Core Insights - The article highlights the 80th anniversary of the Liulihe site discovery and the ongoing archaeological efforts that have established Beijing's 3,000-year history of urban development [1][8][24] Archaeological Discoveries - The Liulihe site, located in Fangshan District, Beijing, was discovered in 1945 during a construction project, leading to significant archaeological findings [1][5] - Initial excavations in the 1970s revealed a large ancient city site and over 200 Western Zhou tombs, along with numerous bronze artifacts [5][7] - The site has yielded important artifacts, including the largest bronze vessel found in Beijing, weighing 41.5 kg and standing 62 cm tall [5][7] Historical Significance - The discoveries at Liulihe have redefined the understanding of Beijing's history, pushing back the timeline of urban settlement to approximately 3,035 years ago [8][11] - Artifacts with inscriptions have confirmed the existence of the Yan state and its early capital in the region, providing insights into the social structure and governance of the time [9][11] Museum and Public Engagement - The establishment of the Western Zhou Yan Capital Site Museum in 1995 has played a crucial role in preserving and showcasing the findings from the Liulihe site [12][13] - The museum has hosted significant exhibitions, attracting visitors and educational groups, thereby enhancing public awareness of the historical significance of the site [13][15] Ongoing Research and Future Plans - Continuous archaeological work at the Liulihe site has led to new discoveries, including bronze vessels and other artifacts, further supporting its status as the starting point of Beijing's urban history [24][22] - Plans for the construction of a large archaeological park are underway, aimed at preserving the site and enhancing its educational and recreational value [19][21][24]

Core Insights - The article discusses the archaeological significance of the Liulihe site in Beijing, which has been pivotal in establishing the city's history dating back over 3,000 years [10][14][20]. Archaeological Discoveries - The Liulihe site was discovered in 1945, leading to significant findings including a large number of bronze artifacts and ancient tombs, which provide insights into the early capital of the Yan state [13][14]. - Major excavations began in the 1970s, revealing a city layout of approximately 3.5 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide, along with over 200 tombs from the Western Zhou period [11][13]. Historical Context - The findings at Liulihe have challenged previous beliefs about Beijing's founding, suggesting that the city has a history of over 3,000 years, with the earliest evidence linked to the Yan state during the Western Zhou dynasty [14][15]. - Artifacts such as the Jin Ding and other bronze vessels with inscriptions have confirmed the historical significance of the site, linking it to the early governance and social structure of the Yan state [14][20]. Museum and Public Engagement - The Western Zhou Yan Capital Site Museum was established in 1995 to showcase the findings and educate the public about the ancient Yan culture, featuring over 1,000 artifacts [18]. - The museum has hosted various exhibitions and educational programs, attracting significant public interest and participation from schools [18][20]. Ongoing Research and Future Plans - Continuous archaeological work at the Liulihe site has led to new discoveries, including the establishment of a comprehensive archaeological information system and plans for a national archaeological park [20][21]. - The site has been recognized as one of the top archaeological discoveries in China, indicating its importance in understanding the origins of Beijing [20].

Core Viewpoint - The "Taibao Yongyan - Liuli River Site Special Exhibition" at the Capital Museum showcases 180 precious cultural relics, marking the most comprehensive and highest standard exhibition of archaeological findings from the Liuli River site in 80 years, and is the first exhibition of the "2024 Annual Top Ten New Archaeological Discoveries in China" [1][3]. Summary by Sections Exhibition Overview - The exhibition runs from August 28 to November 28, featuring 180 artifacts that illustrate the historical significance of the Liuli River site, which is considered the "source of Beijing city" [1]. - It is the first exhibition in the "Beijing Historical and Cultural Exhibition" series at the Capital Museum [1]. Artifacts and Their Significance - Among the 180 artifacts, 39 are categorized as important relics, representing one of the highest proportions in recent years, with 113 items being publicly exhibited for the first time [3]. - The exhibition includes significant items such as the Jin Ding, the largest and heaviest bronze ritual vessel found in Beijing, and the Niutouwen Daigebuju, recognized as one of China's most beautiful bronze artifacts [4][3]. Thematic Structure - The exhibition is divided into four sections: "Receiving Orders from the Northern Frontier," "Establishment of Yandu," "Ding Tian Li Di," and "Inheritance and Continuity," focusing on archaeological achievements and cultural heritage protection from the Liuli River site [3]. - It aims to reveal the mysterious past of the Liuli River site through a historical and archaeological narrative that integrates text, capital, and artifacts [3]. Notable Discoveries - The exhibition features three bronze vessels inscribed with "Taibao Yongyan," which provide undeniable textual evidence of Beijing's city-building history, pushing the timeline back over 3,000 years [9][11]. - The "one mistake for three thousand years" artifacts, the Boyu Gui and the Yu Gui, are also displayed, showcasing their historical significance and the confusion in their burial context [9][11]. Interactive and Educational Features - The exhibition incorporates multimedia interactions, allowing visitors to engage with the artifacts and the historical context of the Liuli River site [12]. - A creative space features 116 unique cultural products inspired by the Liuli River site, enhancing visitor experience and connection to the historical elements [12]. Community Engagement and Future Plans - The exhibition includes a message book for visitors to share their thoughts, fostering community involvement in the narrative of the Liuli River site [14][15]. - Future plans for the Liuli River Archaeological Park are underway, with design proposals being collected from the public to shape the site's development [15].

