Group 1 - The article highlights the unexpected culinary delight of "Robu Grilled Fish" in a region that is the farthest from the sea on the Eurasian continent, which is typically arid [1] - It mentions that this area was once home to China's largest inland lake, which fostered the development of the Xiahe culture and the Loulan ancient kingdom, adding to its mysterious allure [1] - The text notes that despite several large-scale scientific expeditions, the region has become increasingly enigmatic, with a significant expedition in 2014 leading to five major new discoveries after a four-year stay [1]

Core Insights - The Shimao site in Shaanxi plays a significant role in the exploration of Chinese civilization, showcasing a variety of artifacts such as stone sculptures, jade artifacts, and bone needles, which highlight the richness of prehistoric culture [1][3][5] Archaeological Significance - The Shimao site, established around 2300 BC and abandoned by 1800 BC, is recognized as the largest known prehistoric city in China, featuring a 10-kilometer stone wall and divided into three parts: the royal city, inner city, and outer city [7] - The unique practice of embedding jade artifacts within the city walls is believed to be a form of protective ritual, reflecting the inhabitants' desire for stability and security [7][8] Cultural Artifacts - The site is renowned for its jade artifacts, including a recently discovered eagle-patterned jade axe, which provides valuable insights into the cultural beliefs of the Shimao people [8][10] - Various stone carvings, including human and animal figures, demonstrate the Shimao people's understanding of nature and their artistic skills, with some carvings resembling characters from oracle bone inscriptions [10][12] Ongoing Research and Mysteries - Despite the wealth of cultural relics, many questions remain regarding the origins, customs, and the reasons for the abandonment of the Shimao site, indicating that further archaeological research may yield new insights [14][15]

Core Insights - The Qujialing culture is recognized as the earliest officially named Neolithic archaeological culture in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, significantly altering the traditional view of the cultural center of the Yellow River basin and proving that both the Yangtze and Yellow River basins are origins of Chinese civilization [5][6][11] Archaeological Significance - The Qujialing site, discovered in 1954, has yielded rich cultural relics that provide insights into the development of prehistoric civilization in the Jianghan Plain, covering major stages of the late Neolithic period [6][9] - The site includes the earliest known water conservancy systems in China, with the Xiongjialing water system being the most complete prehistoric water management system discovered to date [11] Agricultural Developments - The Qujialing site has revealed the earliest evidence of rice cultivation in the middle Yangtze River region, with carbonized rice grains being the most abundant among the agricultural remains found [7][8] - The agricultural practices established during the Qujialing culture have persisted, with the Jianghan Plain remaining a significant rice production area in China today [7] Cultural Artifacts - The site is notable for its diverse pottery, including egg-shell thin pottery and black pottery, showcasing advanced ceramic techniques and aesthetic values of the time [8][9] - Artifacts such as carbonized grains and various pottery forms indicate a sophisticated understanding of agriculture and craftsmanship among the Qujialing people [7][8] Architectural Innovations - The discovery of a large architectural site (F38) with over 70 foundational stone bases (zhaizun) provides evidence of advanced construction techniques and suggests the existence of a significant public ceremonial building [9][10] - The architectural findings contribute to the understanding of ancient Chinese building practices and social organization during the Qujialing culture [10] Educational Outreach - The Qujialing National Archaeological Park has engaged in extensive educational activities, reaching over 500,000 students through various programs aimed at promoting awareness of the Qujialing culture [12]