Zhong Fangrong drew nationwide debate four years ago for her “unpopular” decision to major in archaeology; now, a freshly minted graduate from Peking University (PKU), she is determined than ever to dedicate herself to archaeology. PKU News journalists report.  

Peking University, July 18, 2024: Zhong Fangrong, a recent graduate from the Peking University School of Archaeology and Museology, is set to start her career in Dunhuang, in Northwest China's Gansu province.

Zhong speaks at School of Archaeology and Museology's commencement ceremony on June 30, 2024

In 2020, Zhong achieved a spectacular score in the college entrance exam, yet she elected to pursue a degree in archaeology, a decision that surprised many netizens. 

Archaeology is "perceived" by some as a field of study with limited future career prospects. Nevertheless, Zhong persists in her intention to become an archaeologist, to devote herself to the study of historical and cultural relics. 

Zhong with Fan Jinshi

Zhong's decision to pursue archaeology at PKU was influenced by the story of Fan Jinshi, a renowned Chinese archaeologist and alumna of the university. Fan was dedicated to the preservation of Dunhuang's cultural heritage, a city with a significant historical role along the ancient Silk Road and home to the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

To her surprise, after her enrollment at PKU, Zhong received a letter of encouragement from Fan herself. Zhong wrote back to Fan: "I hope to follow in your footsteps and choose to study archaeology at PKU, choose to devote myself to archaeology, and also hope to find a place for my soul to return to."

With encouragement and blessings from various parties and netizens, and with her own curiosity and interest, Zhong arrived at PKU and opened the door to the world of archaeology. In class, she absorbed knowledge like a sponge. Outside class, she followed the teachers to archaeological sites to conduct field research. 


In her first semester, Zhong followed the "Appreciating Archaeology" class to the Zhouyuan Archaeological Practice Base in Shaanxi Province, went deep into the front line of archaeological excavation, and experienced archaeological life.

In April and May 2021, Zhong went with her faculty to the Nihewan Site in Yangyuan, Hebei Province and the Sanxingdui Site in Guanghan, Sichuan for field research.

Through this, Zhong not only consolidated her theoretical foundation, but also accumulated rich practical experience. Her heart burned with love and passion for archaeology, which was an endless exploration of unknown history and an affectionate call towards the relics in deep slumber for thousands of years.

The road to archaeological learning is by no means a smooth one, and Zhong has also encountered difficulties and setbacks. In her junior year, Zhong encountered unprecedented challenges during her investigation of the Tonglin site in Linzi, Shandong. Despite self-doubt and hesitation, she did not give up. She sought help from teachers in the archaeological team, thinking and analyzing day and night, and finally reached a definite conclusion. 

After fervent study, research and practice, Zhong chose Buddhist archaeology as her research direction, which led to her pursuing a career in Dunhuangology. 


At the graduation ceremony, Zhong was selected to deliver a speech representing the graduates of the School of Archaeology and Museology. In her speech, Zhong reflected on her personal and professional growth during her undergraduate studies and related fieldwork experiences. 

"Each excavation and discovery during the field investigation facilitated a more profound comprehension of archaeology, history, and the world," she stated. "Following the absorption of knowledge and the development of our capabilities, we have obtained a deeper understanding of the field of study we initially selected, whether through a process of blind acceptance or a more deliberate and informed choice."

Zhong has long regarded archaeology as a part of her life, drawing nourishment and strength from it. She is very much looking forward to contributing to the writing of the Dunhuang Grottoes archaeological report after joining the Dunhuang Academy.

This article is featured in PKU News' "Graduation 2024" series.

Written by: Wang Yu Hsuan, Wang Jia En
Edited by: Wang Jia En
Source: PKU News & Media Center; China Daily