Core Viewpoint - The "Dragon Rising China: Hongshan Culture Ancient Civilization Special Exhibition" has opened at the Shanghai Museum, marking the first and largest exhibition focused on Hongshan culture to date [1] Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition features 310 precious artifacts, with over a quarter being displayed for the first time [2] - It is part of the Shanghai Museum's "Why China" archaeological exhibition series, created in collaboration with 20 cultural institutions from various regions including Liaoning, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Beijing, and Tianjin [2] Group 2: Artifacts and Highlights - Notable artifacts include the C-shaped dragon and jade disc dragon, with the former from the Palace Museum and the latter from the Liaoning Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology [2] - Artifacts from Liaoning account for half of the exhibited items, showcasing items such as clay sculptures, wall components, and exquisite jade artifacts [3] - A dedicated display features artifacts from the Ma'anshan Qiaoshan site, highlighting the lifestyle and spiritual aspects of the Hongshan people over 6,000 years ago [3] Group 3: Cultural Impact - The exhibition serves as a platform for promoting Hongshan culture and expanding its influence, with artifacts from Liaoning increasingly appearing in major national museums [3] - The displayed artifacts reflect the rich historical and cultural heritage of Liaoning, showcasing the mysterious prehistoric civilization of the Xiliao River basin over 5,000 years ago [3]

Core Viewpoint - The exhibition "Dragon Rising China: Archaeological Special Exhibition of Hongshan Culture" showcases over 300 artifacts from the Hongshan culture, highlighting its significance in the development of early Chinese civilization and its cultural heritage [1][10]. Group 1: Exhibition Details - The exhibition runs from June 26 to October 8 at the Shanghai Museum East Hall, featuring artifacts from 20 museums and archaeological institutions [1]. - Key artifacts include the "C" shaped jade dragon from the Palace Museum and the ring-shaped jade dragon from the Liaoning Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology [10]. Group 2: Hongshan Culture Overview - Hongshan culture, dating back approximately 6500 to 5000 years, is a significant Neolithic archaeological culture in northern China, corresponding to the era of the Yan Emperor and Yellow Emperor in traditional historical narratives [3]. - The culture spans an area of about 200,000 square kilometers, covering regions in Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, and northern Hebei [3]. Group 3: Cultural Significance - The Hongshan culture is recognized for its early development of ritual architecture, including altars and tombs, and the establishment of a jade ritual system, marking its transition into a complex social structure [3][6]. - The late stage of Hongshan culture saw the emergence of differentiated social hierarchies and complex ritual practices, indicating a move towards civilization [6][7]. Group 4: Artifacts and Cultural Impact - The jade artifacts, particularly the jade dragon, represent significant achievements in the Hongshan culture, influencing later cultures along the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers [7]. - The exhibition includes three thematic sections: "Dragon from the Liao River," "Dragon in Hongshan," and "Dragon across the Nine Provinces," which illustrate the cultural unity and early ritual systems of the Hongshan civilization [10].