Core Insights - The Liulihe site is the largest known Western Zhou period site in the Yanshan southern foothills, with extensive archaeological findings that include exquisite bronze, lacquered wood, jade, primitive porcelain, and pottery artifacts [6][15] - The site has been recognized for its significant contributions to understanding the early history of Beijing, pushing the city's founding history back over 3,000 years [15] Archaeological Discoveries - The excavation revealed the existence of an outer city wall and moat, expanding the site from less than 600,000 square meters to approximately 1,000,000 square meters [7] - The outer moat contains 12 to 16 layers of deposits, allowing researchers to trace the construction and abandonment of the outer city [7][11] Historical Significance - The Liulihe site has undergone extensive excavations since its discovery in 1945, making it one of the most significant archaeological sites in Beijing, second only to the Zhoukoudian site [8] - The site has been confirmed as the capital of the Yan state during the Western Zhou period, with findings such as the Jin Ding and Bo Ju Li, which are considered treasures of the capital museum [9][10] Multidisciplinary Collaboration - Recent excavations involved collaboration among various institutions, employing techniques such as carbon-14 dating, isotopic analysis, and organic residue analysis to enhance understanding of the site [11][12] - The establishment of an archaeological geographic information system has allowed for the creation of a three-dimensional model of the site, improving the documentation of archaeological findings [12] Future Developments - Plans are underway to create an archaeological park at the Liulihe site, which will serve as a significant venue for public engagement with history and culture [14] - Ongoing research aims to decode the cultural significance of the Yan state and its contributions to the development of Beijing as a major city [13][15]

Core Viewpoint - The Liulihe site in Beijing is recognized as the largest known Western Zhou period site in the Yanshan southern foothills, showcasing significant archaeological findings that enhance the understanding of early urban civilization in Beijing, dating back over 3,000 years [5][14]. Archaeological Significance - The Liulihe site has undergone extensive archaeological excavations since its discovery in 1945, yielding numerous artifacts including exquisite bronze vessels, lacquered wooden items, jade, primitive porcelain, and pottery, with notable pieces like the Jin Ding and Bo Ju Li [5][6]. - The site has been confirmed as the capital of the Yan state during the Western Zhou period, with evidence supporting its historical significance in the context of early urban development in Beijing [9][14]. Excavation Developments - Recent excavations have revealed the existence of an outer city wall and moat, expanding the site’s area from less than 600,000 square meters to approximately 1,000,000 square meters, indicating a complex urban structure [6][10]. - The discovery of multiple layers of deposits within the moat allows researchers to trace the construction and abandonment phases of the outer city [6][10]. Multidisciplinary Approach - The archaeological work at Liulihe involves collaboration among various institutions, employing techniques such as carbon-14 dating, isotopic analysis, and organic residue analysis to gain insights into the site's historical context [10][11]. - The establishment of a geographic information system for the site has enabled the creation of a three-dimensional model, enhancing the understanding of the spatial distribution of archaeological features [11]. Educational and Cultural Impact - The Liulihe site serves as a platform for public archaeology, engaging local communities and international students in understanding the historical and cultural significance of the site [12][13]. - Plans for the construction of an archaeological park at the site aim to promote awareness and appreciation of Beijing's ancient history, making it a vital educational resource [13].

Core Viewpoint - The Liuli River site in Beijing's Fangshan District is the largest known Western Zhou period site in the Yanshan southern foothills, recognized for its extensive archaeological significance and rich cultural artifacts, including bronze, lacquer, jade, and pottery items. It has been selected as one of the top ten archaeological discoveries in China for 2024 [1][10]. Archaeological Discoveries - The site has undergone extensive excavations since its discovery in 1945, revealing a wealth of artifacts, including the renowned Jin Ding and Bo Ju Li from the Capital Museum [1]. - Recent excavations have confirmed the existence of an outer city wall and moat, expanding the site from less than 600,000 square meters to approximately 1,000,000 square meters, with 12-16 layers of deposits indicating the city's construction and abandonment timeline [2][5]. Historical Significance - The Liuli River site is pivotal in understanding Beijing's 3,000-year history of urban development, marking it as the earliest known urban civilization in the region [10]. - The discovery of inscriptions on bronze vessels has confirmed the site as the capital of the Yan state during the Western Zhou period, further solidifying its historical importance [4]. Multidisciplinary Collaboration - The recent archaeological efforts have involved collaboration among various institutions, employing advanced techniques such as carbon-14 dating, isotopic analysis, and organic residue analysis to enhance understanding of the site's historical context [5][6]. - The establishment of an archaeological geographic information system has allowed for detailed mapping and modeling of the site, showcasing the complexity of urban planning during the Western Zhou period [6]. Educational Initiatives - The Liuli River site has become a focal point for educational activities, including international field schools that engage students from various countries in archaeological practices, promoting cross-cultural understanding of archaeological methodologies [8]. - Public engagement initiatives have allowed families to experience archaeology firsthand, fostering a deeper appreciation for the site's historical and cultural significance [7]. Future Developments - Plans are underway to create an archaeological park at the Liuli River site, aimed at showcasing China's archaeological heritage and providing a space for public interaction with history [9].