Many cultural relic sites under state and provincial protection were damaged during the May 12th quake. One of them is Sanxingdui, or Three Star Mound, which has a history stretching back 3,000 years. Li Na finds out why it's so important and what's being done to protect it.
The site of Sanxingdui, located in the city of Guanghan, 40 km from Sichuan's capital, is recognized as one of the most important ancient remains in the world for its vast size, age and cultural contents.
This is monitoring video from when the quake happened.
It's believed it was one of the largest cities in China about 3,000 years ago. Its relics show a different culture from northern China.
The area was affected by the May 12th quake. This is monitoring video from when the quake happened. In the picture is one of the most precious remains, a tree made of bronze.
Walls of the city are an important part of the museum, since they contain pieces of pottery relics. The quake has enlarged a crevice in the walls.
A museum staff said "We are using physical measures, like this, building another wall outside it. While we are also using some glue to fill the crevice."
Though the bronze tree was not damaged, preventive measures have been taken.
Though the bronze tree was not damaged, preventive measures have been taken. The relics are valuable for archeologists and historians to study China's ancient history and culture.
The base of the tree was solidified, and a new bronze stick was hidden inside the trunk to make it stronger. Museum staff say with these measures, the relic will be able to stand a quake as strong as the one on May 12th.
(CCTV June 10, 2008)