Core Viewpoint - The interview with Professor Xu Feng highlights the significance of Liangzhu culture in understanding early state formation and its relationship with surrounding cultures, emphasizing the role of jade artifacts and ritual practices in establishing social hierarchies and religious beliefs [2][10][12]. Group 1: Liangzhu Culture and Early State Formation - Liangzhu culture is recognized as an early regional state form, supported by archaeological findings that indicate social stratification and a unified belief system during the late Neolithic period [10][12]. - The successful inclusion of the Liangzhu Ancient City site in the World Heritage List in 2019 has brought significant attention to its role in the origins of Chinese civilization [10][12]. - The concept of early states is complex, with various definitions and theories, but Liangzhu culture exemplifies a unique case of early state development characterized by agricultural economy and social differentiation [10][12][11]. Group 2: Jade Artifacts and Ritual Practices - Jade artifacts in Liangzhu culture are not merely decorative but are deeply embedded in the social and spiritual lives of its people, symbolizing status, identity, and religious significance [6][8]. - The aesthetic appreciation of jade reflects the advanced artistic capabilities of the Liangzhu people, indicating a sophisticated understanding of beauty and spirituality [6][8]. - Ritual practices involving jade, such as large-scale sacrificial ceremonies, suggest a complex social structure where religious and political powers were intertwined [17][32]. Group 3: Water Management and Political Power - The discovery of advanced water management systems in Liangzhu culture suggests a strong connection between agricultural practices and the emergence of political authority, aligning with theories of "hydraulic societies" [17][18]. - The political structure of Liangzhu is characterized as a composite of both royal and religious authority, indicating a unique governance model that integrated water management with social organization [17][18]. - The archaeological evidence of large-scale public works and social mobilization reflects the presence of a centralized authority capable of organizing labor for significant construction projects [14][19]. Group 4: Economic and Trade Dynamics - The Liangzhu region's geographical advantages facilitated trade and economic development, with waterways enhancing transportation and resource distribution [30][31]. - The emergence of a commodity economy during the Liangzhu period indicates a shift towards more complex social interactions and economic exchanges, contributing to social stratification [30][31]. - The relationship between agriculture, trade, and social complexity in Liangzhu culture underscores the importance of economic factors in the development of early states [30][31]. Group 5: Cultural Interactions and Influence - Liangzhu culture had a significant impact on surrounding regions, demonstrating a "siphoning effect" where resources and cultural practices were drawn towards the Liangzhu core [25][28]. - The interaction between Liangzhu and neighboring cultures reflects a dynamic exchange of ideas, materials, and technologies, contributing to the broader narrative of early Chinese civilization [25][28]. - The multi-centered nature of Liangzhu culture suggests a complex network of interactions among various settlements, each contributing to the overall cultural landscape of the region [24][25].