Core Insights - The article highlights the significance of the Chengtoushan site in Hunan as the oldest known city in China, dating back approximately 4,800 years, marking a pivotal point in the development of early civilization in the Yangtze River basin [1][4]. Summary by Sections Historical Context - The Chengtoushan site, located in the northwest of Dongting Lake, was discovered in the 1970s and officially excavated starting in 1991, revealing its construction during the Qujialing culture period [1]. - The site has been recognized multiple times for its archaeological importance, including being named one of the top ten archaeological discoveries in China in 1992 and again in 1997 [2]. Archaeological Findings - Excavations have uncovered evidence of early rice cultivation, with rice paddies dating back around 6,500 years, indicating the complexity of prehistoric agricultural societies in the middle Yangtze River region [2]. - The city underwent four construction phases, with the earliest dating back to 6,300-6,100 years ago, featuring a city wall and a planned layout that included residential areas, pottery workshops, and burial sites [3]. Urban Development - The emergence of the city transformed the original settlement structure, with rice fields being abandoned in favor of city walls and defensive structures [3]. - The final urban layout included a significant area of 150,000 square meters, with a well-planned distribution of residential, burial, and industrial zones, indicating a sophisticated social organization [3]. Economic and Cultural Significance - Chengtoushan served as a regional center with a dense population, advanced pottery industry, and effective social management, reflecting its role as a hub for resource distribution and information exchange [4]. - Artifacts found at the site suggest long-distance trade connections, highlighting the complexity of social interactions and economic activities in prehistoric China [4].