China: Yangguanzhai Excavation (IFR)

Location: Gaoling, Xi'An, Shaanxi, China

Session Dates: June 15-July 19, 2025

Application Deadline: March 1, 2025

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/china-yangguanzhai/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Institute for Field Research (IFR), UCLA, Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology

Project Director:
Dr. Li Yue, Dr. Zhai Linlin, Dr. Zhouyong Sun & Yang Liping

Project Description:

Unearth the mysteries of ancient China as you immerse yourself in the ongoing excavation and research efforts at Yangguanzhai, one of China’s largest prehistoric villages. Nestled in the scenic Jing River Valley just 25 kilometers north of Xi’an, this site dates back to the Middle to Late Yangshao period, offering a glimpse into a vibrant farming community that thrived from 3200 to 3000 BCE. Excavation efforts have thus far revealed a wealth of findings, from cave dwellings, a moat, and subterranean houses to child urn-burials and extensive pottery kilns. Join us in digging deeper into the evolving landscape of Neolithic life through an interdisciplinary exploration of this archaeological gem.

Field school highlights:

• Uncover insights into daily life and behavior change at different stages of Yangguanzhai history.
• Engage in hands-on training in excavation, paleoethnobotanical, zooarchaeological, geochemical methods and more from experts in the field.
• Enrich your experience & understanding of Chinese archaeology through lectures, museum visits, and daily interactions with local students.

Period(s) of Occupation: Prehistoric, Neolithic China Archaeology

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Students are expected to stay the full length of the program.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
During the first week of the field school, students will live in a student dormitory at Xibei University in the city of Xi’an. While in the field, students will reside at the Wufulinmen Hotel near the site. Food is provided Monday to Saturday (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Students are responsible for their own meals on Sundays. While students are free to obtain their own breakfast and lunch with a daily allowance we provide, all dinners are taken together, since we will use this opportunity to get the whole team together and catch up on the progress of the day. The daily diet in North China is heavily based on rice, noodles, and vegetables. Specialized diets (vegan, kosher, etc.) are difficult to maintain in this location. Vegetarians may find options somewhat limited and should be prepared to be flexible when eating the local food, or should bring supplemental food (e.g. protein bars) if they think it will be necessary.

Academic Credit:
8 semester (12 quarter)