Archaeology of Qin and Han Archaeology (including the archaeology of Hun Xianbei): The program is guided by the archaeological research of the Central Plains in Qin and Han Dynasties. It emphasizes the comparative study of archaeological materials between the northern frontier nationalities and the Central Plains.

Archaeology of the Wei, Jin, Sui and Tang Dynasties (including Goguryeo and Bohai Archaeology): The program focuses on the Central Plains area, highlighting the research on archaeological materials of Northeastern nationalities during the same period. Especially, its research in the Goguryeo and Bohai Archaeology field holds a leading position in China.

Archaeology of Song, Yuan and Ming Dynasties: The program centres on archaeological remains in Song, Yuan and Ming Dynasties. It has distinctive research characteristics in the fields of tombs of Song and Liao dynasties, Khitan and Jurchen ethnic culture, Liao and Jin dynasties’ field archaeology.

Ceramic archaeology: With ceramic relics as the research object, the program develops studies of various depth on the proto-porcelain of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and the ceramics after the Qin and Han dynasties. It emphasizes the study of ceramics in the Sui, Tang, Song and Yuan periods.