Core Viewpoint - The exhibition "Dragon Soars China: Special Exhibition of Hongshan Culture Ancient Civilization" showcases the development of dragon-shaped artifacts over 5,000 years, emphasizing the significance of Hongshan culture in understanding the origins of Chinese civilization [1][29]. Exhibition Overview - The exhibition is structured around the theme of "dragon," with three main sections: "Dragon Emerges from Liao River," "Dragon Travels Hongshan," and "Dragon Spreads Across the Nine Provinces," highlighting the connection between prehistoric dragon culture in the Liao River basin and Hongshan culture [3][15]. - A central "Axis of Civilization" in the exhibition links various dragon-shaped artifacts, illustrating their emergence, development, and influence within the context of Hongshan culture [5][15]. Key Artifacts - The exhibition features significant dragon-shaped artifacts, including a stone dragon from the Zuojiashan site, dated to approximately 6,000 years ago, which may represent the earliest known stone-carved dragon in China [6][8]. - A newly discovered shell dragon artifact from the 2023 excavation at the Caitaopo site in Inner Mongolia provides important insights into the evolution of dragon imagery and beliefs in Hongshan culture [8][10]. - The exhibition includes 16 jade dragons, comprising one C-shaped dragon and 15 pig-shaped jade dragons, showcasing the diversity and significance of these artifacts in Hongshan culture [10][12]. Cultural Significance - The jade dragon is considered a vital ceremonial object in Hongshan culture, with various interpretations regarding its symbolism, including connections to agriculture and celestial beliefs [15][17]. - The exhibition also highlights 38 human-shaped artifacts, reflecting ancestor worship traditions in the Liao River basin, spanning from 8,000 to 4,000 years ago [19][23]. Archaeological Discoveries - Recent archaeological findings, including large settlement sites and burial mounds, have enriched the understanding of Hongshan culture's social structure and burial practices [25][27]. - The Hongshan culture is recognized as a representative archaeological culture of the "ancient state era," significantly contributing to the understanding of the origins of Chinese civilization [27][29].

Core Viewpoint - The exhibition "Dragon Soars China: Special Exhibition of Hongshan Culture Ancient State Civilization" at the Shanghai Museum showcases the significance of Hongshan culture, which dates back approximately 5,000 to 6,500 years, highlighting its contributions to the continuity and innovation of Chinese civilization [1][3]. Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition features a total of 310 artifacts, including jade dragons, colored pottery, and stone sculptures, with over a quarter of the items being publicly displayed for the first time [1][3]. - It is the largest and most comprehensive exhibition on Hongshan culture to date, organized in collaboration with 20 museums and archaeological institutions [3]. - The exhibition aims to support the application for World Cultural Heritage status for Hongshan culture [3]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - Hongshan culture is recognized as one of the earliest forms of civilization in China, with significant archaeological findings at sites like the Niuhua Liang site, which includes ritual buildings and burial mounds [1][20]. - The jade dragon artifacts are central to the exhibition, representing the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Hongshan people, and are seen as a precursor to later Chinese dragon symbolism [12][14]. - The exhibition explores the unique path of civilization development in Hongshan culture, emphasizing its unified belief system and emerging ritual practices [3][14]. Group 3: Key Artifacts - Notable artifacts include the earliest known stone dragon sculpture and the largest jade dragon discovered to date, showcasing the artistic achievements of the Hongshan culture [10][12]. - The exhibition features a variety of jade artifacts, including C-shaped and ring-shaped dragons, which are significant in understanding the evolution of dragon imagery in Chinese culture [6][9]. - The Hongshan goddess statue, a key piece in the exhibition, symbolizes the spiritual beliefs of the Hongshan people and has been preserved with great care due to its fragile condition [24][25]. Group 4: Archaeological Insights - Recent archaeological discoveries have pushed back the timeline of Chinese civilization, with Hongshan culture being identified as a representative of the early state era [27][29]. - The findings at the Niuhua Liang site have sparked discussions about the origins of Chinese civilization, linking Hongshan culture to the broader narrative of cultural development in ancient China [18][29]. - The exhibition aims to provide a new perspective on the understanding of early state civilizations in China through the lens of Hongshan culture [29].

Core Insights - The first Red Mountain Culture International Communication Conference was held in Chaoyang, focusing on the theme "Focusing on Red Mountain Culture and Exploring Chinese Civilization" [2] - The event aims to promote the integration of culture, sports, and tourism in Liaoning Province, aligning with Xi Jinping's cultural thoughts and directives [2][3] - Key figures emphasized the importance of Red Mountain Culture in the context of Chinese civilization and its potential for international communication and cultural exchange [3][4] Group 1: Event Overview - The conference featured speeches from prominent officials, including Wang Xinwei, the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor, who highlighted the significance of the Niuhouliang site as a representative of early Chinese civilization [2] - The event was co-hosted by multiple organizations, including the National Cultural Heritage Administration and China Daily, indicating a collaborative effort in promoting cultural heritage [4] Group 2: Cultural Significance - The Red Mountain Culture is recognized as a vital part of Chinese civilization, with its historical roots dating back 6,000 years, making it a key area for cultural research and preservation [3] - Suggestions were made for enhancing the understanding and protection of Red Mountain Culture, including theoretical innovation and systematic protection measures [3] Group 3: Future Directions - There is a commitment to deepen regional collaboration and interdisciplinary research to uncover the multifaceted value of Red Mountain Culture [3] - The conference aims to strengthen cultural exchange and cooperation, exploring the origins of human civilization and promoting shared values inherent in Chinese culture [3]

