Ethnic studies seminar in Liaoyuan, Jilin province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The city of Liaoyuan, Jilin province, put on a seminar on relics found around Longshou Mountain, May 11 - 13, to promote the study of regional culture in Northeast China, with many relics from different ethnic groups.

The organizers invited several dozen scholars in the field, including those from the neighboring provinces of Heilongjiang and Liaoning, who were able to discuss studies of the Fuyu Kingdom - the first ethnic group rulers in the area in Chinese history (dating back to 200 BC), and the Gao Gouli Kingdom - another ethnic group (37 BC – 668 AD) that were active in Northeastern China, as well as cultures along the Bohai Sea, and the Liao (916 - 1125) and Jin (1115 - 1234) dynasties.

These experts also brought different academic viewpoints so they had some lively exchanges, voiced some doubts, and promoted historical and cultural studies of the Northeast and contributed to regional cultural development.

Some of them were also able to visit museums and many of the sites in the area, including the old city and cemeteries. Sponsors of the event were the provincial Culture Department, Chinese Association of Ethnic Group History, the city government of Liaoyuan, and the Changbai Mountains Cultural Research Association.