Core Insights - The article discusses the discovery and significance of the Kua Lake Bridge site, which dates back 8,000 to 7,000 years, marking it as one of the earliest prehistoric cultural sites in Zhejiang Province [1][6]. Discovery Process - The Kua Lake Bridge site was first identified in May 1990 when a student found prehistoric artifacts in the Xianghu area, leading to an official investigation by local authorities [2]. - Initial excavations in late 1990 revealed a cultural accumulation layer approximately 30 meters long, with over 130 artifacts, but the cultural nature and dating were initially uncertain [3][4]. Archaeological Findings - Carbon-14 dating confirmed the site's age as 8,000 to 7,000 years, making it older than the Hemudu site by 1,000 years [4][6]. - Subsequent excavations uncovered a variety of artifacts, including pottery, stone tools, and evidence of early rice cultivation, suggesting a significant advancement in agricultural practices [5][11]. Cultural Significance - The Kua Lake Bridge site is characterized by unique cultural features that distinguish it from other known prehistoric cultures in Zhejiang, leading to the proposal of a new archaeological culture type [10][15]. - The discovery of a wooden boat, considered the earliest in China, highlights the site's importance in understanding ancient transportation and craftsmanship [16]. Expansion of Cultural Understanding - Further excavations revealed additional sites with similar artifacts, confirming the existence of the Kua Lake Bridge culture and expanding its geographical distribution beyond the initial area [12][13]. - The Kua Lake Bridge culture represents a third cultural lineage in Zhejiang's prehistoric archaeology, alongside the Hemudu and Majiabang cultures, indicating a more complex cultural landscape [15]. Technological Innovations - The Kua Lake Bridge culture is noted for several "firsts," including the earliest lacquer bows and advanced pottery techniques, which contribute to the understanding of technological development in ancient China [17].