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the Liaoning Archaeological Museum aims to showcase archaeological artifacts that were previously stored away, allowing the public to engage with these historical items and learn about the achievements of archaeology in Liaoning [1][6]. Group 1: Museum Overview - The Liaoning Archaeological Museum is the first themed museum in Northeast China focusing on archaeology, transformed from the old office building of the Liaoning Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology [1]. - The museum features the latest findings from the Hongshan culture, an important archaeological culture from the prehistoric period in northern China, dating back five to six thousand years [4]. Group 2: Exhibits and Technology - The museum showcases artifacts from various Hongshan culture sites in Liaoning, including a 3 cm tall "stone sculpture of a seated figure" displayed using holographic technology for a 360-degree view [4]. - The museum has designed interactive exhibits, such as a "health check for Hongshan people," allowing visitors to engage with the content and learn about the physical characteristics and health of the Hongshan people [5]. Group 3: Educational Initiatives - The museum aims to make the Hongshan culture more accessible and engaging through personified storytelling and interactive displays, enhancing public understanding and interest in archaeology [5][6]. - The museum's director emphasizes the goal of bringing the public closer to archaeology and showcasing the achievements of archaeological work in Liaoning [6].

Core Viewpoint - The excavation of the Yuanbaoshan Jishizhong, a significant burial site from the Hongshan culture, reveals important artifacts and insights into the social structure and burial practices of ancient societies in Inner Mongolia [6][21][30]. Group 1: Excavation Details - The Yuanbaoshan Jishizhong is located 1.5 kilometers north of Baji Village in Aohan Banner, Inner Mongolia, and is characterized by stone-built tombs typical of the Hongshan culture, dating back approximately 5,400 to 5,000 years [1][6][21]. - The excavation team, led by Party Yu, faced challenges due to a recent tomb robbery, necessitating urgent rescue excavations [1][6]. - The site has yielded over 100 jade artifacts, with the M15 tomb being the largest and most significant, containing three jade pig dragons, which are emblematic of the Hongshan culture [6][23][30]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - The Yuanbaoshan site is considered one of the most important discoveries in recent years within the Hongshan cultural context, influencing perceptions of social hierarchy and burial customs [6][7][21]. - The discovery of the "tomb-altar integrated" structure at Yuanbaoshan is unprecedented, indicating a dual function of burial and ritual practices [11][13][30]. - The presence of jade artifacts, particularly the jade pig dragons, suggests a complex distribution system of jade within the Hongshan culture, reflecting social stratification and cultural identity [23][31][30]. Group 3: Archaeological Findings - The excavation revealed a total of 21 tombs, including nine from the Hongshan culture, with significant variations in size and structure indicating social hierarchy [15][18][21]. - The M15 tomb, which is the only one with a stepped stone coffin, raises questions about the location of a potential central tomb, as it is positioned towards the southern part of the burial site [17][18][21]. - The "hiding jade in walls" phenomenon, where jade artifacts were found embedded in the walls of the tombs, suggests a ritualistic practice that may have been common in other Hongshan sites [29][30].

