Core Insights - The Zhengjiagou site in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, is part of a major archaeological project focused on the "Red Mountain Society Civilization Process" [3] - Since the excavation began in 2022, over 200 relics have been discovered, including stone walls, stone coffin tombs, and sacrificial pits, along with more than 400 artifacts such as jade and pottery [3][6] - The carbon dating results indicate that the No. 1 stone tomb dates back to the late Red Mountain culture, marking a significant find outside the core area of this culture [6] Group 1 - The Zhengjiagou site is a key archaeological project aimed at understanding the Red Mountain culture [3] - Important discoveries include over 200 relics and 400 artifacts, showcasing typical characteristics of the Red Mountain culture [3][6] - The findings provide new materials for studying the distribution of the Red Mountain culture and its burial and sacrificial customs [6] Group 2 - The site is significant for understanding prehistoric cultural exchanges between the Liaoxi and Hebei Northwest regions [6] - The discoveries at Zhengjiagou offer crucial clues for further exploration of the Red Mountain culture's trajectory [6]

Group 1: Exhibition Highlights - The exhibition "The Power of Chinese Plants" at the China Garden Museum showcases the influence of Chinese plants on the world, with ancient texts like "Compendium of Materia Medica" providing significant knowledge for Western botany [1][5] - The exhibition features over 39,000 recorded Chinese plant species, accounting for one-tenth of the world's total plant species, highlighting China's diverse geography [5] - A notable display includes the "Anglo-Chinese Garden" series of copperplate engravings, which illustrates the profound impact of "Chinese style" on European garden aesthetics [7] Group 2: Cultural Significance of the Hongshan Culture - The "Hongshan Culture Ancient Civilization Exhibition" explores the origins of the dragon as a cultural symbol in China, dating back approximately 6,500 to 5,000 years [16][17] - The exhibition features various dragon elements, including 12 jade dragon artifacts, emphasizing the cultural significance of dragons in ancient Chinese civilization [23] - The layout of the exhibition is inspired by the architectural design of the "Goddess Temple" from the Niuhua Liang site, reflecting the ritualistic and ceremonial aspects of the Hongshan culture [31]

Core Viewpoint - The "Dragon Rising China: Hongshan Culture Ancient Civilization Exhibition" at the Shanghai Museum showcases the latest archaeological discoveries and research results of the Hongshan culture, highlighting its formation, development, and influence through significant artifacts and findings [1][2][3]. Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition focuses on the iconic cultural symbol of the Hongshan culture, the jade dragon, and includes new archaeological discoveries from Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, and Hebei, creating a comprehensive picture of the Hongshan culture's evolution [1]. - The Hongshan culture dates back approximately 6,500 years and lasted until about 4,800 years ago, with its sites covering nearly 300,000 square kilometers [1]. Group 2: Cultural Characteristics - Continuity and innovation are key features of the Hongshan culture, with typical pottery like the flat-bottomed cylindrical jar and the emergence of jade and painted pottery reflecting its innovative spirit [1]. - The variety and quantity of jade artifacts increased, evolving into ceremonial vessels with social functions, while painted pottery served as a medium for cultural exchange with the Central Plains [1]. Group 3: Ritual and Social Structure - The establishment of a ritual order centered around ceremonial activities formed the institutional basis for ancient state civilizations, with significant sites like the Niuheliang site in Liaoning indicating a complex ritual system [2]. - Differences in jade artifact quality and size among high-status members suggest the emergence of a hierarchical order, similar to historical records [2]. Group 4: Archaeological Discoveries - The decline of the ritual center at the Niuheliang site around 5,000 years ago raises questions about whether it was due to an overemphasis on rituals or environmental changes [3]. - The discovery of the Zhengjiagou site provides insights into the southward migration of the Hongshan culture's population, enriching the narrative of its integration into the Central Plains [3]. Group 5: Cultural Significance - The jade dragon, a complex and widely distributed artifact, symbolizes the intricate jade ritual system of the Hongshan culture and reflects societal acceptance of its hierarchical order [3]. - The numerous archaeological findings from the Hongshan culture offer important clues for exploring the origins of Chinese civilization from both institutional and spiritual perspectives [3].

