Core Insights - The article highlights the significance of the Caoxieshan site in Suzhou, which is a crucial archaeological site representing the Neolithic culture in the Yangtze River Delta region [9][10][13] Summary by Sections Discovery and Historical Context - The Caoxieshan site was discovered in 1956 by Zhao Qingfang during a cultural relic survey organized by the Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Management Committee [2] - The site covers an area of approximately 10,000 square meters and features a cultural layer thickness of about 15.5 meters, with significant archaeological findings [2][3] Archaeological Excavations - The site has undergone eight major excavations since its discovery, with the first excavation occurring from September 1972 to July 1973, revealing three overlapping cultural layers [3][4] - Subsequent excavations from 1992 to 1995 uncovered ancient rice paddy remains, providing direct evidence of rice cultivation origins [3][4] Cultural Layers and Findings - The site consists of ten cultural layers representing four cultural types, including the Majiabang culture, Songze culture, Liangzhu culture, and Wu-Yue culture from the Spring and Autumn period [5][10] - As of the end of 2021, 239 Neolithic tombs and 115 rice paddy remains have been discovered, along with over 1,800 artifacts [5][10] Significance of the Site - The Caoxieshan site is recognized for its complete cultural sequence, which is rare among ancient sites, and serves as a benchmark for studying prehistoric cultures in the Taihu region [10][11] - It is noted for the discovery of the earliest known artificial irrigation system in ancient rice paddies, marking it as a significant site for the study of rice agriculture origins [11][12] - The site also yielded the earliest known textile artifacts made from wild kudzu, showcasing advanced weaving techniques [12][13] Cultural Impact - The findings at Caoxieshan have profound implications for understanding the aesthetic values, craftsmanship, and cultural evolution in the Jiangnan region, reflecting the enduring charm of Chinese civilization [13]