Group 1 - The research results of the Chinese civilization exploration project should be integrated with ancient texts and legends such as the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, with archaeologist Su Bingqi being a notable example [1] - Su Bingqi's student, Guo Dashun, further elaborated that the battles between the Yellow Emperor and the Yan Emperor, as well as the Yellow Emperor and Chiyou, reflect the intersection of different cultures, specifically the Yangshao and Hongshan cultures [1] - The Hongshan culture research is concentrated in the region where Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, and Hebei meet, and the rich records of the Five Emperors in the "Zhuolu County Chronicle" provide significant insights [1] Group 2 - The announcement by Li Qun, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism and Director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, stated that the discovery of the Niuhouliang site, dating back 5,800 years, marks the entry of Chinese civilization into the ancient state era [1] - This discovery has shifted the perception of Liaoning from a "barbaric land" to a vital root system nourishing the tree of Chinese culture, highlighting the importance of further archaeological work to connect these findings with ancient legends [1] - The successful integration of archaeological findings with historical narratives is crucial for enhancing cultural confidence among the Chinese people and activating cultural tourism resources in related regions [2]

Core Viewpoint - The 2024 National Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries will be announced on April 24, with the Yuanbaoshan Cairn in Inner Mongolia being one of the 20 nominated projects. Recent excavations revealed significant findings related to the Hongshan culture, indicating extensive interactions among ancient Chinese civilizations around 5,000 years ago [1]. Group 1 - The Yuanbaoshan Cairn was confirmed to be from the late Hongshan culture, approximately 5,400 years old, following rescue excavations approved by the National Cultural Heritage Administration due to looting incidents [1][5]. - The archaeological team discovered over 100 jade artifacts, marking the largest collection found in a single excavation, with the jade items being a key aspect of the Hongshan culture [5][7]. - The structural layout of the cairn, characterized by a southern altar and northern tombs, provided crucial insights for archaeologists in decoding historical mysteries [3]. Group 2 - The discovered jade artifacts include various types such as rings, bi discs, and dragon-shaped pieces, with one jade dragon measuring 16 cm in length, 9.5 cm in width, and 3 cm in thickness, making it the largest found to date [7]. - A jade crown ornament found at the site closely resembles one discovered at the Lingjiatan site in Anhui, which dates back 5,800 to 5,300 years, suggesting long-distance cultural exchanges between the Hongshan and Lingjiatan cultures [9][11]. - The similarities between the jade crown and the Lingjiatan culture artifacts indicate significant technological, cultural, and possibly demographic exchanges between these ancient civilizations [11].

Core Insights - The discovery of three jade dragons from the Hongshan culture in Inner Mongolia marks the highest annual output in recent years, including the largest jade dragon found to date, which measures 15.8 cm in length, 9.5 cm in width, and 3 cm in thickness [1][2] - The excavation site, Yuanbaoshan, dates back 5,100 to 5,000 years and is significant for understanding the social structure of the late Hongshan culture [2][3] Group 1: Archaeological Findings - The newly discovered jade dragon is part of a larger collection of over a hundred jade artifacts, including jade rings, discs, and other items, indicating a rich cultural heritage [1] - The Yuanbaoshan site is the only known example of a southern round and northern tomb structure from the Hongshan culture in Inner Mongolia [1][2] Group 2: Cultural Significance - The Hongshan culture is a crucial part of the study of the origins of Chinese civilization, having evolved from the late Neolithic period around 6,500 years ago and entering the ancient state civilization phase approximately 5,800 years ago [2] - The Hongshan culture is recognized as one of the three major jade culture centers in prehistoric China, alongside Lingjiatan and Liangzhu, highlighting its importance in the development of early Chinese civilization [2][3] Group 3: Regional Insights - The city of Chifeng, where the Yuanbaoshan site is located, is the birthplace of the Hongshan culture, with over 700 archaeological sites identified in the region [2] - Recent discoveries in Hebei province, particularly in Zhangjiakou, suggest that the late Hongshan culture extended beyond its core area, indicating migration patterns and cultural exchanges that contributed to the formation of a diverse Chinese civilization [3]