Core Viewpoint - The "Dragon Soars China: Hongshan Culture Ancient Civilization Special Exhibition" is currently being held at the Shanghai Museum, showcasing 310 cultural relics from 20 cultural institutions, including 68 first-class and 39 second-class relics [1] Group 1: Cultural Significance - The Hongshan culture, which thrived from approximately 4700 to 2900 BC in the Liao River basin, is recognized for its advanced primitive agriculture, animal husbandry, and unique burial mounds and goddess temple relics [1] - The culture is particularly noted for its exceptional jade craftsmanship, exemplified by the "First Dragon of China," which is described as having a smooth surface and intricate carvings achieved through complex techniques without metal tools [1] Group 2: Artifacts - In addition to jade artifacts, pottery is a significant component of the Hongshan culture, featuring simple yet representative designs such as zigzag patterns and cloud motifs, reflecting the aesthetic preferences and technical skills of the time [2] - A variety of artifacts are displayed, including jade items like the jade pig dragon, jade phoenix, and various pottery forms such as painted pots and jars [4][5][6][7]

Core Viewpoint - The "Longteng China: Hongshan Culture Ancient Civilization Exhibition" has opened at the Shanghai Museum, showcasing over 300 artifacts from 20 cultural and archaeological institutions, highlighting the achievements and discoveries of Hongshan archaeology over the past century [1][2]. Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition is part of the Shanghai Museum's "Why China" series and features significant artifacts from the Hongshan culture, which dates back approximately 6,500 to 5,000 years [1]. - The Hongshan culture is recognized as one of the earliest archaeological cultures in China to enter a complex social structure and spiritual belief system, marking it as a significant source of Chinese civilization [1][3]. Group 2: Key Artifacts - The exhibition includes notable pieces such as the C-shaped jade dragon and the ring-shaped jade dragon, both representative of the Hongshan culture's jade craftsmanship [1][4]. - The C-shaped jade dragon, carved from a single piece of yellow-green jade, is considered one of the earliest forms of dragon representation in prehistoric jade artifacts [1][5]. - The ring-shaped jade dragon, discovered in 1984, is highlighted as a significant archaeological find from the Niuheliang site in Liaoning [2]. Group 3: Cultural Significance - The first section of the exhibition, "Dragon Out of the Liao River," discusses the origins and characteristics of the Hongshan culture, which emerged in the Liao River basin, blending elements of local fishing and hunting cultures with agricultural traditions from the Central Plains [2]. - The second section, "Dragon Walking in Hongshan," showcases artifacts that reflect the ritual systems and primitive beliefs of the Hongshan people, indicating a transition to a more complex societal structure [3]. - The third section, "Dragon Spreading Across the Nine Provinces," presents a variety of jade artifacts, emphasizing the cultural significance of jade in the Hongshan civilization and its influence on later Chinese cultures [5][6]. Group 4: Exhibition Design - The exhibition's spatial design is inspired by the ritual architecture of the Hongshan culture, featuring a symmetrical layout that connects key artifacts and symbols [6]. - The color scheme of the exhibition hall incorporates "Hongshan Red" and "Graphite Gray," creating an immersive environment that reflects the cultural themes of the Hongshan civilization [6]. Group 5: Duration - The exhibition will be open to the public until October 8 [7].

Core Viewpoint - The exhibition "Dragon Rising China: Special Exhibition of Hongshan Culture Ancient Civilization" at the Shanghai Museum showcases over 300 artifacts, highlighting the significance of dragon totems in Hongshan culture and its role in the origins of Chinese civilization [6][7][12]. Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition is part of the "What is China" series and features artifacts from 20 museums and archaeological institutions across various provinces [7][12]. - It includes a significant centerpiece, the "C" shaped jade dragon from the Palace Museum, symbolizing the royal aura of the Hongshan culture [8][10]. - The exhibition presents a total of 310 artifacts, with over a quarter being displayed for the first time [12][15]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - Hongshan culture, dating back approximately 6,500 years, is recognized for its advanced ritual systems and the establishment of a belief system centered around reverence for heaven, ancestors, and rulers [8][16]. - The artifacts reflect the early development of Chinese ceremonial practices, including the construction of altars and tombs, which are foundational to Chinese cultural identity [15][17]. - The exhibition aims to enhance public understanding of Hongshan culture and its contributions to the broader narrative of Chinese civilization [18][21]. Group 3: Archaeological Findings - Recent archaeological discoveries, such as the large-scale sacrificial site at the Niuhou Liang site, indicate a complex social structure and belief system in the Hongshan culture [16][17]. - The exhibition features unique artifacts like the "double dragon head jade pendant" and the earliest known stone dragon sculpture, providing insights into the evolution of dragon imagery in Chinese culture [10][11][19]. - The ongoing research and discoveries related to Hongshan culture are expected to further illuminate its role in the development of early Chinese civilization [16][21].

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].