Core Insights - The article discusses the archaeological findings in the Xiliao River basin, highlighting its significance as one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization, with evidence of human history dating back over a million years and cultural history spanning 10,000 years [1] Group 1: Archaeological Findings - The Xiliao River, as a source of the Liao River, has geographical features that facilitated early civilization development, with rich prehistoric sites and artifacts proving its importance in the formation of Chinese civilization [1] - The Xiliao River basin saw the emergence of dragon imagery and sophisticated jade artifacts around 8,000 years ago, indicating the onset of civilization [1] - The Neolithic cultural sequence in the Xiliao River region includes several cultures such as Xiahexi, Xinglongwa, Zhaobaogou, Fuhe, Hongshan, and Xiaheyan, with the Xinglongwa culture being particularly dominant due to its agricultural practices and jade customs [1] Group 2: Hongshan Culture - The Hongshan culture, particularly the Dongshanzui and Niuheliang sites, has sparked significant research interest since the 1980s, leading to discussions about the origins of Chinese civilization [2] - The "Goddess Temple" at the Niuheliang site features artistic clay sculptures of female figures and is characterized by its ceremonial architecture, indicating a complex societal structure [2] - Burial practices in the Hongshan culture, such as the construction of stone mounds, reflect a hierarchical relationship among the deceased, with central and peripheral graves [2] Group 3: Cultural Artifacts - Jade artifacts are the primary burial items in the Hongshan culture, showcasing strict burial regulations and the significance of jade in funerary practices [3] - The late Hongshan culture (5,300 to 5,000 years ago) marked the emergence of the "Hongshan Ancient State," where interactions with the Yangshao culture led to the development of unique pottery designs combining dragon and floral motifs [3] Group 4: Bronze Age Discoveries - The discoveries from the Bronze Age in the Xiliao River region include the Lower and Upper Xiujiaodian cultures, with the Lower culture dating from 2000 to 1500 BC and showing evidence of city-state formations [4] - The Upper Xiujiaodian culture, dating from the Western Zhou to the Spring and Autumn period, indicates close interactions with the central plains states of Yan and Qi, with artifacts reflecting strong influences from central Chinese ceremonial practices [4] - The latest findings from the Chinese civilization exploration project define the period from 5,800 to 5,200 years ago as the beginning of Chinese civilization, with the Niuheliang site being a representative cultural site of this phase [4]