Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the significance of Anyang as a historical witness to Chinese civilization, particularly through the discovery and study of oracle bones, which represent the earliest form of Chinese writing and provide insights into the Shang Dynasty's culture and society [1][26]. Group 1: Historical Significance - Anyang, known as a "Seven Dynasties Ancient Capital," is often overshadowed by other historical cities like Luoyang and Kaifeng, yet it holds the key to understanding ancient Chinese civilization through oracle bones [2][3]. - The discovery of oracle bones in 1899 marked a pivotal moment in Chinese historical research, leading to the recognition of Anyang as the site of the ancient capital of the Shang Dynasty [4][6][7]. - Over the course of nine years, 24,918 pieces of inscribed oracle bones were excavated, revealing a wealth of information about the Shang Dynasty's rituals, warfare, and daily life [9][11]. Group 2: Cultural Legacy - The oracle bones contain approximately 4,300 distinct characters, with about 1,500 of them being decipherable, forming the foundation of the earliest Chinese writing system [11]. - The content of these inscriptions covers various aspects of life, including agriculture, astronomy, and medicine, illustrating the complexity of Shang society [11]. - The ongoing research and digitalization of oracle bones are revitalizing interest in this ancient script, demonstrating its relevance in contemporary culture [13][21]. Group 3: Modern Interactions - The daily life of Anyang's residents is intertwined with its archaeological heritage, as they live in close proximity to historical sites, fostering a unique urban atmosphere [19][20]. - Young entrepreneurs are creatively engaging with oracle script, transforming ancient symbols into modern products, such as emoji and merchandise, showcasing the enduring appeal of this ancient writing [23][26]. - Digital technology is revolutionizing the study of oracle bones, allowing for faster analysis while still requiring expert interpretation to understand the historical context [21].

Core Viewpoint - Anyang, a lesser-known city in Henan province, is home to the important archaeological site of oracle bones, which are crucial for understanding ancient Chinese civilization and history [2][3][8]. Group 1: Historical Significance - The discovery of oracle bones in 1899 by Wang Yirong marked a pivotal moment in Chinese historical research, leading to the identification of Anyang as the site of the ancient Shang dynasty capital [3][4]. - Subsequent excavations revealed a wealth of artifacts, including 24,918 pieces of inscribed oracle bones, which provide insights into the Shang dynasty's social, agricultural, and religious practices [3][5][8]. Group 2: Cultural Heritage - The oracle bones contain approximately 4,300 distinct characters, with around 1,500 of these being decipherable, forming the earliest known Chinese writing system [5][8]. - The artifacts document various aspects of Shang society, including rituals, warfare, and astronomy, showcasing the civilization's complexity and depth [5][6]. Group 3: Modern Relevance - Digital technology is transforming the study of oracle bones, allowing researchers to analyze and interpret these ancient texts more efficiently, while still requiring expert judgment for historical context [13][17]. - Contemporary cultural expressions, such as oracle bone-themed merchandise and social media symbols, demonstrate the ongoing relevance and vitality of this ancient writing system in modern society [12][14][17].

Core Points - The "Seeing the Yin Shang" exhibition opened at the Beijing Grand Canal Museum, showcasing 338 cultural relics from 28 national cultural institutions, including over 50 key artifacts from the Yin Shang period [1] - The discovery of the Yin Ruins has brought renewed attention to the historical significance of the Shang Dynasty, particularly through the lens of oracle bone inscriptions [2][4] - The exhibition highlights the importance of the character Fu Hao, the first recorded female hero in Chinese history, whose legacy was uncovered through oracle bone inscriptions [1][4] Group 1: Historical Context - The excavation of the Yin Ruins began in 1928, marking a significant milestone in Chinese archaeology as it provided physical evidence of the Shang Dynasty's existence [2] - The discovery of oracle bones in the late 19th century led to the realization of the historical significance of the Yin Ruins, which had been buried for over 3,000 years [1][2] - The initial findings at the Yin Ruins were driven by local legends and the mistaken belief that certain bones were medicinal "dragon bones," which later turned out to be oracle bones [4][5] Group 2: Key Figures and Contributions - Wang Yirong, a Qing Dynasty scholar, played a crucial role in identifying oracle bones as ancient artifacts, leading to the establishment of oracle bone studies as a new academic field [7][8] - The first excavation at the Yin Ruins was led by Dong Zuobin, who faced challenges due to local resistance and the prevalence of looting [23][29] - Li Ji, appointed as the head of the archaeological team in 1928, emphasized the need for scientific methods in archaeology, marking a shift from treasure hunting to systematic excavation [38][40] Group 3: Archaeological Developments - The first excavation yielded significant findings, including 555 pieces of oracle bones and various artifacts, but faced criticism for its lack of scientific rigor [35][37] - Subsequent excavations under Li Ji introduced a more structured approach, focusing on the context of artifacts and the importance of recording excavation details [39][40] - The establishment of the National Central Research Institute's excavation team in 1929 marked a formalization of archaeological practices in China, leading to the development of a new generation of archaeologists [50][51]