Biography
Dr. Weile Li is a post-doctoral fellow at the Center for Quantitative History, HKU. His research focuses on Maritime Silk Road Archaeology, combining quantitative historical research methods with traditional archaeology. Under the guidance of Prof. Zhiwu Chen, he is currently conducting research on the rise of trade along the southeastern coast of China during the Tang and Song dynasties.
Prior to joining HKU, Dr. Li obtained a Ph.D. in Archaeology from Zhejiang University. During this time, he served as a research fellow at the Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS) of Harvard University for one year.
Dr. Li has presented academic lectures at international conferences, including the 125th Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America in Chicago, IL. He has published numerous papers related to Chinese archaeology and history in prominent journals. He has been involved in project commissioned by the National Cultural Heritage Administration and major philosophy and social science project in Zhejiang Province.
Dr. Li has extensive experience in archaeological excavation techniques and exceptional leadership abilities. He has served as the on-site director for archaeological exploration projects in Ningbo City and conducted long-term excavations in Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou City. During his master’s studies, he visited the University of Wyoming in the U.S., participating in exploration and excavation at sites such as the Red Buttes Site and the La Prele Mammoth Site, and also took part in the archaeological excavation of the Qinglong Town site in Shanghai.
Related Publication and Projects
This study systematically analyzes Chinese export ceramics (7th–13th centuries) excavated in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Islamic World, as well as from shipwrecks in Chinese and Southeast Asian waters. Three peaks in export volume are identified during this period (9th, 11th, 13th centuries), dominated respectively by Changsha kiln, Southern China kilns (primarily Yue kiln celadon), and Longquan kiln. The three peaks in Chinese ceramic exports were marked by an evolution in the typology and production sites of the wares, and also corresponded with key advancements in navigational technology, a shift in trade patterns from direct shipping to transshipment, the maturation of long-distance maritime routes, and a broadening of the consumer base from elites to commoners. These patterns reflect the dynamics and development of the maritime trade mechanism.
April 24, 2026
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