, played a crucial role in advancing research on paleopathology, ancient disease history, and the development of Chinese medical history based on the findings from the dissection.

(First Review: Li Ruijun, Second Review: Liu Zhisheng, Third Review: Chang Shi)