<p>Hydrogels possess high water content, tunable mechanical properties, and excellent biocompatibility, making them promising candidates for surface protective materials for jade artifacts. However, the rapid dehydration rate and inherent brittleness of traditional hydrogels restrict their widespread application in the protection of fragile cultural relics. Herein, polyacrylamide/chitosan (PAM/CS) dual-network hydrogels with enhanced water retention, adhesion, and toughness were fabricated by the introduction of aluminum ions (Al³⁺) and ethylene glycol (EG). The Al³⁺ ions form coordination cross-links with the polymer network, while the EG molecules reconstruct the hydrogen bonding system, significantly improving the moisture-locking capability and mechanical stability of the hydrogel. The optimized PAM/CS hydrogel exhibited a maximum lap shear strength of 23.2&#xa0;kPa on metal substrates and maintained excellent flexibility and transparency at -20&#xa0;°C. Furthermore, the modification with EG endowed the hydrogel with superior anti-drying properties and high toughness, effectively addressing the issues of desiccation and cracking. Finally, the hydrogel was applied as a fully wrapping coating for fragile Xiuyan jade artifacts, demonstrating remarkable capabilities in moisturizing, buffering against impact from a 2-meter free fall, and removing surface dust. Consequently, this study not only promotes the broader use of hydrogels in artifact conservation but also offers a feasible solution for the effective protection of other soft jade materials, holding profound significance for the inheritance of Chinese jade culture.</p>