Six archaeological sites in China were named the top new discoveries of the year at an annual forum hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The forum, first held in 2002, serves as a platform for announcing and exchanging the latest archaeological achievements and findings in China, according to News China.
The sites include the Wuwangdun Tomb in Anhui Province, the Xiatang Neolithic site in Zhejiang Province, the Dadong Paleolithic site in Jilin Province, the Siwa site in Gansu Province, the Zhouyuan site in Shaanxi Province, and the Jingdezhen ceramic industry sites in Jiangxi Province.
The Wuwangdun Tomb, located in Huainan City, Anhui Province, is the largest, highest-ranking, and most complex burial site from the ancient Chu state, dating back over 2,200 years. The excavation offers insights into the burial practices and culture of the Chu state, especially following its migration eastward. This discovery enhances the understanding of the Chu state's cultural nuances during a period of transformation.
The Xiatang Neolithic site, situated in Xianju County, Zhejiang Province, provides evidence of China's 10,000-year cultural history. The site contributes new elements to the study of regional cultural evolution and the history of rice farming in China.
The Dadong Paleolithic site in Helong City, Jilin Province, is recognized as the largest and most culturally rich Upper Paleolithic discovery in Northeast Asia.The site yielded artifacts that shed light on human activities during the Paleolithic era.
In Gansu Province, the Siwa site features dwellings from the Majiayao culture, dating back about 5,000 years, and includes a settlement from the same culture.
The Zhouyuan site in Shaanxi Province is known for its large rammed-earth structures from the pre-Zhou Dynasty period. These structures provide information on ancient Chinese architecture and the early development of state structures before the establishment of the Zhou Dynasty.
The Jingdezhen ceramic industry sites in Jiangxi Province span more than 600 years and encompass the Yuan (1271–1368 CE), Ming (1368–1644 CE), and Qing (1636–1912 CE) dynasties. These sites provide insights into the development of ceramic production in China over several centuries.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq