Core Insights - The Beijing Municipal Committee has officially released the proposal for the 15th Five-Year Plan, which includes the promotion of the Liulihe site for World Cultural Heritage status [1] - The archaeological discoveries at the Liulihe site have been recognized as significant, with the site being referred to as the "source of Beijing" and showcasing the earliest urban civilization in the region [2] Archaeological Discoveries - The Liulihe site has yielded numerous artifacts, including bronze vessels and jade items, with over a hundred cultural relics discovered during recent excavations [2] - Notable findings include a small noble tomb with an area of only 7 square meters, which contained bronze artifacts, indicating the site's historical significance [2] - The site has been recognized in various archaeological accolades, including being selected as one of the top ten archaeological discoveries in 2024 [4] Cultural Significance - The Liulihe site is crucial for understanding the early urban planning and social structures of the Western Zhou Dynasty, revealing a dual city wall structure that was previously unrecognized [6][7] - The excavation has also uncovered a small-scale commoner cemetery, allowing researchers to reconstruct family trees and social relationships among the inhabitants [7] Preservation and Future Plans - The preservation efforts for the Liulihe site are ongoing, with significant land reclamation completed to protect the core area of the site [9] - The site has been included in the list of national archaeological parks, and preparations for its nomination as a World Cultural Heritage site are underway [9]

Core Viewpoint - The "Taibao Yongyan - Liuli River Site Special Exhibition" at the Capital Museum has attracted a large number of visitors, showcasing significant archaeological findings from the Liuli River site, which is crucial for understanding the early capital of the Yan state during the Western Zhou period [1][4]. Group 1: Archaeological Background - The archaeological investigation of the Liuli River site began in 1962, with significant excavations occurring in the 1970s, leading to the discovery of national treasures such as the Boju Li and Jin Ding bronze vessels [1][4]. - The early work of archaeologists during a time of material scarcity is highlighted as particularly commendable, providing essential evidence for identifying the site as the earliest capital of the Yan state [1][4]. Group 2: Key Discoveries - The first archaeological survey in 1962 led to the discovery of 14 new sites and the re-examination of 4 previously known sites, marking a significant step in understanding the region's historical context [4][5]. - Notable artifacts include the Boju Li, which features intricate bull head designs and is considered a masterpiece of early Western Zhou bronze craftsmanship, and the Jin Ding, which provides insights into the political and cultural exchanges of the time [11][12][13]. Group 3: Excavation Details - The excavation efforts from 1973 to 1977, led by archaeologist Guo Ren, resulted in the unearthing of nearly 70 tombs and numerous artifacts, including bronze ritual vessels, which are indicative of the burial practices and social hierarchy of the Yan state [15]. - The findings from the yellow earth slope cemetery area suggest it served as the burial ground for the Yan royal family, further establishing the site's historical significance [15].

Core Viewpoint - The Liuli River site has been recognized as one of the top ten archaeological discoveries in China for 2024, showcasing significant findings from the Western Zhou period, including bronze artifacts that highlight the cultural and historical importance of the site [1]. Exhibition Highlights - The exhibition titled "Taibao Yong Yan - Special Exhibition of Liuli River Site" features 180 precious artifacts, including the largest and heaviest bronze ritual vessel, the Jin Ding, which weighs over 40 kilograms [1][4]. - The exhibition is the first public display of the artifacts since the site received the highest award in Chinese archaeology [1]. Artifacts and Their Significance - The Jin Ding and Boju Li are highlighted as national treasures, with inscriptions that narrate stories from over 3,000 years ago, reflecting the advanced material civilization of the Beijing area during the Western Zhou period [4][5]. - The Boju Li, adorned with seven bull heads, represents the pinnacle of Western Zhou bronze art in Beijing, with inscriptions detailing royal rewards and rituals [5][6]. Historical Context - The artifacts provide insights into the spiritual world of the Yan people, emphasizing their reverence for heaven and earth, and showcasing the cultural characteristics of the Yan state [6]. - The exhibition also features a group of bronze vessels known as "Zuo Ce Huan," which document significant historical events related to the construction of the capital city, providing evidence of Beijing's urban history over 3,000 years [9][10]. New Discoveries - A set of newly discovered bronze artifacts, including a unique combination of human face-shaped decorations, adds to the understanding of Yan culture and its artistic expressions [11]. - The exhibition includes a rare reunion of two bronze gui vessels, which were found to have been mixed up during burial, providing valuable evidence for the study of naming conventions in the Western Zhou period [14][15]. Cultural Representation - The exhibition utilizes modern technology, such as 3D projections and digital sand tables, to recreate the life in the Western Zhou Yan capital, enhancing the visitor experience [10]. - The artifacts collectively illustrate a vivid picture of ancient society, showcasing the craftsmanship and cultural practices of the Yan state [10].

Core Insights - The article highlights the 80th anniversary of the Liulihe site discovery and the ongoing archaeological efforts that have established Beijing's 3,000-year history of urban development [1][8][24] Archaeological Discoveries - The Liulihe site, located in Fangshan District, Beijing, was discovered in 1945 during a construction project, leading to significant archaeological findings [1][5] - Initial excavations in the 1970s revealed a large ancient city site and over 200 Western Zhou tombs, along with numerous bronze artifacts [5][7] - The site has yielded important artifacts, including the largest bronze vessel found in Beijing, weighing 41.5 kg and standing 62 cm tall [5][7] Historical Significance - The discoveries at Liulihe have redefined the understanding of Beijing's history, pushing back the timeline of urban settlement to approximately 3,035 years ago [8][11] - Artifacts with inscriptions have confirmed the existence of the Yan state and its early capital in the region, providing insights into the social structure and governance of the time [9][11] Museum and Public Engagement - The establishment of the Western Zhou Yan Capital Site Museum in 1995 has played a crucial role in preserving and showcasing the findings from the Liulihe site [12][13] - The museum has hosted significant exhibitions, attracting visitors and educational groups, thereby enhancing public awareness of the historical significance of the site [13][15] Ongoing Research and Future Plans - Continuous archaeological work at the Liulihe site has led to new discoveries, including bronze vessels and other artifacts, further supporting its status as the starting point of Beijing's urban history [24][22] - Plans for the construction of a large archaeological park are underway, aimed at preserving the site and enhancing its educational and recreational value [19][21][24]

Core Viewpoint - The exhibition "Tai Baoyong Yan - Special Exhibition of Fangshan Liuli River Site" marks the 80th anniversary of the discovery of the Liuli River site, showcasing significant archaeological findings and cultural heritage from the Western Zhou Dynasty [1][6]. Group 1: Exhibition Highlights - The exhibition features 180 artifacts, with 113 items being publicly displayed for the first time, making it the largest and highest-standard exhibition of the Liuli River site [1][2]. - A key highlight is the "Ding Tian Li Di" combination of national treasures, including the Jin Ding, the largest and heaviest bronze ritual vessel found in Beijing, standing 62 cm tall and weighing 41.5 kg, which bears inscriptions detailing historical events [2][3]. - The exhibition also includes the Bo Ju Li, a bronze vessel adorned with intricate bull motifs, showcasing advanced artistic design and casting techniques from the early Zhou period [2][3]. Group 2: Archaeological Significance - The artifacts, such as the "Zuo Ce Huan" bronze vessels, provide evidence of the earliest documentation of Beijing's city construction history, linking to the historical figure of Shao Gong and the establishment of the Yan state [2][3]. - Recent archaeological findings indicate that the Yan capital had a "double city wall structure," covering an area of up to one million square meters, comparable to the Zhouyuan site in Shaanxi, highlighting the importance of the Liuli River site in understanding the Western Zhou state and urban systems [3][6]. Group 3: Community Engagement and Cultural Value - The exhibition includes a public voting area for the design plan of the Liuli River National Archaeological Site Park, encouraging community involvement in the future planning of the site [4]. - A creative cultural product exhibition area has been established, featuring non-heritage crafts and designs from Fangshan District, allowing visitors to take home a piece of history [4][6]. - The Liuli River site is recognized as a significant historical witness to over 3,000 years of urban civilization in Beijing and is included in major archaeological discoveries, emphasizing its cultural and social value [6].

Core Points - The article discusses the "Taibao Yong Yan - Special Exhibition of the Liuli River Site," which celebrates the 80th anniversary of the discovery of the Liuli River archaeological site, recognized as the earliest urban relic in the Beijing area [2][3] - The exhibition features a total of 170 artifacts, with 39 significant items, including the first public display of 113 artifacts, highlighting the importance of the site in the history of urban development in Beijing [2][3] - The exhibition showcases three important ritual vessels known as the Zuocai Huan Ding, Zuocai Huan You, and Zuocai Huan Zhi, which bear the inscription "Taibao Yong Yan," filling a gap in the historical record of urban design during the Bronze Age [2][3] Artifact Highlights - The exhibition includes the Jin Ding and Boju Li, which are considered national treasures and represent the pinnacle of bronze culture development in the Beijing area [3] - The Jin Ding is noted for being the largest and heaviest bronze vessel discovered in Beijing, while the Boju Li is recognized for its unique design and craftsmanship [3] - The exhibition is organized into four thematic units: "Receiving Orders from the Northern Frontier," "Establishment of the Yan Capital," "Ding Tian Li Di," and "Inheritance and Continuity," utilizing modern technology to recreate the life scenes of the Western Zhou Yan state [3][4] Future Developments - The article mentions the ongoing planning for the Liuli River Archaeological Site Park, with three design proposals currently on display for public voting [4] - This initiative aims to create a public archaeological park along the Dashi River in Liuli River Town, enhancing the cultural and historical significance of the site [4]

Core Insights - The article highlights the significance of the Liulihe site in Beijing, recognized as the earliest urban relic in the region, dating back over 3,000 years, and its upcoming exhibition celebrating its 80th anniversary [1][2] Exhibition Details - The "Taibao Yong Yan" exhibition at the Capital Museum will showcase a total of 170 artifacts, including 39 important items, with 113 pieces being displayed for the first time [1] - The exhibition features three significant bronze vessels, which have been selected as part of the "Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries of 2024" [2] Historical Significance - The inscription "Taibao Yong Yan" on the bronze vessels fills a gap in the historical record of urban design during the Bronze Age, indicating the construction of a capital city by Taibao Shaogong in the Yan region [4][5] - The discovery of a "double city wall" structure at the Yan capital site provides crucial insights into the state formation and urban systems of the Western Zhou dynasty [5] Notable Artifacts - The exhibition includes the largest and heaviest bronze artifact found in Beijing, the Jin Ding, and the uniquely shaped Bo Ju Li, representing the pinnacle of bronze culture in the region [6] - The Jin Ding, weighing 41.5 kg and standing 62 cm tall, features a 26-character inscription detailing historical events related to food offerings and rewards [8] - The Bo Ju Li, known for its intricate design, stands 33 cm tall and showcases detailed bull motifs, highlighting the craftsmanship of the period [10] Community Engagement - The exhibition also features design proposals for the Liulihe Archaeological Park, allowing visitors to vote on their preferred designs, fostering community involvement in the planning process [14]

Core Viewpoint - The Liulihe site in Beijing is recognized as the largest known Western Zhou period site in the Yanshan southern foothills, showcasing significant archaeological findings that enhance the understanding of early urban civilization in Beijing, dating back over 3,000 years [5][14]. Archaeological Significance - The Liulihe site has undergone extensive archaeological excavations since its discovery in 1945, yielding numerous artifacts including exquisite bronze vessels, lacquered wooden items, jade, primitive porcelain, and pottery, with notable pieces like the Jin Ding and Bo Ju Li [5][6]. - The site has been confirmed as the capital of the Yan state during the Western Zhou period, with evidence supporting its historical significance in the context of early urban development in Beijing [9][14]. Excavation Developments - Recent excavations have revealed the existence of an outer city wall and moat, expanding the site’s area from less than 600,000 square meters to approximately 1,000,000 square meters, indicating a complex urban structure [6][10]. - The discovery of multiple layers of deposits within the moat allows researchers to trace the construction and abandonment phases of the outer city [6][10]. Multidisciplinary Approach - The archaeological work at Liulihe involves collaboration among various institutions, employing techniques such as carbon-14 dating, isotopic analysis, and organic residue analysis to gain insights into the site's historical context [10][11]. - The establishment of a geographic information system for the site has enabled the creation of a three-dimensional model, enhancing the understanding of the spatial distribution of archaeological features [11]. Educational and Cultural Impact - The Liulihe site serves as a platform for public archaeology, engaging local communities and international students in understanding the historical and cultural significance of the site [12][13]. - Plans for the construction of an archaeological park at the site aim to promote awareness and appreciation of Beijing's ancient history, making it a vital educational resource [13].

Group 1 - The Capital Museum, which opened on May 18, 2006, showcases the essence of Chinese civilization and has been narrating Beijing's long history for nearly 20 years [1] - The Beijing Grand Canal Museum (East Hall of the Capital Museum) will officially open to the public by the end of 2023, complementing the main museum and together telling the story of Beijing's "capital" and "city" [3] - The main event for International Museum Day in China will take place from May 17 to 19, 2025, at the Beijing Grand Canal Museum [4] Group 2 - The Jin Ding, unearthed in 1974 from the Liuli River site in Fangshan, Beijing, is the largest and heaviest bronze ritual vessel found in the region, reflecting the advanced metallurgy and casting techniques of the early Western Zhou period [7] - The Boju Li, featuring intricate designs and clear inscriptions, exemplifies the high level of bronze casting during the Western Zhou period, with its complex motifs being rare [9] - The jade Zhi, an ancient wine vessel, showcases the significance of jade culture in traditional Chinese society, with its design symbolizing status and auspiciousness [11] - The blue-and-white flat pot, made during the Yuan dynasty, represents a fusion of Central Plains and nomadic cultures, highlighting the importance of blue-and-white porcelain in Chinese ceramic history [13] - The two-part vase with a sky-blue glaze from the Yuan dynasty reflects the innovative spirit of the era, merging agricultural, nomadic, and fishing cultures, and symbolizes the cultural significance of Beijing [15]